About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the medical director for the Department of Supportive Care Medicine, provides acupuncture services to City of Hope patients as appropriate and upon referral by Physician. As a member of the Department of Supportive Care Medicine, this position is will focus on providing direct patient care. As a licensed acupuncturist, the selected candidate will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including but not limited to the Integrative Medicine Medical Director, nurse practitioners, social workers, physical therapists, psychiatry, pain management and palliative care clinics, and clinical researchers. This individual is responsible to ensure medically safe practices and compliance with infection control practices. Maintain acupuncture supplies and necessary equipment. The Acupuncturist will assist the participant with the completion of release forms, screening tools, program evaluations, and any other determined participant tools. The selected candidate will maintain complete adherence to all City of Hope policies, procedures and mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide clinical expertise in implementing delivery of inpatient and outpatient acupuncture services to COH oncology patient population.

Uses evidence-based acupuncture techniques to treat patient symptoms and treatment side effects using acupuncture needles and other tools.

Evaluate and document patient progress related to symptoms management and services rendered, interfacing across multi-modality clinical care and electronic medical record.

Demonstrates the ability to discuss the scientific basis and commonly used techniques for acupuncture therapy.

Keeps up to date with the latest research or workshops in the use of acupuncture especially in the cancer setting.

Ensures a safe environment, maintain equipment and supplies in a clean, operable and safe manner, and follows institutional infection control policies. Reports status of supplies/inventory to designated personnel.

Verifies the physician’s clearance orders for acupuncture. Reviews chart for contraindications/precautions for treatment and if present, report to physician/nurse before procedure.

Educates patients on the contraindications for treatment (risk factors due to the effects of cancer, effects of treatment).

Patient care will include but is not limited to:

• • Discusses medical history, pertinent information, appropriate acupuncture procedures, and expectations with the patient. Explains procedure to the patient and discuss individualized treatment plans.
  • Gives limited physical exam (pulse and tongue observation) and takes brief medical history.
  • Keeps patient comfortable, (checks room temperature, need for pillow support) and maintains proper draping at all times.
  • Carefully inspects the area to be treated, check for edema, blisters, rash, and if present reports to physician/nurse before procedure. Prepares skin in a sterile fashion using alcohol wipes.
  • Observes/assesses patient for any unexpected and/or undesirable physical/emotional reactions, suspends treatment, provides appropriate intervention, and then reports them to physician/nurse as indicated.

Maintains good hygiene and infection control at all times:

• • Disposes of used needles in sharps container and cotton in biohazard can.
  • Maintains proper hand-washing techniques before and after each treatment.
  • Changes linens, pillowcases, towels used for each patient.
  • Wipes counter tops, face cradles, doorknobs after each patient.

Serve on the multi-disciplinary IM clinical care team.

Develops a plan of care with patient for each visit and for long-term goals.

Documents date/time of treatment, pertinent information and patient response in the medical records.

Assist as needed in the development and marketing of IM education materials (written, A/V, in person, etc.).

Develops and participates in performance improvement activities to evaluate the program's effectiveness in meeting patient care and departmental needs.

Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reviewing current literature, attending in-service meetings, and workshops.

Attends and participates in meetings and/or committee as required.

Basic education, experience, and skills required for consideration:

Graduate of an approved acupuncture school or received and completed training substantially equivalent to training provided by such a school

A minimum of 3 years of acupuncture experience, including demonstrated clinical experience with cancer and/or other critically ill populations and appropriate acupuncture techniques utilized for management of symptoms and treatment side effects

Required Certification/Licensure:

Must be licensed to practice Acupuncture in the State of California or meet the criteria to obtain a license in California

Maintain current Acupuncture licensure in the State of California

BLS Certification

Must be board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

Preferred Experience:

Training in Chinese herbal medicine

Experience with oncology patients

Possess a basic understanding of healthcare clinical operations and the ability to establish effective working relationships with a multidisciplinary team

Clinical research experience

Strength in developing, organizing, and sustaining written procedures and documentation

Familiarity with medical insurance payment administration, and acupuncture coverage