Staff Nurse - Haematology Oncology Day Unit (Band 5)

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain a high standard of nursing care for ill patients in accordance with Airedale Hospital Trusts guidelines and protocols.

Contribute towards the development of clinical practice by participating in practice, and self-development programmes on the unit.

Clinical

Performance standards

The post holder will:

• Demonstrate an ability to prioritise and organise clinical workload.
• Exercise initiative when caring for patients.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills and work effectively as a team member.
• Liaise with senior colleagues to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual plans of care for the acutely ill patient.
• Prioritise and organise workload to ensure continuity of care and treatment throughout the shift.
• Demonstrate professional accountability and work within own limitations.
• Maintain accurate legal records of care.
• Demonstrate a thorough and concise verbal handover which reflects the care and treatment given to the patient over the course of a shift.
• Keep the senior nurse informed of untoward incidents and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with the Trusts policies.
• Participate in the audit and evaluation of clinical practice in the interests of quality care.

Role Specifics:

1. To assess patients ensuring they are fit for receiving chemotherapy by using specialist assessment tools, supported by senior members of the team.
2. Participate in the processes of educating and discussing with patients and their carers' chemotherapy treatment.
3. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate effective nursing care and support for patients and their carers receiving chemotherapy or supportive treatment for Oncology/ Haematology conditions and cancer in accordance with evidenced based standards, policies and procedures set.
4. Working to agreed protocols commence chemotherapy procedure.
5. Monitor patients progress, ensuring accurate record of all relevant observations and take appropriate action in the event of a clinical incident e.g. extravasation
6. Facilitated by the CNS and following competency assessment, under the scope of professional practice, take on the required HODU practices of cannulation, care for central venous catheters and administration of intravenous drug and chemotherapy treatments, both infusional and bolus, to fulfil job role. The post holder will require knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the vein.
7. Working in conjunction with the Research Nurses ensure patients enrolled in research trials adhere strictly to the trial protocols and collect and record the required data necessary.
8. Partake in nurse led discharge as per defined criteria which will include compiling discharge letters under the supervision of the Clinical Nurse Practitioners.
9. Liaise effectively with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, other health care professionals, primary care and voluntary agencies to ensure patients receive comprehensive integrated care.
10. To liaise with the Multi-disciplinary team regarding day unit patients.
11. To give support and advice to general wards and departments regarding chemotherapy regimens and assist with CVAD care and maintenance
12. Act as the patients advocate
13. Report any clinical incidents and concerns promptly
14. Organise own workload ensuring effective use of time
15. Participate in any shift patterns
16. Ensure equipment is in good working order and report promptly any defects.
17. To respond to patients, relatives and carers concerns as they arise and take appropriate action
18. Communicate effectively with patients and carers to promote a positive patient involvement and experience which will help patients make informed choices

Administrative

1. Maintain effective and accurate patient records in accordance with national and local standards.
2. Document all accidents, untoward incidents, near misses, theft, complaints, loss or damage of equipment reporting immediately to senior Nursing Staff in accordance with local policies and legislation.
3. Ensure local policy and legislation is adhered to in relation to the custody, ordering and administration of drugs
4. Document accidents, untoward incidents, complaints, loss or damage of equipment or theft, reporting to Unit Manager/Operational manager immediately in accordance with trust policy.

Professional

1. Maintain and develop own practice in accordance with NMC revalidation requirements and personal development plan produced as part of staff development review process
2. Participate in the relevant education of other health care professionals relating to clinical area of practice.
3. Is responsible, as a trained nurse, for the control and administration of medicines within regulations laid down by Airedale NHSF Trust and NMC and national legislation.
4. Acts as an Practice Assessor / Supervisor
5. Be aware of current developments in relevant clinical area of practice and assist in the implementation of evidenced based changes into practice.
6. Be aware of the effective management and control of resources including materials.
7. Participate in audit/research and quality initiatives in collaboration with senior staff to ensure targets are reached and to improve patient experience as designated by the Unit Nurse Manager.
8. To attend relevant specialist courses regarding chemotherapy.
9. Is prepared to present topics of interest, developments, feedback from courses / study days to peers and seniors as requested.
10. To help promote a positive team spirt and collaborative working practice

Qualifications

Essential

• Studied to Diploma level or equivalent
• Registered with NMC
• Completed 6 months preceptorship period following registration
• Recent evidence of study / professional development
• Willing to undertake post registration study

Desirable

• Sc / MSc in Health care studies Recognised teaching qualification
• Cannulation and phlebotomy
• IV drug delivery
• Access to CVADs competencies
• Blood transfusion training
• UKONS SACT Passport
• AIMS / ILS / ALS
• Advanced communications skills

Experience

Essential

• Significant post qualification experience in an NHS acute setting

Desirable

• Relevant experience caring for patients with haematology / oncology conditions
• Experience of administering chemotherapy
• Palliative care knowledge

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of the NHS Constitution & "Understanding the new NHS".
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of health and safety issues

Skills

Essential

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Person - centered approach to assessment and care delivery

Desirable

• Awareness of the UKONS triage process for the assessment of the acutely unwell / deteriorating patient
• Clinical Audit cycle experience
• Understanding of blood analysis & laboratory values
• Computer skills - Systm 1 / Chemo care / e-obs / ePMA / ICE

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).