Nurse Specialist in Chemotherapy Services

Job Overview

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

We invite you to become a vital member of our chemotherapy unit, where you will engage in delivering high-quality care. The Millbrook Suite encompasses outpatient consulting facilities alongside a day care unit.

The 10-chaired day unit provides care for patients undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapies. We seek individuals eager to showcase their Oncology/Haematology expertise in this fulfilling setting. Candidates should maintain composure in a dynamic environment, demonstrate 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 superior care, a flexible mindset, and a commitment to enhancing service quality.

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

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

Main Responsibilities

Assist the Nurse Manager in providing clinical and managerial leadership to the team and in the delivery of the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) service, ensuring that systems and processes are regularly updated.

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

Contribute to the advancement of clinical practices in line 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.

Travel between day units may be required to provide assistance as needed.

About Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

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

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

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

We are dedicated to recruiting the best talent to help us achieve our vision - collaborating to provide the best healthcare for our communities while leading and supporting our teams to move forward. Our core behaviors, which we expect all staff to embody, are integral to our daily operations.

Objectives:

• Delivering the best services for local populations
• Ensuring the best patient care experience and outcomes
• Optimizing resource utilization
• Attracting and retaining the best talent

We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to embedding flexible working practices within our organization.

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 acting 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 and liaise with medical staff as necessary.

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

Provide information regarding treatment and potential side effects to prepare each patient adequately and obtain informed consent.

Offer one-on-one and telephone support to patients and their families concerning treatment side effects and management to ensure personalized care.

Utilize effective communication skills to enhance patient understanding and tailor information to their specific needs throughout the treatment process.

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 when appropriate.

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 needed to ensure proper care.

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 fostering 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 in place for mentorship, preceptorship, and clinical supervision.

Monitor preceptorship periods to ensure they remain within agreed timeframes and apply accelerated progression for newly qualified staff as appropriate.

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

Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in conducting performance reviews and addressing development needs in alignment with departmental objectives.

Facilitate opportunities for staff support, guidance, and counseling.

Assist in managing annual leave for all staff in accordance with local and Trust policies to meet service needs.

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

Provide guidance and education for nursing staff who may lack experience in the specialty, assisting in the implementation and monitoring of patient care plans.

Act as a supportive resource for other senior staff and their teams by providing education and information to assist in the care of trauma and other specialty outliers.

Experience Requirements

Essential:

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

Desirable:

• Evidence of management and leadership skills along with autonomous practice
• Experience in formal and informal teaching

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

• Expert clinical skills in the specialty
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication abilities
• Capacity to build effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues across health and social care settings
• Proficient IT skills
• Able to undertake extended roles
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Solid understanding of research and audit processes

Desirable:

• Experience in writing protocols and standards
• Able to supervise and demonstrate potential leadership
• Knowledge of professional and NHS policies related to cancer care

Qualifications

Essential:

• Registered Nurse Part 1
• 1st level degree or in progress
• 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