Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly established triage nursing team within the Acute Oncology Service to specialise as an Acute Oncology Triage Nurse Adviser. This post will specialise in triaging acutely unwell haemo-oncology patients calling via Chemotherapy helpline.
This role will be integral in supporting planned initiative to support an Oncology SDEC in the near future
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and compassionate nurse, with a strong work ethic, and drive to make a difference for our Oncology patients and families.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced nurse, with triaging skills, and knowledge/experience in acute medicine, emergency department and oncology nursing. Due to the complex nature of cancer, we are looking for someone with previous oncology and acute experience and ideally a broad knowledge of patients admitted with complications of disease and complication of SACTs.
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
If you have previously applied within the last 3 months, you need not reapply.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as part of the Acute Oncology Team with specific role in triaging and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and ensuring patients escalated for emergency assessment and review as indicated.
The post holder will be ultimately responsible for covering triage and expected to work support assessments and specialist advise on admission or presentation to hospital, as appropriate. In addition, to this role the post holder will be an integral part of the acute oncology team and support 7-day Acute Oncology service and support the development of planned Acute SDEC as required.
They will work alongside the Acute Medical teams on both hospital sites, contributing to the delivery and evaluation of evidence-based patient care. . The role will be innovative and encompass all aspects of the patient care pathway, acting as a triage nurse adviser and support to patients and families, supporting information and assistance to carers both within the formal/informal setting. The role is an evolving role and has opportunities for development with new planned acute oncology SDEC unit in the near future.
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
o At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefitso Blue Light card eligibilityo And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email mtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.net if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email mtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.net if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Level 1 Registration in Adult Nursing
- First level degree or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Post-registration training in oncology, SACTs or acute care
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Post-registration experience in oncology, chemotherapy
- In-depth knowledge of the issues surrounding the scope of professional practice and accountability
- Understanding of the principles and processes involved in Clinical Governance
- Knowledge of antic0-systemic cancer treatments (SACTs)
- Experience of triaging face to face and via telephone
Desirable
- Experience of acute medical/emergency department nursing
- Experience of breaking bad news.
- Sound knowledge of palliative care, emergencies and the management of these
- Working knowledge of the use of research in developing nursing care for oncology patients
Skills
Essential
- Proven ability to communicate with patients
- Competent and experience triage skills
- Able to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate specialist individualised and evidence-based nursing care
- Able to interpret blood test and other test results, escalate as appropriate.
- Able to assess patient problems on the telephone and make necessary judgement about whether to arrange admission and/or give symptom control advice.
- Ability to demonstrate a problem- solving approach
Desirable
- Confidence in breaking bad news to patients and families.
- Experience of audit, benchmarking or research and the ability to use results to inform change and development
- Demonstrates change management skills
- Competent in the use Excel spreadsheets to evidence audit results
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Level 1 Registration in Adult Nursing
- First level degree or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Post-registration training in oncology, SACTs or acute care
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Post-registration experience in oncology, chemotherapy
- In-depth knowledge of the issues surrounding the scope of professional practice and accountability
- Understanding of the principles and processes involved in Clinical Governance
- Knowledge of antic0-systemic cancer treatments (SACTs)
- Experience of triaging face to face and via telephone
Desirable
- Experience of acute medical/emergency department nursing
- Experience of breaking bad news.
- Sound knowledge of palliative care, emergencies and the management of these
- Working knowledge of the use of research in developing nursing care for oncology patients
Skills
Essential
- Proven ability to communicate with patients
- Competent and experience triage skills
- Able to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate specialist individualised and evidence-based nursing care
- Able to interpret blood test and other test results, escalate as appropriate.
- Able to assess patient problems on the telephone and make necessary judgement about whether to arrange admission and/or give symptom control advice.
- Ability to demonstrate a problem- solving approach
Desirable
- Confidence in breaking bad news to patients and families.
- Experience of audit, benchmarking or research and the ability to use results to inform change and development
- Demonstrates change management skills
- Competent in the use Excel spreadsheets to evidence audit results
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
