Chemotherapy Nurse

Job Title: Chemotherapy Nurse / Oncology Nurse

Department: Oncology / Day Care / Chemotherapy Unit
Reporting To: Nursing In-Charge
Location: Everhope Oncology
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are looking for a compassionate and clinically skilled Chemotherapy Nurse to provide safe, high-quality nursing care to patients undergoing chemotherapy and other oncology treatments.

The role involves administering chemotherapy and supportive medications as per medical orders, monitoring patients during treatment, managing treatment-related side effects, maintaining strict safety protocols, educating patients and families, and coordinating closely with oncologists, pharmacists, and the multidisciplinary care team.

The ideal candidate should have strong oncology nursing knowledge, excellent IV cannulation skills, attention to patient safety, and the ability to provide empathetic care to patients throughout their cancer treatment journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, supportive medications, blood products, and IV infusions as prescribed by the treating oncologist and as per hospital protocols.
• Verify chemotherapy orders, patient identity, drug dosage, route, schedule, laboratory parameters, and treatment plan before administration.
• Follow all chemotherapy handling, preparation, administration, spill-management, and cytotoxic safety protocols.
• Assess patients before, during, and after chemotherapy administration.
• Monitor vital signs, treatment tolerance, infusion reactions, allergic reactions, extravasation, and other adverse events.
• Take immediate action in case of chemotherapy reactions or medical emergencies and escalate appropriately to the treating physician.
• Perform IV cannulation, access and maintain central venous catheters, PICC lines, chemo ports, and other vascular access devices as per competency and hospital policy.
• Administer pre-medications, hydration, antiemetics, and other supportive treatments as prescribed.
• Monitor laboratory results including CBC, renal function, liver function, electrolytes, and other treatment-related investigations before chemotherapy administration.
• Provide patient and family education regarding chemotherapy, possible side effects, medication instructions, infection prevention, nutrition, hydration, oral care, and warning signs requiring medical attention.
• Maintain accurate and timely nursing documentation, medication records, chemotherapy administration records, intake-output charts, and treatment notes.
• Coordinate with oncologists, pharmacy, laboratory, front office, and other departments to ensure smooth patient flow and timely treatment.
• Maintain infection-control practices and adhere to biomedical waste management protocols.
• Ensure correct storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of cytotoxic drugs and contaminated materials.
• Maintain emergency preparedness and ensure availability of required emergency drugs and equipment in the chemotherapy area.
• Participate in nursing handovers, clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and patient-safety activities.
• Maintain confidentiality, dignity, privacy, and emotional well-being of oncology patients.
• Support patients and caregivers with empathy throughout the treatment process.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, NABH standards, infection-control guidelines, and nursing protocols.

Required Qualifications

• GNM / B.Sc. Nursing from a recognised institution.
• Valid registration with the relevant State Nursing Council.
• Certification or formal training in chemotherapy administration / oncology nursing is preferred.
• BLS certification required; ACLS certification preferred.

Experience

• 1–3+ years of nursing experience, preferably in oncology, chemotherapy day care, medical oncology, or a cancer hospital.
• Fresh candidates with appropriate oncology training may be considered depending on institutional requirements.
• Previous experience in handling chemotherapy, chemo ports, PICC lines, or central venous access will be an advantage.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Chemotherapy administration
• Oncology nursing
• IV cannulation
• Chemo port / PICC line management
• Patient assessment and monitoring
• Management of infusion reactions and extravasation
• Medication safety
• Infection control
• Emergency response
• Patient counselling and education
• Accurate clinical documentation
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy and emotional resilience
• Team collaboration
• Attention to detail

Preferred Candidate Profile

We are looking for a nurse who is clinically competent, compassionate, calm under pressure, patient-focused, and highly attentive to safety. The candidate should be comfortable working closely with cancer patients and their families and should demonstrate strong communication and coordination skills.

Key Performance Indicators

Performance may be assessed on:

• Safe and error-free chemotherapy administration
• Adherence to chemotherapy and infection-control protocols
• Patient safety and treatment monitoring
• Documentation accuracy
• Response to adverse events and emergencies
• Patient experience and communication
• Timely coordination of chemotherapy sessions
• Compliance with nursing and quality standards