Summary:

Responsible for the performance of complex tasks on a routine basis which would otherwise be performed by a physician. Provides quality direct/indirect patient care clinically, administratively, and/or academically.

Scope of Functions:

To provide direct medical services to radiation oncology patients within the education, training and experience of the Advance Nurse Practitioner that are delegated b the supervising physician and in accordance with the policies established by the Executive committees of the Medical Staff, the Associate Vice President for Operations and Nursing Practice and Head of the Division of Nursing, and with the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners and existing state laws.

Essential Functions:

As outlined in the Advance Practice Nurse job description plus the following activities:

Note: These duties will involve waling to and from various Care Centers, inpatient units, and various departments as well as lifting medical records and x-ray film jackets weighing up to 10 pounds.


A. Outpatient Activities:

Act as the primary Advanced Practice Nurse for the radiation Oncology in Houston, Tx
Conducts comprehensive patient history and physical examinations, develops treatment plans, initiates appropriate care, and continuously evaluates care outcomes
Dictates all care rendered into the medical record and the electronic radiotherapy chart. The supervising physician must countersign notes.
Assesses patients for protocol eligibility
Coordinates patients appointments with physician availability
Performs advanced patient care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Assists with coordination of patient activities during the simulation procedures
Coordinates complex admissions as needed by patient
Assists with the management of emergency patient treatments
Coordinates the scheduling of special procedures with the appropriate departments, i.e. diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Pediatrics, Pain and Symptom management etc.
Collects diagnostic data and discusses it with the attending physician

B. Inpatient Activities:

Conducts inpatient consults to evaluate patients for as needed by the attending physician
Manages daily patient problems as they arise and document actions implemented in their solution.  Dictates all clinical notes necessary to document patient care rendered

C. Other Activities

Collaborates with the research team on the implementation of clinical protocols
Serves as a resource to the clinic and research nurses
May deliver local, state and national presentations
Periodic duties as requested by the supervising physician and allowed by the state and federal laws.

The Nurse Practitioner shall have Prescriptive Privileges as per Institutional Protocol.

The supervising physician (s) shall not allow the Nurse Practitioner to:
Sign prescriptions on behalf of the supervising physician, or have prescription blanks available that have been pre-signed and/or stamped by the physician, Section II (Q) Article 4476-14 of Vernon's Annotated Statutes. Independently delegate a task that has been assigned to him/her by the supervising physician.
This position is for Adult Practice only

Continuing Education:

Takes advantage of continuing education opportunities
Secures advanced practice nurse re-licensure by achieving the required number of CEU hours as stipulated by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas
Attends CEU courses related to Oncology and Radiation Oncology as time and funds allow.
Attends departmental conferences as scheduled.

Clinical Research:

Collaborates with the medical staff, research nurses, and other health professionals to complete research initiatives.
Occasionally performs chart and film reviews to provide information to the research nurse for input into research documentation.

Working Conditions:
Work hours can be longer and without a break for eating or resting depending upon patient needs. Most work is performed standing.
May involve lifting, moving, or shifting of objects or patients weighing in excess of 200 pounds.
May be required to collect patient's charts from medical records by lifting and placing in a cart to be returned to the clinic.
May be required to dictate letters to referring physicians by keying medical records dictation number and codes onto telephone/computer keyboard and speaking into a hand held telephone receiver or voice activated computer system.

EDUCATION:
Required: Master's Degree in Nursing. May be waived for applicants who obtained recognition as an-Advanced Practice Nurse from the Texas State Board of Nursing prior to 1/1/2003. Graduate education and related Board of Nurse Examiner (BNE) authorization must be consistent with clinical practice area and/or patient population.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Three (3) years clinical nursing.


LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
Required: All of the following: ' Written authorization from the State of Texas BNE to function as an Advanced Practice Nurse. '

MAY BE REQUIRED: Authorization for limited prescriptive authority by the State of Texas BNE.

Failure to obtain APN recognition in accordance with guidelines from the State of Texas BNE , OR to obtain limited prescriptive authority (if required), will result in termination of employment.

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