The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Infusion Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized nursing care to pediatric and adolescent patients with hematologic disorders, oncologic diagnoses, and complex infusion therapy needs in an ambulatory setting. The RN delivers evidence-based care, coordinates multidisciplinary services, administers infusion therapies, and serves as a patient and family advocate throughout the continuum of care.
The RN collaborates closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, social workers, and ancillary team members to ensure safe, high-quality, family-centered care. This position supports clinic and infusion operations during Monday-Saturday service hours and participates in rotating schedules to meet patient access needs.
Essential Functions
Clinical Care
- Perform comprehensive nursing assessments and ongoing evaluations of pediatric patients with hematologic, oncologic, and infusion-related conditions.
- Administer chemotherapy, biologic therapies, blood products, immunotherapy, IV hydration, iron infusions, immunoglobulins, and other infusion treatments according to established protocols and safety standards.
- Monitor patients for adverse reactions and complications during and following infusion therapy.
- Assess and manage central venous access devices, including implanted ports, PICC lines, tunneled central lines, and peripheral IV access.
- Provide symptom management and triage for pain, nausea, fever, infection risk, treatment side effects, and disease-related complications.
- Collaborate with providers regarding treatment plans, changes in patient condition, and urgent clinical concerns.
- Maintain compliance with pediatric oncology safety standards, hazardous drug handling requirements, and infection prevention practices.
Ambulatory Triage and Care Coordination
- Conduct telephone and electronic message triage using established clinical protocols.
- Evaluate urgent patient concerns and facilitate same-day care, emergency department referrals, or direct admissions as appropriate.
- Coordinate care across inpatient, outpatient, infusion, procedural, and specialty services.
- Facilitate referrals, diagnostic testing, and follow-up appointments.
- Assist patients and families in navigating complex treatment plans and healthcare systems.
Patient and Family Education
- Provide education regarding diagnoses, medications, chemotherapy regimens, infusion therapies, symptom management, and home care.
- Assess learner readiness and tailor education to developmental and family needs.
- Reinforce treatment adherence and safety precautions.
- Document patient and caregiver understanding and educational outcomes.
Infusion Center Operations
- Verify treatment plans, laboratory results, and medication orders prior to infusion administration.
- Perform independent double-checks and medication verification processes consistent with organizational policy.
- Coordinate patient flow to maximize clinic and infusion capacity.
- Ensure appropriate supplies, equipment, and emergency preparedness resources are available.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Participate in daily team huddles, case conferences, and care coordination meetings.
- Partner with pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, social work, nutrition, and child life services to optimize patient outcomes.
- Serve as a clinical resource for nursing colleagues and support staff.
Quality and Professional Practice
- Maintain competency in pediatric hematology/oncology nursing and infusion therapy standards.
- Participate in performance improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance activities.
- Support evidence-based practice and quality initiatives.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of pediatric hematologic and oncologic disorders.
- Knowledge of chemotherapy administration and infusion therapy principles.
- Proficiency with central line management and vascular access care.
- Ability to recognize and respond to oncologic emergencies and infusion reactions.
- Strong patient education and family engagement skills.
- Effective interdisciplinary collaboration and care coordination abilities.
- Ability to prioritize competing clinical demands while maintaining patient safety.