Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity to recruit to the role of Acute Oncology (AO) Clinical Nurse Specialist. This is a Macmillan badged role and would suit an Adult Registered Nurse who enjoys a challenge, and prides themselves on providing excellent patient care. There is opportunity for either a currently qualified Acute Oncology Nurse at band 7, or for a budding Acute Oncology Nurse to be recruited at Band 6, who ideally has at least 2 years experience in an acute setting including experience of caring for patients affected by cancer. This development role would support knowledge and skills acquirement supporting their career to that of Band 7. Support and training will be given to the successful candidate to help them achieve this.
The successful candidate will work with existing team members to deliver a high standard acute oncology service at DCH. The service provides acute care and support for those people affected by cancer. The post holder will also play an active role in the education and support of other clinical teams involved in caring for patients with cancer.
There will be opportunity for masters level education and support will be given to undertake courses to support this extended role, such as HAPE (Enhanced Assessment Skills for Clinical Practice) and non medical prescribing amongst other elements to support in role.
Main duties of the job
Includes:
* Telephone assessment and triage using the UKONS triage tool kit.
* Follow-up of calls made to the acute oncology triage phone.
* Post a patient's unexpected attendance, but not admission, follow up as assessed appropriate as per National Guidance.
* Face to face assessment of patients presenting to DCH as an emergency with problems relating to their cancer or treatment or those invited in for AO review post triage assessment.
* Care planning, treatment and evaluation of care for patients with cancer who present with acute problems.
* The support of patients who attend DCH and are found to have a new diagnosis of potential brain tumour, until accepted by Tertiary Centre. Additionally, patients who are found to have a new Malignancy of Unknown Origin.
* Advice and guidance to medical and nursing staff.
* Delivery of acute oncology education and support to both specialist and non-specialist staff in the acute trust and in out of hospital care settings.
* Audit and service development
The list is not exhaustive and no two days are the same.
Working for our organisation
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria
* Must be a Registered Nurse in the UK on part 2 of the NMC Register (Adult)
* Education to degree level in health -related subject
* Post registration specialist certification – ideally haematology/oncology
* Evidence of continued professional development
* Non-Medical prescriber (or willingness to undertake)
* Masters level module in Acute oncology (or willingness to undertake
* Enhanced Physical examination skills (HAPE) qualification (or willingness to undertake)
* Recognised advanced communication skills qualification (or willingness to undertake)
* Able to undertake appropriate imaging requests post patient review and maintain IRMER training (or willingness to undertake)
Desirable criteria
* Significant recent experience of working within the field of acute oncology/haemato-oncology
* SACT administration/care of chemotherapy patients
* Experience of clinical audit and/or utilisation of research skills
* Relevant teaching qualification
* Experience in developing and/or reviewing standards/policies
* Education/teaching experience in practice
* Undertaking ACCEND/AO Passport (or willingness to)
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
* Recent experience of working in an acute environment
* Experience in a nursing role of managing complex patients
* High levels of resilience in the workplace
* Significant post registration nursing experience in acute hospital nursing
* Experience working within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable criteria
* Experience of care of central venous catheters
* Experience of telephone/Face to face triage
skills and abilities
Essential criteria
* Ability to handle distressing situations with sensitivity and empathy
* Excellent Computer/ IT skills
* Venepuncture and cannulation skills (or willingness to undertake)
* Able to demonstrate motivation of self and others
* Ability to assess and plan individual care needs in partnership with patients/their carers
Desirable criteria
* Ability to work across the multidisciplinary health and social care team