Job description:
Our nurses are a critical part of the UVM Health team. We celebrate their daily contributions and the positive impact they have on our patients and their health.
At University of Vermont Health, you will work with a diverse group of nurses, physicians, and specialty practitioners who personally care about their patients and community. No matter the location, every employee has a hand in contributing to the wellness of patients. You'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and mutual respect at UVM Health.
Job Title: Infusion and Chemotherapy Registered Nurse (Clinic)/
Job Summary:
The Infusion Chemotherapy RN provides specialized nursing care to patients receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood products, and other infusion therapies in an outpatient clinic setting. This nurse ensures safe drug administration, monitors for adverse reactions, educates patients and families, and collaborates closely with the oncology care team. Provides patient care in alignment with Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and American Nurses Association (ANA) standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biologics, hydration, and other IV medications per physician orders and oncology protocols.
- Monitor patients closely during and after infusions for signs of allergic reactions, extravasation, and other adverse effects.
- Assess patient condition and vital signs before, during, and after treatments.
- Start and manage peripheral IVs and central line devices (e.g., PICC, Port-a-Cath).
- Perform venipuncture and draw labs as ordered.
- Accurately document all care in the electronic medical record (EMR), including medication administration, assessments, and patient education.
- Educate patients and caregivers about chemotherapy side effects, self-care, medication schedules, and when to seek emergency care.
- Follow all safety protocols for handling and disposing of hazardous drugs (USP 800 compliance).
- Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other staff to coordinate and optimize patient care.
- Participate in ongoing quality improvement, infection control, and regulatory compliance efforts.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked infusion suite.
- Participation in peer review activities and other quality/safety initiatives
- Maintains required education set forth by the institution and department per policy
- Adhere to all policies and protocols set forth by the institution
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including history taking and vital signs.
- Assist with specialized procedures and treatments (e.g., infusions, wound care, injections, diagnostic prep).
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by providers.
- Monitor patient responses and communicate changes in condition to the provider.
- Triage patients via phone or in person, determining appropriate care paths.
- Coordinate referrals, diagnostic testing, and follow-up appointments.
- Ensure timely documentation of all nursing care and patient interactions in the EMR.
- Educate patients and families on diagnosis, treatment plans, medication management, and self-care.
- Provide pre- and post-procedure instructions specific to the clinic specialty.
- Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, medical assistants, and administrative staff to support efficient clinic operations.
- Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and care planning meetings when applicable.
- Follow all infection control, safety, and regulatory guidelines.
- Maintain nursing licensure and specialty certifications as required.
- Assist with quality improvement initiatives within the clinic.
- Participation in peer review activities and other quality/safety initiatives
- Maintains required education set forth by the institution, CBA, and department per policy
- Adhere to all policies and protocols set forth by the institution
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Required:
- Current RN license in New York State
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN); BSN preferred
- Current BLS certification or obtained with in 3 months of hire
- ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Biotherapy Provider Card (or ability to obtain within 3–6 months)
- ACLS and PALS within 6 months of hire
- Sedation Certification or passing of sedation curriculum within 3 months of hire
- Preferred:
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
- Experience in outpatient infusion or oncology setting
- Specialty experience (e.g., cardiology, endocrinology, GI, etc.) strongly preferred.
- Minimum 1–2 years of clinical nursing experience
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of chemotherapy drugs, infusion protocols, and emergency management of infusion reactions
- Excellent IV insertion and central line management skills
- Critical thinking and clinical assessment abilities
- Compassionate communication and patient education skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Strong emotional intelligence, including the ability to manage stress, show empathy, communicate effectively, and respond appropriately in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
- Excellent clinical judgment and critical thinking.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- EMR proficiency (e.g., Epic, Cerner).
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Strong emotional intelligence, including the ability to manage stress, show empathy, communicate effectively, and respond appropriately in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
Working Conditions:
- Outpatient clinic environment with typical weekday hours (may vary by clinic)
- Frequent exposure to cytotoxic drugs and bloodborne pathogens (proper PPE provided)
- Requires standing, walking, and lifting during patient care activities
- Emotionally demanding due to patient population (cancer care)
- Frequent exposure to body fluids, hazardous materials, and infectious diseases emotionally intense situations
- Requires physical stamina and emotional resilience
- Exposure to chemicals/solutions specific to the department (Refer to M.S.D.S. Manual)
Upholds the organization’s Mission, Values, and Standards of Excellence:
- Demonstrates integrity, compassion, and respect when working with patients,
- families, visitors, and staff
- Protects the privacy and confidentiality of patients, families, staff and the proprietary business and/or financial information of the organization by creating and maintaining a secure, respectful, and trusting environment
- Demonstrates a commitment to patients, families and staff by meeting the organization’s attendance expectations as outlined in the organization’s Time and
- Attendance Policy and departmental standards (reports to work on time, manages unscheduled time off, etc.)
- Adheres to the organization’s Professional Appearance Policy and maintains a neat and well organized work area
- Appropriately wears an identification badge at all times
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of job responsibilities, focuses on customer needs, and strives to do the job right the first time
- Demonstrates appropriate use of the organization’s resources (phones, e-mails, Internet, photocopies, supplies, etc.)
- Supports and contributes to a culture that allows staff to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
- Displays a positive attitude and image to our patients, visitors, co-workers and
- Promotes diversity and respects coworkers, patients and their families regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious belief, age, and/or disability.
Physical Demands
- Occasionally: activity exists up to 1/3 of the time (8-hour shift = less than 3 hours total time)
- Frequently: activity exists up to 1/3 of the time up to 2/3 of the time (8- hour shift = 3-5 hours total time)
- Constantly: activity exists up to 2/3 or more of the time (8 hour shift = 5-8 hours total time)
- 12- hour employee the time of each based on hours increases
