Acute Oncology Cns

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Acute Oncology nurse to work within the Acute Oncology Service within the University Hospital Plymouth. The acute oncology service has a pivotal role in not only coordinating and implementing care for our current cancer patients, but also those with new diagnosis.

The AOS nurses work closely with the Oncology Consultants to provide early input of Specialist Oncological assessment, advice and clinical management for unscheduled oncology emergency admissions with regard to complications related to chemotherapy, complications of cancer or suspected unknown primary cancer. The AOS nurses also track and support patients with new diagnosis of malignancy of unknown origin until they are passed to the relevant speciality and provide ongoing CNS support to patients with confirmed cancer of unknown primary. The AOS nurses provide expert advice and implement patient care. The post holder will be able to provide expert advice to our patients who phone through to the telephone triage line, and ensure they receive timely interventions, and deliver the interventions themselves if appropriate via the assessment bay on Brent Ward. The AOS team aim to provide the highest quality clinical care and advice to cancer patients who present within the hospital.

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

Available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity. (With current line manager's agreement).

**Job Purpose**:
Under direction from the Senior Acute Oncology Nurse Specialist (AONS) the post holder will play a key role in communicating with and influencing others to ensure an acute oncology model of care is deliverable, sustainable to meet patients’ needs, and is in compliance with national peer review measures as agreed.

**Key Dimensions**:
The post holder will work closely with the Senior AONS and Acute Oncology Consultant to provide early input of specialist nursing assessment and clinical management advice for unscheduled oncology emergency admissions with regard to complications related to chemotherapy, complications of cancer or suspected unknown primary cancer.

The post holder will give expert advice and implement patient care in an area which requires specific clinical knowledge, skills and experience. The post holder will work alongside other clinical colleagues in oncology, palliative care, acute medicine, radiology and pathology to manage the care of individual patients, ensuring quality of care is maximised.

This post is integral to the development of the acute oncology pathways within the trust and extending to the wider health community through effective partnerships, coordination and integration.

Under direction of the Senior Acute Oncology Nurse Specialist (AONS) will assist in coordinating the acute oncology service and provide early input of specialist nursing care to oncology patients enabling:

- Faster and better care of patient with complications of chemotherapy (early recognition, appropriate investigation, better treatment, early discharge)
- Faster and better care of patients with complications of cancer (early recognition, better treatment, rapid referral to appropriate specialty)
- Appropriate investigations of patients who may benefit form treatment for unknown primary cancers, targeted investigations, and rapid triage of patients into specialist oncology or palliative care.
- Improved access to expert oncology input for patients with metastatic malignancy of unknown origin to avoid unnecessary, inappropriate investigations; are discussed in an MDT; and receive rapid treatment for their disease and/or symptom control decisions.

To work collaboratively as part of the acute oncology team, to help develop and deliver services across organisational, professional and geographical boundaries. Forging close working relationships with medical and cancer teams, the emergency department and specialist palliative care.
To provide direct care through physical and holistic assessment of patients, instigating, appropriate targeted investigation and the rapid triage of patients into oncology or specialist palliative care.

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Clinical Practice
- To make appropriate triage and clinical decisions following assessment utilising specialist knowledge in this specialty, underpinned by theory and experience.
- To act as nurse specialist for MSCC patients
- To act as a resource in providing evidence based advice and information to promote the health and