Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the role of chemotherapy infusion nurses has never been more critical.

As advancements in cancer treatment continue, the need for skilled, compassionate professionals who can safely administer these life-changing therapies grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a chemotherapy infusion nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager detailing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of oncology nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile chemotherapy infusion nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses specialize in administering chemotherapy to cancer patients.

They are specially trained to handle, mix, and administer the drugs, as well as to monitor patients during treatments.

They also provide emotional support and education to patients and families about the process.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing patients’ health history, current health status, and medication history
• Explaining chemotherapy procedures and side effects to patients and their families
• Mixing and administering chemotherapy drugs per the doctor’s orders
• Monitoring patients’ reactions during and after chemotherapy
• Collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop a care plan for the patient
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families
• Preparing and maintaining infusion devices
• Maintaining accurate and detailed patient records
• Adhering to safety procedures for handling chemotherapy drugs
• Performing post-chemotherapy patient assessments and follow-ups

 

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse to join our team.

As a Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse, you will be responsible for administering chemotherapy drugs, monitoring patient progress, and managing potential side effects.

Our ideal candidate has solid experience in oncology nursing and is knowledgeable about cancer treatment protocols and side effect management.

The goal is to provide excellent patient care by promoting patient comfort, educating patients and families, and working as an integral part of the oncology team.

 

Responsibilities

• Administer chemotherapy treatment safely and accurately
• Assess patient’s health condition before, during, and after treatment
• Monitor patients for side effects and reactions to treatments
• Educate patients and their families about treatment expectations and potential side effects
• Collaborate with oncologists and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic patient care
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Proven experience as an oncology nurse or chemotherapy infusion nurse
• Knowledge of chemotherapy drugs and their side effects
• Excellent communication skills
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care
• Ability to handle emotional situations and maintain composure
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse
• Work Environment: Clinical setting, typically within an oncology department. May require extended periods of standing and direct contact with patients.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Oncology Department Manager or Charge Nurse.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $66,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Do?

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in administering chemotherapy drugs to cancer patients.

They work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or specialized cancer treatment centers.

They are responsible for preparing the chemotherapy drugs, monitoring the patient during treatment, and providing care and support.

They also manage the side effects of the treatment and educate patients and their families about the process and potential side effects.

These nurses evaluate the patient’s health before, during, and after the treatment, and coordinate with the rest of the healthcare team to adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

Another critical role they play is in counseling and supporting the patients emotionally, as dealing with cancer and chemotherapy can be incredibly stressful and frightening for patients.

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses also ensure that the chemotherapy suite is safe and free from any contamination, and they follow strict protocols to protect themselves and their patients from the potent chemotherapy drugs.

In addition to administering chemotherapy, these nurses may also be involved in research and keeping up-to-date with advancements in cancer treatment.

They are an essential part of the oncology team and play a crucial role in helping cancer patients through their treatment journey.

 

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, including:

• Medical knowledge and understanding of chemotherapy infusion, cancer types, and their treatment protocols.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with patients, providing empathy, compassion and reassurance during the course of their treatment.
• Excellent communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively to patients, their families, and the healthcare team.
• Patient education skills to instruct patients and families about chemotherapy, its side effects, care management, and necessary precautions.
• Technical skills to administer chemotherapy drugs, manage intravenous lines, and monitor patient’s vital signs during treatment.
• Ability to manage distressful situations and provide emotional support to patients and their families.
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills to assess patient’s condition, administer correct dosage, and manage any immediate reactions or complications.
• Attention to detail for accurate drug preparation, dosage calculation and administration, and documentation.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address any issues or complications that may arise during the treatment process.

 

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Experience Requirements

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses are typically required to have a significant amount of clinical experience due to the sensitive nature of their work.

This starts with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university or college, followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Entry-level Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through a nursing internship or residency, and at least 6 months to a year of experience working in an oncology unit.

Professionals with more than 3 years of experience have usually honed their skills in areas such as chemotherapy administration, patient monitoring, symptom management, and patient education.

At this level, nurses would be expected to have additional certification such as the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) or the Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON).

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a significant amount of expertise in oncology nursing and may be ready for a leadership position such as Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager.

They may have also gained experience in specialized areas of oncology, such as stem cell transplant, radiation therapy, or palliative care.

Regardless of the level, continuous professional development is critical for Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses due to the evolving nature of cancer treatments.

 

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited institution.

They must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

It is beneficial for these nurses to have a background in oncology nursing, which can be gained through work experience or through specialized training programs.

Additional certifications, such as Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON), or Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN) can also be beneficial.

Furthermore, they must complete specific training in chemotherapy administration which involves learning about different types of chemotherapy drugs, understanding how they work, and knowing how to manage potential side effects.

Some roles may require the Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse to have a Master’s degree in Nursing or a related field.

In addition to educational qualifications, these nurses must have strong emotional resilience and excellent communication skills to support patients and their families through the challenging process of chemotherapy treatment.

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to the constant advancements and updates in cancer treatment methods and drugs.

As such, nurses are encouraged to participate in ongoing training and professional development activities.

 

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Salary Expectations

A Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse earns an average salary of $89,764 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographical location, and the specific healthcare facility where one works.

 

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse need?

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses must have exceptional attention to detail as they are responsible for administering precise medication doses.

They should also possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients and their families, providing necessary information and emotional support.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are important in handling complications or emergencies, and they should also be skilled in patient assessment, care planning, and implementation.

 

What qualifications does a Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse need?

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses need to be registered nurses, which requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

Additionally, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Specific to their role, they also need to have completed a chemotherapy biotherapy certification course.

 

What should you look for in a Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse resume?

In a Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse’s resume, look for a valid nursing license and a chemotherapy biotherapy certification.

Apart from these, look for experience in oncology nursing or chemotherapy administration.

Any additional certifications in the field, such as Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), will be a plus.

Experience in patient education and counseling is also beneficial for this role.

 

What qualities make a good Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse?

A good Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse should be empathetic and compassionate, as they work with patients undergoing a challenging time.

They must have excellent communication skills to effectively convey information to patients and their families.

They should also possess a high level of patience and have the ability to work under pressure, especially in emergency situations.

Good organizational skills are also necessary to manage the complex treatment schedules of patients.

 

Is it difficult to hire Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses?

Hiring Chemotherapy Infusion Nurses can be challenging due to the specialist skills and emotional resilience required for this role.

It is important to offer competitive benefits, provide continuing education opportunities, and create a supportive work environment to attract and retain these skilled professionals.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shined a light on what it truly means to be a Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse.

Surprise surprise, it’s not just about administering medication.

It’s about compassionately curating a path of healing, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why limit your journey there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Just remember:

Every patient interaction is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s pave that future. Together.

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