Job Description
An opportunity has arisen for a chemotherapy nurse to work in the chemotherapy suite in the Primrose Unit.
The post holder will be responsible for administering and caring for patients receiving systemic anti-cancer treatment along with delivering high standards of specialist cancer and palliative care within the Macmillan Primrose Unit at Bedford Hospital NHS Trust.
Supervising and supporting junior staff, students and health care assistants and working as part of a multi professional cancer care team
You will need to possess excellent communication and organisational skills, and be trained in the administration of chemotherapy and related treatments,
You will need to provide specialised nursing care whilst working within a multi-disciplinary team. In addition to demonstrating a high standard of clinical work when assessing, implementing and evaluating patient care.
Act as a professional role model and provide facilitative and effective clinical leadership
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
MAIN DUTIES:
- To ensure that care is delivered as per Trust and unit/ward policies.
- To participate in the ‘Induction/Preceptorship packages’ as applicable after appropriate training.
- To ensure that custody, administration and recording of drugs are in accordance with Trust Policy, Unit / Regional Guidelines for Cytotoxic medication and NMC guidelines.
- To follow unit policy on extravasation of cytotoxic drugs and anaphylaxis as appropriate and when required.
- To inform Unit/Ward Manager of any matters affecting the professional standard of patient care.
- To adhere to the guidelines within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
NURSING ORGANISATION
- To supervise the professional work of junior nursing staff.
- To support other team members in their professional work.
- To participate in the Cancer Network peer review process.
- To be aware of current issues and policies within the Trust and the Unit/Ward.
- To assist the Unit/Ward Manager with the cost-effective use of resources in patient care delivery.
STANDARD OF CARE
- To take part in the development of practice guidelines within the Unit/Ward.
- To assist Unit/ward Manager in identifying, implementing and monitoring the standards of care.
- To be competent in Cannulation and Phlebotomy.
- Participate in audit, research and clinical trials within the unit and network.
- To participate in research activities within the clinical setting.
- To promote and implement evidenced based practices within the unit/ward as appropriate and relevant.
- To be aware of the patient as an individual and adopt a holistic approach in the delivery of care.
- To attend meetings as designated by the Departmental Manager.
- To provide support and advice to patients and their relatives when being given news about a diagnosis, prognosis or specialist treatment options relating to oncology.
- To provide counselling to patients experiencing anxiety, fear or confusion relating to their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plans.
- Dealing with occasional unpleasant conditions such as bodily fluids and violence and aggression
- To risk assess all patients and carry out manual handling as per Trust Policy
- Autonomously follow unit policy for Nurse Led Clinics to ensure that patients undergoing oral chemotherapy are fit to continue with their next course of treatment referring on to the patients’ consultant if concerned.
- Unsupervised administration of chemotherapy within the defined clinical area,
- Follow unit policy to ensure that patients undergoing Intravenous Chemotherapy are fit to continue with treatment referring on to the patients’ consultant if concerned.
- Follow unit / network protocols for oncology emergencies eg neutropenia
- Triage patients via telephone helpline for oncology emergencies and act accordingly unsupervised.
- Prioritise own workload.
- Respond to medical emergencies administering emergency treatment for conditions such as cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis.
- Liaise with patients and Medical Staff including GPs relating to oncology issues.
COMMUNICATION
- To communicate effectively within the multidisciplinary team throughout the Unit/Ward and Trust.
- Impart specialist information to patients and their carers’ in an open and honest way.
- To co-ordinate patient care and liaise effectively with other disciplines involved
- To maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- To liaise and communicate effectively with patients and relatives regarding their care and treatment.
- To adhere to the NMC guidelines for ‘Records and Record Keeping’.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- To be aware of the current Trust Health and Safety policies and practice in accordance with these policies.
- To attend yearly statutory training in fire, manual handling, infection control and Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation.
- To report and investigate in conjunction with the Unit Manager incident/accidents to staff, patients and visitors.
- To report any defective or faulty equipment to Unit Manager or Nurse in charge as appropriate.
- To ensure proper care, ordering of stock and usage of equipment in the Unit/Ward.
EDUCATION
- To assist with and participate in the in-service training programme (included staff orientation programme) to enhance patient care e.g. PiCC Line Study days for ward / department staff.
- To maintain and up-date own professional development using peer review and audits to evidence development.
- To mentor/supervise student nurses and assist with their objectives.
- To supervise qualified and unqualified staff.
- To attend yearly pre-registration assessment update sessions.
- To report on study days/courses attended to other members of unit/ward.
MANAGEMENT
- To attend and contribute regularly to unit/ward meetings.
- To participate in objectives setting and yearly Individual Performance Review.
- To take on projects/assignments designated by the Unit/Ward Manager.
- To actively manage oncology clinics on a day to day basis in all areas of the department areas to ensure all clinics are booked and run efficiently.
- To manage overbooked clinics and liaising with consultants and nursing staff to run additional clinics.