RN Radiation Oncology

The Registered Nurse works under the general supervision of the Radiation Oncology Clinical Supervisor. The radiation nurse assists the physician with patient consultations, follow-up exams, and coordinates all departments and persons in the HDR process. The radiation nurse interviews each patient at which time a nursing assessment is completed and education provided which is site specific. The radiation nurse coordinates with all interdisciplinary services for the patient.

• Check to make sure all records, lab, radiology reports and films, slides if ordered by MD, are present for MD at time of consult. b. If treated in radiation at another facility, get summary radiation reports, and films. c. While MD reviewing records, get patient vital signs and show radiation educational video (12 min.). d. If to have radiation, assist front office in getting necessary pre-treat exams and schedule for simulation. e. If Head and Neck case, schedule for dental prophylaxis for making of fluoride stents which need to be brought in at time of simulation. f. If transportation difficulties, assist patient by giving list of transportation companies or engage Navigator.
• Advanced cancer treatment options, including interventional, radiation and surgical oncology, and chemotherapy
• Follow-Up Clinics: a. Ensure all needed lab, x-ray, special reports and films are available. b. Obtain vital signs before seen by MD. c. Assess radiation skin site for healing; assess site specific potential problems. Give nursing instructions where appropriate: vaginal dilator use, self-breast exam, skin care, exercises for breast patients if limited ROM> d. Referral to multidisciplinary services as ordered by the MD; hospital and/or community (i.e. Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Home Health Care, Hospice). e. Order all scans, x-rays, labels that MD orders and have copies go to primary care MD, specialist MDs. f. Educate patient regarding support programs. g. Make sure patient understands when next appointment with radiation MD. Send to Front Desk for scheduling.
• High Dose Radiation Implants: a. Schedule surgical implants and coordinates with all departments/physicians: OR, Ultrasound, consulting MD (i.e., urologist), admitting. b. Schedule for history and physical, at time of H&P, teach about procedure and follow-up care, send to the following: lab, EKG, chest x-ray and to Admitting with admitting orders/MD. c. Follow-up on discharge instructions and return appointment. d. At time of follow-up, teach about possible short term and long term complications.
• Special Equipment: a. Order special equipment as needed (i.e., Gyn, H&N) b. Take special equipment to surgery or Central Service for sterilization.
• Prostate Seed Implant: a. Schedule in ASC; Coordinate MD's, Physicists and Therapists b. Pre and Post OP teaching c. Schedule all lab and exams pre and post OP d. Follow-up with telephone calls to home for two days.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.