Job Abstract

MISSION STATEMENT


The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.


SUMMARY


The primary purpose of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Physician Assistant is to provide direct diagnostic and therapeutic patient care. The APRN impacts quality of patient care and patient outcomes throughout the care continuum.

SHIFT/HOURS: You will work four 10-hour shifts / rotating weekends

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES


Pediatric Oncology Knowledge The APP/PA will be knowledgeable regarding the principles of Pediatrics, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology & Hematology, including; chemotherapy, radiation, supportive and palliative care and the philosophy of Patient/Family-Centered Care, as well as the utilization of evidence-based practice.




Clinical Practice Provides assessment, triage and therapeutic management of patient and family needs throughout the disease process as an integral part of an interdisciplinary team. In collaboration with physicians and other team members, provides direct patient care;

o Review and familiarize self with patient’s history and treatment protocol
o Conduct and record comprehensive health assessments
o Perform and record comprehensive physical exam
o Develop and initiate appropriate care and treatment plans
o Follow protocols and clinical pathways appropriate to service
o Continuously evaluate care outcomes
o Order, review and follow up on laboratory and diagnostic imaging studies, procedures and refers and consults appropriate to the services within scope of practice
o Write appropriate orders as needed
o Document appropriate clinical progress notes, according to standard, in timely fashion

o Place orders and consults
o Coordinate care with other services and primary healthcare provider, as needed
o Calculate chemotherapy dosages; create or co-sign chemotherapy orders
o Report findings and changes of status to physicians as indicated
o Coordinates and monitors patients status while in the Pediatric Ambulatory Treatment Center (PATC)
o Assist in the triaging of calls from patients, families and PCP offices
o Dictate or transcribe notes in electronic medical record
o Facilitates coordination of clinic flow, patient schedule and team member participation
• Coordinate inpatient and outpatient services (admissions/discharge planning, and other
transition periods)
• Assist patients and families in understanding and coping with disease process, symptom
management, quality of life and palliative care issues as needed.
• Promote quality health care through integration of current research into practice.
• Maintain appropriate communication with interdisciplinary treatment teams throughout
disease and treatment process.
• Act as liaison with patients, families, physicians, and other personnel.
• Utilizes the Children’s Oncology Group website and MD Anderson electronic resources

Professional
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of clinical resources including but not limited to; pubmed, children’s oncology group (cog), international society of pediatric oncology (siop), association of pediatric hematology & oncology nurses (aphon), as well as other appropriate professional societies and M. D. Anderson electronic resources.
• Participate in education of student advanced practice nurses, physician’s assistants, nurses and other health care professional as needed.
• Ensure integration of safety and quality standards into practice and delivery of care.
• Attend appropriate continuing education programs related to clinical area.
• Participate in institutional professional and educational activities to achieve the goals of the department, the division and the institution.
• Participate in professional organizations pertinent to practice.

Mentorship
The APP/PA serves as a mentor and teaches (formally and informally) the concepts related to clinical issues in the population of pediatric oncology and hematologic cancers, including Patient/Family-Centered Care (dignity/respect, information sharing, partnership, collaboration) and palliative care to staff and faculty, when needed and appropriate.

Research
• Participate and collaborate on clinical research protocols.
• Interview patients for symptoms, side-effects, toxicities, and determine their status pertaining to the investigational aspects of protocols.
• Collaborate with research nurse to assure protocol compliance.

Other duties as assigned