Job overview
The post holder is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective specialist nursing care of malignant and non-malignant Haematology patients throughout their cancer journey. This includes recognising and assessing complex needs which may require specialist intervention. They will work autonomously and be accountable for their own professional practice. The post holder will provide support, education and guidance to patients and carers. The haematological Clinical Nurse Specialist is an integral member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and will liaise with and update the team, and act as link between the patient and the MDT as required.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective specialist nursing care of malignant and non-malignant Haematology patients throughout their cancer journey. This includes recognising and assessing complex needs which may require specialist intervention.
They will assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised programmes of evidence-based nursing care for the haematological patient and their families utilising agreed assessment tools in collaboration with other key professionals.
The role requires the nurse to support medical staff in the out-patient department, hospital wards and primary care settings, and act as patient advocate to ensure the delivery of care is focused on the haematology cancer patient and family.
The post holder will support the close monitoring of cancer patients to meet waiting time standards.
They will be actively involved with MDT planning, implementation and outcomes
They must be aware of resources/ referral criteria which enhance the patient/ carer experiences.
After appropriate training carry out bone marrow aspiration and trephine procedures within Trust guidelines.
Working for our organisation
At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES
The post holder is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective specialist nursing care of malignant and non-malignant haematology patients throughout their cancer journey. This includes recognising and assessing complex needs which may require specialist intervention.
They will assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised programmes of evidence-based nursing care for the haematological patient and their families utilising agreed assessment tools in collaboration with other key professionals.
The role requires the nurse to support medical staff in the out-patient department, hospital wards and primary care settings, and act as patient advocate to ensure the delivery of care is focused on the haematological cancer patient and family.
The post holder will support the close monitoring of cancer patients to meet waiting time standards.
They will be actively involved with MDT planning, implementation and outcomes
They must be aware of resources/ referral criteria which enhance the patient/ carer experiences.
After appropriate training carry out bone marrow aspiration and trephine procedures within Trust guidelines.
COMMUNICATION
Acts as a role model for excellent advanced communication skills and expertise.
Demonstrates skills in conflict resolution and competent negotiation skills when dealing with difficult or challenging situations.
Takes personal responsibility for ensuring effective communication between all service providers. Actively participates in multi-professional meetings, acting as patient advocate and representing nursing views.
Communicate effectively with wide range of people in a manner consistent with their level of understanding, culture and background and preferred ways of understanding.
Communicate sensitive and complex information to patients and relatives/carers with empathy and compassion considering, and overcoming, barriers to effective communication.
Maintain comprehensive and accurate assessment and treatment records in line with legal requirements and ensure adherence to information governance.
Able to communicate concise, accurate and clear information to the MDT, patients, families and carers and others, respecting the requirement for confidentiality and sharing only what is necessary.
Defines a clear care pathway, refers to other professionals and sign-posts to other agencies as appropriate.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Provide comprehensive education and advice to patients/ carers and colleagues on issues relating to non-malignant conditions and oncology haematology cancer management.
Help with the development and training needs of student and/ or other members of staff or general public.
Maintain own personal development to meet the requirements of the service, professional developments and research.
ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Be able to work autonomously, prioritise and organise own workload, recognising when to escalate concerns regarding workload/cover in a timely and solution-focused manner.
Be able to work as part of a large multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and adapt to the role of mediator/ protagonist to improve service provision.
Be aware of legislation/ DOH white papers/ local and national cancer strategies and their effect on service provision for non-malignant and oncology haematology cancer patients and their families.
Be aware of budgetary controls and ensure the economical use of resources, supplies and equipment.
Be flexible and aware of the need to cover clinics/ colleagues/ services within Haematology Services across East Lancashire Hospitals Trust e.g. moving from base to base within the working week or day.
Ensure all patients have Holistic Needs Assessments, Information Prescriptions (or equivalent information) and Treatment Summaries at all key stages of their clinical pathway.
Participate in and undertake clinical audit to aid service development.
Participate in the development and implementation of clinical and operational guidelines and policies with other members of the team and review them on a regular basis.
Lead and contribute to the formulation of patient information.
To contribute towards achieving the Quality Surveillance Information System standards
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure continued effective registration with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) and be aware of the NMC’S code of professional conduct, and be accountable for one’s own actions.
Be aware of the NMC’S Scope of Professional Practice and ensure competency to undertake duties as allocated.
The post holder must be confident and competent to work autonomously from the outset as a haematology CNS for this service.
To maintain precise nursing documentation relating to patient care and ensure that all clinical and legal documents completed are both accurate and legible and always maintain confidentiality.
Further to successful completion of non-medical prescribing training the post-holder will prescribe medications within their scope of practice and competency for patients in their care, following assessment of need and locally agreed guidelines and formularies.
Person specification
knowledge and skills
Essential criteria
* Evidence of continued professional development
* Able to influence and overcome resistance
Desirable criteria
* Able to analyse data
Personal attributes
Essential criteria
* confident and competent to make clinical decisions
* Adaptable
* Effective time manager
Desirable criteria
* car driver
Essential
Essential criteria
* Registered General Nurse
* Has a degree in health-related subject or equivalent and/or a willingness to study at degree/Masters leve
* Willing and able to undertake training/education to improve specialist knowledge and skill
* Clinical experience in haematology or cancer related area
* Has worked effectively both as part of a team and autonomously in previous roles
* Able to influence and overcome resistance through application of advanced communication skills Intermediate IT skills in word processing and spreadsheets
* Able to influence and overcome resistance through application of advanced communication skills Intermediate IT skills in word processing and spreadsheets
* Confident to challenge and discuss differing viewpoints Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision
* Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues across health and social care settings
* Confident and competent to make clinical decisions regarding patient care and raise concerns regarding clinical/service issues
* Solution focused approach
* Effective time manager
* Adaptability
* Ability to travel to cancer network meetings
Desirable criteria
* Advanced/Enhanced Communication Skills training (or equivalent)
* Relevant post-registration qualification in specialist area (i.e. haematology, cancer or palliative care)
* Teaching and assessing qualification
* Specialist palliative care experience and /or knowledge of end of life referral and care pathways
* Experience of teaching and assessing in clinical area
* Experience of clinical trials
* Participation in service development and implementation of change
* Understanding of national cancer targets and their impact on the role
* Experience of undertaking audit
* Able to analyse data and provide written reports