Position Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Vice President, Nursing, the Clinical Nurse Specialist Hematology/Oncology serves as a role model for staff nurses by providing expert patient care for the hematology/oncology patient. The CNS uses multiple frameworks and theories including the nursing process to guide patient care and to develop educational programs for patients, family and staff. Evidence-based practice is the cornerstone of CNS practice as this expert supports, investigates, validates, communicates, and teaches "evidence" to nurses, patients and families. The CNS initiates research and communicates research findings to staff to improve patient care. The CNS provides clinical, organizational and community consultation in area of expertise. The CNS must execute a standard care agreement with a collaborating physician. As expected for all employees, the CNS is responsible for promoting and demonstrating the values and guest service standards in the fulfillment of the role. Duties: PRACTICE: Utilizes expertise to guide high quality nursing care for a selected patient population. Provides or directs patient care from admission through discharge using evidence-focused principles in community or ambulatory settings. Assists staff in planning care of patients with complex needs. Collaborates with various members of the health care team to meet patient needs. Works with care management staff to facilitate quality patient care with effective use of resources throughout the continuum of care. Serves as patient/family advocate to facilitate patient care, communication, and resolution of problems and ethical dilemmas. Participates in quality improvement activities to evaluate the effectiveness of patient care. Recommends and contributes to policies, procedures and standards of practice for nursing care. Acts as a role model to promote excellence in nursing care. Provides consultation in specialty area to all levels of health care providers throughout hospital and community. Represents AGMC in community service activities. Participates on hospital and nursing department committees. Attends nursing management meetings as necessary. Responds to clinical emergencies following policies and procedures. Demonstrates understanding of emergency procedures, fire drills, evacuation and internal/external disaster plans and procedures. Follows hospital and department policies and procedures with special attention to attendance and punctuality, confidentiality, dress code and display of ID badge, and safety. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION: Initiates research activities in the area of expertise and supports research studies within the institution. Investigates solutions to specific patient problems by reviewing current literature and evidence-based practices. Directs less experienced nurses in using and evaluating new approaches to the nursing care of the patient. Communicates and disseminates research findings and health promotion information to nursing and other health team members within the health care communities. Facilitates learning opportunities for the nursing staff using a variety of teaching strategies. Assists Staff Development Department in providing continuing education programs, providing both clerical and classroom instruction. Participates as a preceptor for graduate nursing students. Develops educational programs and materials for patients, families and staff. Identifies and documents individual patient education needs and develops goals and objectives. Evaluates effectiveness and makes changes as appropriate. Attends meetings, workshops and seminars to facilitate professional self growth. UNIT SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES/DUTIES: Participates in advancing the education and skills of nurses through Oncology Core Curriculum, Chemotherapy Certification Course, Practicum, and in-services regarding new technologies and therapies. Provides and assists staff in providing clinical support and education for patients and families in oncology care and chemotherapy in outpatient and inpatient settings. Facilitates competency programs for oncology staff. Assumes a leadership role in reviewing and revising oncology policies and procedures.

Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in Nursing required. Preparation as Clinical Nurse Specialist required. Three (3) years of clinical nursing experience in area of clinical specialty. Chemotherapy Certified. Chemotherapy Instructor Certification preferred. Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Ohio. Current Certificate of Authority (COA) from the Ohio Board of Nursing and a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) with an identified collaborating physician. Satisfactory completion/pass of all mandated programs as required by policy. Completion of unit-based competencies/skills as required. Skill in communications and interpersonal relationships is needed to successfully coordinate the patient care of this complex group of patients. Ability to form and to maintain courteous, cooperative and respectful relations with patients/families, physicians and co-workers. Proficient with personal computer software applications and health information systems.

Apply Online. Resume may be submitted upon completion of application.
Human Resources, Division of Recruitment and Retention

Recruitment Application Help Line
330-344-6867


Akron General Medical Center
400 Wabash Avenue
Akron, Ohio 44307