POSITION SUMMARY: The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) in the Radiation Oncology Department within Apex Cancer Care is a highly skilled and autonomous non-physician healthcare provider who actively renders direct patient care to individuals undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. This role encompasses delegated prescriptive authority, is credentialed and privileged within the Apex Cancer Care system, and their services are billed as an independent billing provider, as recognized by Medicare and Medicaid, and in accordance with the Texas Medical Board and Texas Board of Nursing. The APP provides comprehensive medical care within the scope of practice defined by these governing bodies and in collaboration with supervising physician(s). As a trusted medical professional, the APP works collaboratively with physicians and the interdisciplinary team to ensure seamless, high-quality, and patient-centered care throughout the radiation oncology treatment journey.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to supervising Radiation Oncologist(s) and the Director of Clinical Operations, Cancer Services.
• Works collaboratively with radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, oncology nurses, social workers, dietitians, front office staff, and billing staff to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care, accurate authorization, and efficient collection procedures.

ROLE QUALIFICATIONS (experience, education, and skills):

• Current Texas Registered Nurse license.
• BSN required; MSN preferred.
• Successful completion of an accredited advanced nurse practitioner or physician assistant training program.
• Current certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Physician Assistant (PA) in the State of Texas.
• National certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Physician Assistant (PA) in a relevant specialty (e.g., Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Oncology Certified Nurse Specialist, Physician Assistant-Certified).
• Minimum three years of professional nursing experience in an oncology or acute care setting, with at least one year of experience as an Advanced Practice Provider. Experience in radiation oncology preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex medical information to patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of management, staff, physicians, patients, and their families.
• Professional knowledge of advanced nursing or medical theory and practice, with a focus on oncology.
• Comprehensive knowledge of physical assessment, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology (including chemotherapy and supportive medications), and management of acute and chronic conditions relevant to the radiation oncology patient population.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and other relevant healthcare technology.
• Requires a period of orientation and preceptorship, typically 3-6 months, to meet effective expected practice standards within the radiation oncology setting.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts comprehensive or problem-focused physical examinations and obtains detailed medical histories relevant to the patient's cancer diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall health status.
• Orders, collects, interprets, and evaluates laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests to assess patient conditions, monitor treatment response, and identify potential complications.
• Collaborates with the radiation oncologist in the development and implementation of individualized, evidence-based treatment plans, including supportive care measures.
• Prescribes, recommends, and/or employs medical drug therapies (including supportive medications for radiation-related side effects), and other therapeutic treatments and procedures in accordance with approved protocols and policies, with attention to efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Performs indicated procedures within the scope of practice and competency, as delegated by the supervising physician(s). Examples may include central line access management, wound care, and symptom management procedures.
• Formulates and implements comprehensive, outcomes-based patient management plans, integrating patient assessments, evidence-based medicine, standards of care, professional practice guidelines, and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Evaluates the patient's response to radiation therapy and supportive care interventions, and adjusts the management plan as needed in collaboration with the radiation oncologist.
• Provides comprehensive education and counseling to patients and their families regarding their cancer diagnosis, treatment plan (including the radiation therapy process, potential side effects, and management strategies), medication regimens, and health promotion strategies.
• Counsels patients about potential drug interactions, dietary considerations, and the use of over-the-counter medications and supplements.
• Maintains accurate and complete medical records documenting patient assessments, treatment plans, interventions, outcomes, and communication with the interdisciplinary team.
• Initiates timely consultation and referral to other medical specialists or support services when the patient's needs exceed the APP's scope of practice or expertise.
• Provides consultation-level services for conditions and problems related to the APP's specialty and training within the radiation oncology department.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings and tumor boards to discuss patient cases and contribute to collaborative treatment planning.
• Engages in quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice projects to enhance patient care and outcomes within the Radiation Oncology Department.
• Participates in the education and mentorship of nursing staff, students, and other healthcare professionals.
• Stays current with relevant medical literature, professional guidelines, and advancements in radiation oncology and advanced practice nursing/medicine.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of advanced practice nursing or medicine, including in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology (including oncology-specific medications), therapeutics, basic nutrition, behavioral factors, psychosocial/family systems, diagnostic testing, interpretation of results, and clinical decision-making in the context of cancer care.
• Thorough knowledge of professional nursing or medical theory, practices, and regulations related to evaluating and providing patient care in radiation oncology, and professional ethics related to the delivery of healthcare.
• Knowledge of radiation oncology principles, treatment modalities, and potential acute and chronic side effects.
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments used in the radiation oncology setting and for administering patient care.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish and maintain a safe work environment for patients and staff in the radiation oncology department.
• Knowledge of health promotion, health risk identification, and patient education principles and techniques specific to the cancer patient population.
• Knowledge of community, professional, and educational resources available to cancer patients and their families.

Skills:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to conduct sensitive interviews, provide clear and concise explanations, deliver effective presentations, facilitate discussions, and accurately document medical information (e.g., writing medical orders, patient education materials, and medical record updates).
• Proficiency in using computerized health information management systems (EHR).
• Demonstrated skills in clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluation of outcomes for radiation oncology patients.
• Strong skills in case management, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking.
• Ability to modify methods and techniques of professional nursing or medicine to provide individualized and appropriate care to radiation oncology patients, and to initiate appropriate emergency response and investigatory procedures.

Abilities:

• Ability to analyze complex clinical data, integrate information from various sources, and draw sound conclusions regarding patient care.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply relevant clinical guidelines, protocols, and procedures specific to radiation oncology.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, physicians, clinical staff, and the public in a compassionate and professional manner.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and provide emotional support to patients and families facing the challenges of cancer treatment.

REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential ¹ functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: ²  

• Physical demands: Full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; prolonged periods of standing and walking within the clinic and treatment areas; bending, lifting, and carrying (e.g., patient charts, medical supplies); visual acuity to assess patients and review medical records; auditory acuity to communicate with patients and staff.
• Work environment: Combination of medical office, examination rooms, and radiation treatment areas. Well-lighted and well-ventilated. Potential exposure to communicable diseases and biohazards. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May experience emotional stress from interacting with seriously ill patients and their families. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet patient needs.