Delivers high quality nursing care and safe administration of chemotherapy medications provided to oncology patients in the community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) fundamental knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical skills. This role requires travel 2-3 days per week as well as transporting chemotherapy medications to various CBOCs outside of Bay Pines VA area, also Telework 2-3 days a week RN care coordination.

Duties

Chemotherapy Infusion Clinic (Chemo Clinic) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for the coordination and scheduling of patients referred to the chemotherapy Infusion clinic(s). The Chemo Clinic RN provides direct and indirect nursing care to patients and families in the Close to Me oncology CBOCs, Infusion clinics, and/or the designated inpatient ward, and successfully performs activities appropriate to their grade as outlined in the Nurse Qualification Standards. The RN is responsible for dispositioning interfacility consults to the Chemotherapy clinic in accordance with established policies and standards of care. The RN coordinates with referring providers to ensure all necessary pre-requisites have been completed and appropriate orders have been place. The demonstrate competency in the administration of chemotherapy, biologic, and immunotherapeutic agents, blood and blood products, as well as other non oncology infusions and injections used in the treatment of chronic medical and hematologic oncologic disorders. The RN provides a safe working environment while administering, handling, and disposing of antineoplastic drugs and medical waste. They follow established safety and infection control standards while adhering to local policies and procedures. The RN maintains a current Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy and Biotherapy provider card. The RN assess a patient's physical and emotional status as well as the patient's and family's knowledge of the disease and its management through the continuum of treatment. The RN triages the patient problems and assists in the evaluation of symptoms and initiates interventions in collaboration with Oncology or referring medical providers. The RN verifies and coordinates future treatment appointments in collaboration with the ordering provider and the patient. The RN understands current and changing needs in health care and advances in medical treatments. The Chemo Clinic RN participates in research activities and/or identifies research studies as applicable to clinical practice. Duties and Responsibilities for the Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse include, But are not limited to: Complete VA approved chemotherapy administration education and all required oncology-related competency training. Competency in the administration of chemotherapy, biologic, and immunotherapeutic agents, blood and blood products, as well as other non-oncology infusions and injections used in the treatment of chronic medical and hematologic oncologic disorders. Participates in weekly CTM collab meetings with pharmacy, nursing, oncology etc. Coordinates in person follow up visits as needed. Verifies labs and provider appointments are completed. Verifies orders were entered for treatment with the pharmacy. The RN completes 24-48-hour pre-clearance calls to the Veteran prior to treatment. Morning of Infusion collects travel bag with drug from pharmacy, performs double check of treatment with pharmacist, prints patient's wristband. Will load vehicle and drive to the CBOC location. The RN will provide patient safety, patient assessment, initiation and monitoring of prescribed medication and treatment, safe handling, storage and security of medications, and clinical documentation when infusing the patient. Recognizes medical complications or altered response to treatment and notifies MD. Recognizes when emergency measures are necessary and institutes life saving measures until medical assistance is secured. At the end of the day, the RN will return the travel supply bag and vehicle to VA medical center and clock out. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Compressed/Flexible: This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. Telework: Not Available Travel: Up to 75% may be required. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Available for well-qualified applicants

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12445642. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Preferred Experience: - ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Provider Card - Preferred- Valid Driver's License - Preferred - 75% of Travel - Required - 2 to 5 years Chemotherapy Experience - Preferred Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: This role involves potentially prolonged periods of walking, standing, and sitting. The individual in this position may come into contact with infected patients and contaminated materials, necessitating the use of protective clothing. Additionally, there may be occasional exposure to combative patients due to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Therefore, the incumbent must be a mature, adaptable, and pragmatic individual capable of effectively managing stressful situations and adjusting priorities based on patient needs. Furthermore, nurses in this role are required to wear a protective lead apron, which is essential for minimizing the risk of radiation exposure in medical imaging and radiation-based treatment areas. The ability to wear the lead apron for extended periods is a crucial safety measure in this environment.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.*Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Contacts

• Address CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard Bay Pines, FL 33744 US
• Name: Olga Correa-Seda
• Phone: 727-317-8941
• Email: [email protected]