Job Abstract

Radiation Oncology is hiring an Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA) to provide care to adult patients as well as pediatric patients. The APP will support clinics at the Proton Therapy Center and the Main Campus in the Texas Medical Center.

This dual service (Head & Neck/CNS-Pedi) radiation oncology APP will provide care to adult patients with head and neck tumors as well as CNS and pediatric tumor patients.

The ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience as an APP in an inpatient setting or a minimum of two years clinical experience in an outpatient setting and will be able to evaluate and treat both adult and pediatric patients. Oncology experience is preferred but not required.

Must have the ability to demonstrate high emotional intelligence, adaptability, possess clear written and verbal communication skills and be a team player.

Shift: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

I. ASSESSMENT

1. Conduct comprehensive initial and ongoing physical examinations based on age and diagnosis, including psychological status.

2. Identify normal/abnormal health characteristics.

3. Handle physician calls related to patient care for the assigned service.

4. Perform clinical assessment and management for patients with no scheduled appointments.

5. Make appropriate referrals.

6. In cases of emergency, do everything possible within the scope of the license and certification to save a patient’s life or to save a patient from serious harm.

7. Perform clinical assessment and management of radiation-related side effects.

8. Formulate working/differential diagnoses and stage work-up specific to service.

II. PLANNING

1. Develop and manage radiation clinical treatment plans, monitor outcomes, and initiate appropriate care.

2. Use appropriate judgment to work autonomously and collaborate with the healthcare team to manage patient care throughout the continuum in a variety of settings

III. IMPLEMENTATION

1. Order consultations for ancillary services.

2. Order diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures in accordance with institution and State of Texas requirements.

3. Dictate specific notes as directed by supervising physician (e.g. consultation notes, follow-up notes, radiation treatment summaries and Quality Assurance notes).

4. Maintain institutional and divisional compliance with radiation safety precautions.

5. Perform duties as assigned.

6. Order interventions related to mobility, nutrition, and elimination.

7. Initiate clinical radiation treatment plan and continuously monitor, evaluate effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and accept accountability for healthcare outcomes.

8. Perform delegated functions under the supervision of the physician, including participating in designated activities such as radiation treatment simulation, target volume contouring, managing complex pain syndromes, special procedures (stereotactic body radiation therapy and brachytherapy), and monitoring cancer survivorship.

9. Treat variety of human responses throughout the health care spectrum according to institutional and departmental practice guidelines, protocols and/or standing orders.

IV. EVALUATION

1. Promote quality health care through integration of current research into practice.

2. Review radiographs and results dictated by radiologist.

V. DOCUMENTATION

1. Sign or complete a hospital medication order as provided by MD Anderson Policy VII.A.1.032. and the Texas Occupation Code, Chapter 156.

2. Sign or complete a prescription as provided by MD Anderson Policy VII.A.1.032 and the Texas Occupation Code, Chapter 156.

3. Record findings in the medical record.

4. Dictate notes (as specified by assigned physician) as per departmental

guidelines and time frames.

5. Enter radiation prescriptions in Brocade system.

VI. COMMUNICATION

1. Use interpersonal, nonverbal and verbal communication skills to effectively manage patient related situations and outcomes.

2. Serve as clinical resource, utilizing knowledge and critical thinking skills to act as interdisciplinary consultant and client advocate.

VII. EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Maintain current knowledge of Radiation Oncology division’s clinical research practices and protocols via ongoing meetings with APP Supervisor, administrative director, APP faculty director, and physicians.

2. Attend various institutional and division committee/council meetings based on specified amount of meetings required to attend annually by division.

3. Provide care, education and counseling services to patients, families and groups to meet their needs, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention as well as the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic disease.

4. Function as preceptor for APP orientees on the assigned service. This includes but is not limited to actively participating in the orientation process via one-on-one in-servicing regarding clinic operations (outpatient and inpatient consultations, weekly sees, follow-ups), documentation, prescriptive authority, dosimetry and treatment equipment, to name a few.