Nurse Charge/Junior Sister for Oncology Services

Job Overview

An exceptional opportunity is available for a dedicated and enthusiastic nurse with outstanding communication abilities.

We invite you to become a vital member of our oncology unit, where you will engage in providing care to patients undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapies. The Millbrook Suite encompasses outpatient consulting areas along with a day care unit.

The day unit, equipped with 10 chairs, caters to patients battling various cancers. We seek individuals eager to showcase their Oncology/Haematology expertise and thrive in this fulfilling environment. Candidates should maintain composure in a fast-paced setting, exhibit teamwork, and prioritize patient safety. Effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team is crucial.

The ideal candidate will possess a passion for delivering high-quality care, demonstrate flexibility, and show a commitment to enhancing service quality.

In return, we offer exceptional learning and development opportunities, supporting your personal growth through regular development planning and educational initiatives.

As part of the countywide service delivering anti-cancer treatments, occasional travel between sites may be required.

Main Responsibilities

Assist the Nurse Manager in providing clinical and managerial guidance to all staff while overseeing the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) service, ensuring that systems and processes are updated as necessary.

Be professionally and clinically accountable for patients within the unit, ensuring a high standard of care and maintaining effective communication between patients and the organization.

Contribute to the advancement of clinical practices in alignment with departmental, trust, and national guidelines, positively communicating these to junior colleagues. Maintain a consistent and motivated approach to service delivery and act as a resource for the Trust.

Be prepared to travel between day units to provide assistance as needed.

About Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Our mission is straightforward - Putting Patients First. We are in search of exceptional individuals who can help us realize this vision.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a prominent acute and specialized hospital trust that offers a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialized services to a broader population in Herefordshire and beyond.

Operating from three sites, our workforce exceeds 7,000 dedicated staff members, recognized for delivering outstanding patient-centered care. You could be one of them.

We are committed to attracting the best talent to work with us in achieving our vision of providing the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move forward. Our core values, which we expect all staff to embody, are central to our daily operations.

Objectives:

• Delivering the best services for local communities
• Ensuring the best experience of care and outcomes for our patients
• Optimizing resource utilization
• Recruiting and retaining the best personnel

We believe in continuous improvement, and our Clinical Services Strategy outlines a clear vision for our Trust, hospitals, services, and our role within the broader health and care system.

Job Responsibilities

Assist in the daily management of the department and oversee operations in the absence of the Chemotherapy Unit Manager, including patient coordination, staff break allocation, and serving as a key liaison with consultants and the pharmacy team.

Evaluate patients for chemotherapy to ensure their physical condition and blood parameters are suitable for safe treatment according to established protocols, liaising with medical staff as necessary.

Administer and dispose of intravenous and chemotherapy agents safely in accordance with Trust and National Guidelines.

Provide comprehensive information regarding treatment and potential side effects to ensure patients are well-prepared for their specific therapies and obtain informed consent.

Offer one-on-one and telephone support to patients and their families regarding treatment side effects and management, ensuring care is tailored to individual needs.

Utilize effective communication skills to enhance patient understanding and adapt information to their specific circumstances throughout their treatment journey.

Collaborate with other healthcare professionals within both hospital and community settings to ensure seamless patient care transitions.

Recognize and provide the necessary psychological and emotional support for patients and their families during treatment, referring them to other professionals as needed.

Assess patients with challenging venous access and recommend alternative access methods to ensure safe treatment delivery.

Ensure the safe administration of chemotherapy regimens in accordance with Trust protocols.

Provide follow-up care and maintenance for central venous lines, advising other healthcare professionals as appropriate to ensure proper care in line with Trust policy.

Administer other intravenous therapies, such as blood and bisphosphonates, according to established protocols to ensure safe delivery.

Monitor and initiate care to address or prevent treatment reactions and complications, including administering prophylactic agents.

Engage in discussions with senior nursing and medical colleagues regarding developments and changes affecting patient care.

Assist the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in compiling duty rosters and ensuring staff allocation is organized according to experience and skill mix to effectively manage workload and patient needs.

Participate in staff recruitment, retention, training, and education initiatives.

Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in creating a conducive learning environment that meets university requirements, ensuring systems are in place for teaching, supervision, and assessment of all learners.

Assist in the development of staff induction and teaching programs.

Ensure systems are established for mentorship, preceptorship, and clinical supervision.

Ensure preceptorship periods are maintained within agreed timeframes and that accelerated progression is applied as appropriate for newly qualified staff.

Ensure all staff undergo competency assessments initially and regularly in line with Corporate Nursing recommendations.

Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in performance reviews and development needs assessments in line with departmental objectives.

Facilitate opportunities for staff support, guidance, advice, and counseling.

Assist in managing annual leave for all staff according to local and Trust policy to meet service needs.

Maintain an up-to-date understanding of clinical and professional developments within nursing, particularly in specialty areas.

Provide guidance and teaching for nursing staff who are not experienced in the specialty, implementing and monitoring patient care plans.

Act in a supportive capacity to other senior staff and their teams by providing education and information to assist in caring for trauma and other specialty outliers.

Experience Requirements

Essential:

• Proven post-registration experience at Band 5
• Demonstrated clinical experience in clinical haematology/oncology nursing delivering chemotherapy

Desirable:

• Evidence of management/leadership skills and autonomous practice
• Experience in teaching both formally and informally

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

• Expert clinical skills in the specialty
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues across health and social care settings
• Good IT skills
• Able to undertake extended roles
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Good understanding of research and audit

Desirable:

• Experience in writing protocols/standards
• Able to supervise and demonstrate potential to lead
• Knowledge of professional and NHS issues and policies related to cancer

Qualifications

Essential:

• Registered nurse Part 1
• 1st level degree or working towards
• Completion of chemotherapy administration course or SACT passport

Desirable:

• Post-registration qualification in relevant specialty (palliative care/Oncology/Chemotherapy)
• Recognized NMC teaching and assessing qualification
• Advanced communication course training