Job responsibilities
Clinical
Provide high-quality specialist oncology nursing care to Head and Neck Cancer patients by delivering evidence-based, individualised patient care according to patients changing health care needs
Undertake nurse led assessment of patients needs within the Head and Neck speciality, co-ordinating the patients journey from point of referral at time of diagnosis and beyond, including participating in nurse led clinics
Directly deliver, coordinate and supervise patient care, ensuring that the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care is of high standard, encompassing the Trust vision of best care for everyone
Deliver, demonstrate and supervise safe and appropriate care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using highly specialised equipment and resources
Uses advanced communication skills in all aspects of patient assessment, care and support
Provide emotional and psychological support to Head and Neck Cancer patients and their carers
Maintain visibility within the clinical area, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership
Work alongside the Head and Neck CNS team as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce
Work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families and provide high standards of care
Participate in the implementation of any clinical initiative
Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff
Provide links between patients and other support networks through referrals
Management
Work alongside the Lead Head &Neck CNS, matron, consultants and wider Head and Neck team to determine and deliver on strategic service objectives
Provide advice, support and leadership within clinical teams ensuring high standards of patient care
Act as a resource for all staff, disseminating clinical skills and knowledge both to trust staff and within the primary care setting through verbal and written communication
Act within the agreed standard operational procedures and support the development of new working practices as appropriate
Work alongside the Lead Head &Neck CNS to develop and implement action plans to achieve key performance indicators and ensure high standards of care
Escalate concerns through appropriate channels, ensuring patient safety and care standards are maintained
Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients, relatives and staff and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices
Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective
Leadership
Jointly lead on maximising the opportunities to develop a highly skilled, motivated and engaged workforce which continually strives to improve patient, relative and staff experience
Demonstrate a positive and pro-active approach to the on-going support and development of registered nurses and registered dental nurses and other staff members
Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow
Maintain a creative, yet measured approach to service developments and use effective leadership skills to ensure effective change
Encourage and promote a shared leadership model, enabling and empowering others, of all grades, to take the lead with various initiatives within Head and Neck services and the wider Trust whilst clearly demonstrating the Trust leadership values and behaviours
Actively support all agreed quality improvements within Head and Neck services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust.
Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within head and neck services
Actively participates in multidisciplinary meetings, acting as the patient advocate and providing clinical nurse specialist input
Actively engages with the cancer management team, Macmillan, the Southwest Cancer Alliance and other partners as appropriate to continuously raise the profile of cancer nursing and promote patient centred services for patients affected by cancer
Work collaboratively with the other Clinical Nurse Specialists within Cancer Services
Communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism and personal qualities
Deliver complex and contentious information to large and small groups sometimes in clinical areas where staff may be reluctant to be involved.
Demonstrate an ability to work cohesively with all members of the Head and Neck team
Communicates sensitive, confidential information to patients, taking in to account the need for empathy, reassurance and compassion
Communicate sensitively with staff members, particularly when needing to lead difficult conversations or manage underperformance
Demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in providing compassionate care for patients, visitors, relatives and colleagues.
Demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and to agreed timescales
Take initiative and demonstrate a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach
Act as a good role model for others to follow to include personal appearance and adherence to Trust uniform policy
Work in a manner to promote the Trust values and core objectives
Work within the Nursing and Midwifery Council code at all times
Maintain own professional development, mandatory training and Nursing and Midwifery Council l revalidation requirements
Always seek advice and support when required and encourage others to do the same
Research and audit
Work in a manner that promotes any audits or research taking place within Head and Neck services, cancer services or the wider Trust as appropriate
Promote and demonstrate the use of evidence-based practice and related policy, procedure and guidelines
Assist in the collection and reporting of data as appropriate to maintain key performance indicators
Support with offering information to patients regarding trial eligibility
Education and training
In conjunction with the Lead Head and Neck CNS, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process
Maintain and continually develop knowledge, competence and skills required to perform the role effectively
Undertake all mandatory training appropriate to role
Be actively involved in and support departmental education programmes
Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non-registered staff in the clinical practice setting
Improving safety, quality and developing practice
Work with staff undertaking audit and research projects. To be involved in making recommendations for changes to management practice and procedures and the implementation of those changes as appropriate.
Contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management
Take joint responsibility for ensuring safe and effective infection, prevention and control measures
Develop and share own knowledge with other members of the wider team both locally and nationally
Identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations. Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources
Understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standard operational procedures, policies, protocols and guidelines relevant to the defined service
Openly question and challenge strategic and operational practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved.
Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working Conditions
Comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times
Required to utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines
Will be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients / objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids
Will have exposure to, and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to, infestations, bodily fluids, infection control, radiation and substances hazardous to health.
Will have regular exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving staff, patients and relatives
Will have regular exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse
Will be required to concentrate for long periods of time
There will be an on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment
Ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff
