Advanced Practice Provider (APP) - Illinois CancerCare

At Illinois CancerCare, the Advanced Practice Nurse role is comprised of Nurse Practitioners as well as Clinical Nurse Specialists. At the general direction of the physician, the Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) functions as an expert in patient assessment, history taking, clinical exam, interpretation of laboratory results and X-rays, patient and staff education, procedures, health teaching an supportive counseling, management of side effects of treatment and appropriate interventions. The Advanced Practice Nurses has extensive contact with patients and families and collaborates with physicians, other health care members and clinic staff to plan and provide for safe patient care while using the medical record, adhering to the clinic standards, policies/procedures, and being cost effective. The Advanced Practice Nurse is accountable to the Director and Lead Advanced Practice Nurse. The Advanced Practice Nurse will report directly to the appropriate physician as indicated.

Clinical Practice

• Provide comprehensive oncology care to patients in the in-patient and out-patient setting.  This includes assessments, treatment plan development specific to cancer diagnosis, primary chemotherapy and prompt management of acute symptoms related to the disease or treatments.
• Provide comprehensive oncology care to patients at satellite clinics.  Ability to make independent advanced practice nursing judgments, collaborating with a physician in the Peoria office, as indicated. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of disease-specific protocols and, with confidence, instructs patients and families on treatment course.
• Utilizes nursing theory, practice and medical care to give and evaluate patient care specific to cancer patients.
• Demonstrates skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of professional advanced practice nursing to provide ongoing patient care.
• Appropriately consults with physician on patient issues or questions.
• Demonstrates skill in taking medical history to assess medical condition and interpret findings in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates skill in preparing and maintaining patient records (paper based and electronic), including dictation and responding to correspondence.
• Demonstrates skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, families, medical staff, and the public.
• Acts as a major continuity component for delivery and understanding of health care as part of a designated team.
• Makes independent advanced practice nursing judgments, collaborating with physician in managing acute and long term needs of patients as appropriate.
• Recommends community resources to meet patient and family needs.
• Orders and reviews appropriate laboratory and diagnostic procedures.
• Manages medical and oncology emergencies within scope of training and experience.
• Understands the legal consequences of actions.
• Responsible for and is a resource for safe, competent patient care.
• Perform related duties as required, including performing bone marrow biopsies.
• Instructs patient and family regarding medication and treatment instructions, and prescribes medications as per state licensing guidelines.
• Provides and maintains patient confidentiality.

Education

• Plans and participates in educational programs for patients, families, and staff.
• Develops and evaluates relevant patient education tools as appropriate.
• Collaborates with Lead Advanced Practice Nurse in planning, implementing, and evaluating educational activities within the organization.
• Actively participates with the Nursing Education leadership to identify staff gaps in knowledge, skills or practices for the organization.
• Assist in developing and identifying quality outcome measures and strategic goals for continuing education to improve APN and nursing development and patient outcomes. 
• Evaluates and develops when indicated, methods for enhancing patient relations.
• Attends required meetings and participates in projects as requested.

Clinic Contributions

• Assists in the smooth functioning of the clinic in a cost-effective manner.
• Presents a professional, neat appearance.

Professional Contributions

• Demonstrates ongoing professional growth through participation in relevant educational endeavors and appropriate associations.
• Direct strategic planning of Advanced Practice Nurse Program to promote continued growth and value to the practice.
• Advocate for the APN’s individually and as a group.
• Provide input and feedback from the APN group to physicians and administration.
• Support and complement the overall mission and strategic plan of Illinois Cancer Care.
• Perform all other duties as requested or required.

SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.  Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.  Ability to work on a desktop computer for extended periods of time.  May require working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours. 

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, chemotherapy, biohazardous specimens & wastes and other conditions common to a clinic environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of medical practice and care to assist in giving patient care. Skill in assisting in a variety of treatments and patient care tasks as directed.  Skill in identifying patient problems and assessment.  Skill in taking vital signs.  Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public.  Ability to react calmly in emergency situations.  Strong oral and written communication skills. The Advanced Practice Nurses is an integral part of the health care team and routinely conveys assessments, interventions, and plans to the physician, the patient, and clinic staff effectively.  The Advanced Practice Nurses must be able to act with skill under stressful or in emergency situations. The Advanced Practice Nurses provides primary care to patients excelling in assessment and physical exam. 

The ideal candidate for the Advanced Practice Provider position will have the following background and experience:   

Master's degree in Nursing

APN Licensure and maintenance of board certification

3-5 years of clinical experience preferred