Staff Nurse

Job summary

Palatine Ambulatory Care and Withington Ward is a hybrid unit, which predominantly caters for Haematology-Oncology as well as Teenage and Young Adult Oncology patients, receiving ambulatory systemic anti-cancer treatment. This unit has a dual aspect comprising of outpatient ambulatory patients and state-of-the-art 4-inpatient beds in a collaboration between the haematology and transplant service and the teenage and young adult (TYA) service, providing high quality care for adult patients with hematological malignancies and over 16-year-old TYAs with all types of cancer.

We are a 4 bedded ward with specialist side rooms for isolating immune compromised patients. We give specialist chemotherapy, immunotherapy and cell therapy supported by through training process and clinical practice facilitators. We work in small teams to provide 24-hour care to both give therapy, provide symptom control, treat sepsis and holistically care for the individuals in our care.

You will be encouraged to expand and develop your knowledge, skills and competencies within a supportive and friendly environment. Whilst haematology-oncology/general oncology experience is not necessary, there must be a willingness to learn about the specialty including stem cell transplants. However, full training will be provided within a recognised framework in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, The Christie Policies, working in a JACIE accredited environment.

Main duties of the job

Working hours are 24/7 at 07:30 to 20:00 or 20:00-07:30 over 7 days, including bank holidays, with some additional shifts varying from 8am-4pm or 10am-6pm.

A nurse on the unit would be expected to be trained up to given stem cell and systemic anti-cancer infusions, bolus chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The role will include administering multiple lines of oral and intravenous medication to our immunocompromised patients, monitoring the vital signs and fluid balance. Escalating concerns to senior nurses and medical team and communicating with wider multidisciplinary team.

The role would further include the education of patients as they undertake ambulatory chemotherapy, which enables the patient to go home with chemotherapy and/or supportive treatments post chemotherapy, therefore you would need to develop an in-depth understanding of all the regimes and protocols.

We are looking for a nurse with well-developed communications skills, enthusiasm to learn, who is self-motivated and who has excellent time management skills. An interest in haematology and caring for TYA patients is essential.

Inhouse training is offered within a supernumerary period for all new starters. A team of clinical practice facilitators will work alongside new colleagues as well as peer support from nursing mentor.

About us

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Professional

1. As part of the team help to achieve and maintain a high standard of patient care and take individual responsibility for the nursing care of a group of patients as a Registered Nurse, ensuring privacy & dignity is maintained whilst being aware of physical and psychological needs

2. Welcome patients and introduce them to the ward/ ambulatory care unit and ensure they are offered a welcome booklet.

3. To be aware of the needs of relatives, and offer support, advice and direction to most appropriate supporting agencies.

4. To give and receive a clear and accurate update at change of duties and ensure accurate documentation of nursing interventions

5. To participate in the rehabilitation of patients and offer relatives any necessary instructions and support.

6. Ensure that prescribed drugs and treatments are stored and administered correctly and in accordance with the Hospital Procedure and Policy.

7. To liaise with medical and para-medical personnel and community organisations to ensure timely and safe discharges and transfers.

8. Administer blood products correctly and in accordance with Hospital Procedure and Policy.

9. Undertake national training programmes and in line with Trust policies to administer both infusional and bolus chemotherapy via established central lines and peripheral cannula

10. Assist in the checking of and safe administration of intrathecal chemotherapy according to national guidelines and trust policy.

11. Participate in nursing procedures appropriate to the department

12. Ensure the safe and timely through put of patients, liaising closely with the ward/ unit co-ordinator, medical staff, specialist and research nurses, bed manager and other staff as appropriate.

13. Provide a supportive role within the Unit for nursing, medical and clerical staff

14. To liaise as needed with referring hospitals, GPs and community nursing teams.

15. To follow the correct procedure when notifying relatives of seriously ill patients and those who have died.

16. Be prepared to learn new skills and perform procedures required of the role..

17. To participate in the Palatine Treatment Centre rotation programme as required

18. Support and assist in the induction/training of junior staff/Health Care Assistants acting as mentor to designated staff

19. To highlight areas of improvement/development within the department and undertake relevant projects

20. Assist in the provision of meals / refreshments for patients.

21. Help to maintain a safe environment and report faults/risks etc to the nurse in charge

22. Liaise with staff member responsible for stores/stationery and ordering and assist in the maintenance of stock levels

23. To participate in internal rotation to night duty, weekend work and long day shifts as routinely required

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Lead by example and act as a positive role model for all staff, taking responsibility for own professional development.

2. To complete the Ward/Unit introductory pack and all other training packages assisted by the Clinical Practice facilitator team

3. Complete Principles and Practice of Intravenous Skills Programme and Cannulation Skills Training and update as required

4. Attend all mandatory training study days and undertake/ update all e-learning in accordance with Trust and Unit guidance

5. Participate in the theoretical and practical professional instruction and support of all learners.

6. Undertake and maintain UKONS SACT Administration Skills

6. Monitor the progress of learners, in particular, their skills in carrying out practical procedures

7. Participate in all Palatine Treatment Centre training for JACIE and HTA accreditation

8. Utilise Q pulse quality management system in order to access and adhere to standard operating procedures

PERSONAL

1. Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner at all time and help create and promote a good working relationship and promote the unit aims and objectives and Trust Values

2. Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information both at work and outside of working hours, ensure information governance training is undertaken annually and endorsed

4. To be aware of and adhere to all policies including; sickness and absence, confidentiality, uniform and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work act and be familiar with all risk assessments pertinent to the ward and unit.

5. Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy

6. To show respect for members of the team and endorse the ward/ units philosophy of giving mutual support

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

RGN level 1 Degree or diploma in Health Care Studies

Desirable

Evidence of post registration education in oncology or haematology

Experience

Essential

Post qualification clinical experience

Desirable

Haematology/ oncology TYA experience

Skills

Essential

Computer literate Organisational Communication Team working

Desirable

Venepuncture Cannulation Chemotherapy

Knowledge

Essential

Understanding of need for evidence based practice. Willingness to undertake further training

Desirable

Understanding of main haematology oncology disease groups Knowledge of care of patients receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments

Values

Essential

Positive approach to work Caring attitude Willing to learn

Other

Essential

Team player Flexibility in shifts- hr shifts, weekend work and night duty is required

Desirable

Leadership skills

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