Overview
To support the registered nurse in tracking and coordinating the patient pathway from the point of diagnosis. This is an administrative post; no direct patient care will be given by the successful applicant.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Identify and address patient/carer general informational needs; signpost to other services as appropriate.
* Review patients on the ward and in the outpatient setting under the direction of the registered nurse.
* Liaise with the MDT coordinator and other healthcare professionals to ensure a seamless service for patients and a smooth transition through the patient pathway.
* Make pre-planned outbound telephone calls to patients to assess ongoing needs and adopt a proactive approach to care.
* Support the registered nurse in coordinating care to facilitate safe and effective discharge.
* Identify changes in patients’ condition/needs and escalate concerns to the registered nurse.
* Coordinate appointments or investigations to fast track patients through the system.
* Advise patients on general self-management strategies and how to self-assess where appropriate.
* Encourage and support healthy lifestyle choices.
* Provide Level 1 psychological support to patients/carers; refer to the registered nurse for specialist needs.
* Recognise and respond appropriately to patient deterioration or emergency situations; alert the registered nurse for rapid response.
* Support the registered nurse in responding to Emergency Access Unit (EAU) alerts for patients admitted as emergencies.
* Contribute to environmental and service improvements through documentation and data capture as required.
Professional Responsibilities
* Document information legibly and accurately in hospital notes and in the Somerset Cancer Database.
* Be aware of the limits of own knowledge and practice; seek appropriate support/advice when needed.
* Develop effective working relationships with Head & Neck MDT and other professionals across the Trust.
* Adhere to local and national directives related to cancer care.
* Be flexible and responsive to changing needs of cancer patients and the service.
* Understand that there will be frequent exposure to distressing situations and know when to seek support/advice.
* Ensure people affected by cancer are aware that they are interacting with a Macmillan Professional and know the resources and services available through Macmillan.
* Promote an inclusive and collaborative working environment and participate in active networks that support colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring
* Record nursing interventions on the Somerset database.
* Record data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Macmillan Head & Neck Cancer service.
* Assist in the development of an Annual Report for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Trust.
* Participate in Macmillan Service Reviews to drive service improvements.
Policy and Service Development Responsibilities
* Participate in self-declaration against national standards related to Head & Neck cancer and external Peer Review visits.
* Support the implementation of the Cancer Recovery Package.
* Support the Macmillan Head & Neck Cancer CNS in developing policies/clinical guidelines to enhance the nursing service.
* Participate in informal/formal education initiatives related to Head & Neck cancer.
Research and Development Responsibilities
* Participate in clinical audits and research initiatives.
* Promote best practice and care that is evidence-based.
General Responsibilities
* Contribute to the management of the service.
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