Outstanding Care, Outstanding Careers
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Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity to expand our senior chemotherapy nursing team at DCH. This will include chemotherapy and other systemic anti-cancer agents (SACT).
The post holder will have varied responsibilities with a focus on leadership and delivery of SACT nurse education, outreach SACT service, leading on policy review for SACT and leading and delivering a PICC insertion service.
The post holder will work closely with the chemotherapy nurse team, the acute oncology team and the lead cancer nurse.
This role is currently based on a Monday to Friday rota, with normal office hours but the successful applicant will be expected to consider 7 day working in the future if the need arises to meet the demands of the service.
Main duties of the job
The Macmillan SACT Clinical Nurse Specialist will work closely with the Senior Chemotherapy Sister and the Acute Oncology Nurse to deliver an ever-growing patient centred chemotherapy service to adults with cancer in West Dorset.
The post holder will be based at DCH but will be expected to travel to outreach community hospitals to deliver outreach SACT service as part of a nurse rota. The Clinical Nurse Specialist will take the lead on the outreach SACT service.
The post holder will have responsibility for nurse education in relation to training and developing junior registered nurses in all aspects of SACT delivery and care at local level and will participate in regional chemotherapy education .
The role will also involve delivery of annual chemotherapy updates for trained chemotherapy nurses at local level.
The post holder will be competent in PICC insertion and care and will support new nurses to develop these skills.
The post holder will have a wealth of skills and knowledge in relation to all aspects of SACT including patient education, patient assessment, and administration of SACT and management of complications and will use this knowledge to deliver direct patient care, review and development of policies and procedures and developing staff.
There is an expectation that the SACT CNS will provide occasional support to the acute oncology nursing service.
Working for our organisation
The hospital values staff welfare and, being a district general hospital, there is a sense of friendliness and inclusivity which are part of its core values
The post holder is an integral member of the cancer nursing team at DCH with close working relationships with the chemotherapy unit team and the oncology pharmacy service in particular.
The post holder’s place of work will be in the chemotherapy unit at DCH but they will be expected to support nurses in other areas of the Trust where their expertise is required including the cancer and haematology in-patient ward, medical day unit, ICU and community hospitals for outreach SACT service.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Be responsible for the delivery of expert care of patients who are receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT), including cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This will include:
Formal assessment of toxicities using nationally recognised tools.
Lead on SACT related projects and work streams.
Be responsible for the administration of SACT treatments for adults with cancer and haematological malignancy at Dorset County Hospital in line with the cytotoxic operational policy.
Co-ordinate and administer cytotoxic treatments for non-cancer patients at Dorset County Hospital where staff are not deemed competent in other areas.
Delivery of face to face education and support to patients and their families who are starting SACT or changing to a new protocol.
Be an expert in all aspects of CVC care and be competent at PICC placement for patients with cancer and haematological malignancy.
Take responsibility as the Clinical Nurse Specialist who leads on the Trusts adherence to Quality Standards in relation to chemotherapy, including playing a key role in the service review process.
In collaboration with lead chemotherapy clinician and senior chemotherapy Sister, ensure the Trust adheres to national and local intrathecal chemotherapy policies.
Ensure all SACT and related Trust policies are reviewed and updated as per Trust guidelines.
Lead on the delivery of the chemotherapy education for nursing staff, including teaching, supervision in practice and assessment of knowledge and skills. This includes chemotherapy in cancer and non-cancer settings.
Provide cross-cover for the acute oncology nurse in periods of absence.
Lead on the planning and implementation of an out of hospital SACT delivery service.
To represent DCH chemotherapy nursing services at regional network meetings where indicated.
Person specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential criteria
Registration on Part 1 or 12 of NMC Register (RGN or RN Adult)
First level degree in health related subject or relevant clinical experience
Recognised post registration qualifications in Oncology and / or Haematology
Teaching Qualification or equivalent
Recognised cytotoxic chemotherapy training and competence
Leadership qualification
Desirable criteria
Non-medical prescribing qualification
Health Assessment / Physical Examination qualification
IR(ME)R training
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential criteria
Significant and recent post-registration acute nursing experience
Significant and recent experience in related speciality at grade 6 or above
Evidence of leading, motivating and supporting a team
Experience of providing education and training
Experience of presenting to others
Experience of managing resources
Experience of delegating workload and monitoring progress
Experience of managing change
Experience at administration of chemotherapy and other SACT
Recent experience in dealing with care of immuno-compromised patient
Recent experience in dealing with oncological emergencies
Recent experience in dealing with care of patient receiving chemotherapy
Recent experience in dealing with care of Central Venous Catheters including tunnelled lines and PICC lines
Recent experience in dealing with experience of dealing with patients and family over the telephone
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential criteria
Broad knowledge base of cancer and its treatment
Ability to communicate effectively
Listening / psychological assessment skills
Knowledge of the principles of confidentiality
Ability to provide leadership
Ability to manage resources effectively
Skills in identifying and providing training for a team
Administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy
Cannulation and phlebotomy
Use of central venous access devices
Assertiveness skills
Ability to work as part of a team and project a positive image
Experience of electronic prescribing and oncology management system
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
