Registered Practical Nurse - Oncology Clinic (GEN)

Job Number: JR107619 Job Title: Registered Practical Nurse - Oncology Clinic (GEN) Union: CUPE Union: CUPE Job Category: Nurse Hospital Location: General Site Job Type: Permanent, Part time Number of Positions: 1 Minimum - Maximum Hourly Rate: $36.468 - $39.8 Hours: Days, Afternoons

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 – 2025 and Greater Toronto's Top Employers for 2026. Learn more at shn.ca

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Manager of the Cancer Care and Hematology Clinics, the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) will be responsible for providing excellent care alongside a multidisciplinary interprofessional team to a diverse adult patient population who require cancer care and hematology services.  Scarborough Health Network’s (SHN) Cancer Care program aims to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and high-quality care for patients in Scarborough.

As a member of the Cancer Care and Hematology Clinic team, working in direct collaboration with the RN, the RPN will: provide care to address the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and educational needs of oncology and hematology patients and their families. The RPN is accountable for the provision of care in accordance with the ‘standards of practice’ as delineated by the College of Nurses of Ontario. The RPN provides care autonomously to meet the holistic needs of individuals experiencing care situations with predicable outcomes and low risk for negative outcomes. When encountering patients with care needs in situations beyond this, the RPN will work in collaboration/consultation with the RN and other care providers.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support for patient care in the Cancer Care and Hematology clinics by executing the following tasks:
  • Vital Signs assessments
  • Initial, follow-up and Symptom assessment
  • Health Teaching
  • Equipment set up (e.g. priming IV lines)
  • Initiation, management, and discontinuation of venous access devices (peripheral and central)
  • Administration of supportive medications: Such as pre-medications (PO/IV/S/C)
  • Administration of supportive interventions not directly related to systemic treatments such as blood transfusions, hydrations, electrolyte corrections, iron transfusions
  • Supportive interventions directly related to systemic treatment such as taking vital signs and conducting assessment of patients
  • Initiation of IV, CVAD, SC, IM, IV
  • Administration of supportive medications including pre-medications for systemic treatment treating hypercalcemia, hormone injections and growth factors (e.g. filgrastim, peg filgrastim). 
  • Blood draws from CVADs for lab work
  • Specimen collection (urine/stool/wound)
  • Assisting in Bone Marrow Biopsy procedure
  • Pre and post care for patient going for procedures (e.g. paracentesis, etc.)
  • Provides support to the interprofessional team members in delivering and coordinating care within the clinic
  • Works closely with the RNs to provide optimal patient care and continuity
  • Liaise with physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, unit clerks, social workers, registered dietitians, and home and community care coordinators as required to ensure the provision of seamless coordinated patient care planning
  • Maintain clean working environment and disinfect patient care equipment/chairs/stretchers/rooms as per IPAC practices after each patient
  • Maintains professional development by attending/participating in systemic therapy and hematology clinical lunch and learn sessions, participates in ongoing continuing education initiatives

• Successfully completes and obtains the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Fundamentals of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Administration course / ONS Fundamentals Provider Card within first 2 months of hire/transfer
• Successfully obtains ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification within first 6 months of hire/transfer
• After obtaining initial ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification, must successfully maintain ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification every 2 years for the duration of employment with the Cancer Care and Hematology Clinics
• Maintains a current knowledge base regarding evidenced-based practices for the patient with cancer and hematological diagnoses

Upon successfully obtaining the ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification, additional drug administration responsibility for the following:

• Regimens with low/no potential of infusion reaction
• Regimens containing non-vesicant drugs
• Medical condition of patient is stable
• Treatments with predictable and manageable immediate responses and low risk of negative outcomes
• Examples of regimens (after RN administered first cycle of treatment):
  • Gemcitabine (when administered as a single agent)
  • Maintenance therapies, such as trastuzumab, rituximab and pemetrexed, where multiple cycles have been given with no issue
  • Immunotherapy as monotherapy
  • Bortezomib injections
  • FOLFIRI
  • Bendamustine
  • Panitumumab

Requirements:

• Current registration as a Registered Practice Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
• Registered Practical Nurse Diploma from an accredited community college
• Membership in RPNAO is an asset
• Current BCLS
• Mandatory - Successfully completes and obtains the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Fundamentals of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Administration course / ONS Fundamentals Provider Card within first 2 months of hire/transfer
• Mandatory - Successfully obtains ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification within first 6 months of hire/transfer
• Mandatory - After obtaining initial ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification, must successfully maintain ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification every 2 years for the duration of employment with the Cancer Care and Hematology Clinics
• Mandatory - Experience within last three (3) years caring for patients with cancer diagnoses and their families
• Experience and competency with IV insertion, CVAD (PICC/PORT care, including accessing, de-accessing, flushing, blood draws and dressing changes
• Demonstrates knowledge, experience and the ability to care for patients with the following:  initiation and maintenance of IV therapy, administration of IV medication, blood and blood product administration, blood glucose monitoring, routine and additional infection control precautions, normal and abnormal lab values
• Competency in administering sub-cutaneous and intramuscular injections
• Experience in providing patients and families with health teaching
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to respond in emergency situations
• Ability to lift, turn, and transfer patients manually and with mechanical aids
• Effective oral and written communications skills
• Able to clearly articulate and document nursing assessments and patients' goals of care
• Familiar and comfortable with electronic documentation (EPIC)
• Demonstrated strong organizational, prioritization and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to participate in process improvement
• Demonstrated commitment to maintain Reflective Practice Standards as outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Courageous 
• Must have a satisfactory attendance and performance record
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to SHN comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff safety, patient safety and environmental safety and participation in regular in-service education sessions
• Engages in ethical conduct and strives to understand and appreciate the diversity of our patient/staff population and community
• Strong work ethic and commitment is required
• Demonstrated professionalism and reliability

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike. 

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values. 

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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