Staff Nurse (Chemotherapy Services)

Job summary

The role of the chemotherapy staff nurse contributes to the overarching aim to provide the highest quality, holistic, patient centred care for all those in North Derbyshire affected by cancer, throughout all stages of their cancer journey. Working at the state-of-the-art facility, the NGS Macmillan Unit, was built to the standard of the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark and beyond.

Ideally the post holder will have completed the UKONS SACT passport or have up to date, equivalent anti-cancer therapy training and be proficient in nurse led interventions such as venepuncture, cannulation, and management of Central Venous Access devices (including implanted ports, Hickman lines and PICCs) and have experience and knowledge of managing infusion related reactions and extravasation. If applicants have some or none of these skills, they must be willing to complete such. We are looking for staff who are passionate to work with people affected by cancer and are motivated to complete Chemotherapy training.

Previous unsuccessful applicants need not apply.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an individual with excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering a first-class service within chemotherapy. The post holder will have a wealth experience working with people affected by cancer and a good understanding of the use and impact of cancer treatments.

Although it is desirable for you to be fully competent in chemotherapy theory and administration with this evidenced in a SACT passport, you may still be considered for the post if you are willing to undertake such training.

About us

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is North Derbyshire's only acute district general hospital, with a new state of the art 24-hour Emergency Department service opening soon.

We're responsible for providing care and treatment to more than 400,000 people who live in our communities.

We are modern, well-resourced and in commuting distance of Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and close to the Peak District. The Care Quality Commission rated the Trust as 'Good'.

Our Vision is to be a first-class provider of sustainable healthcare services, delivering the best possible care for our patients; and being a great place to work for our people, with staff health & wellbeing at the forefront of our ethos.

Job responsibilities

• The post holder will need to be flexible and carry out nursing duties in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and ensure all Professional Standards and Trust Policies are complied with within the chemotherapy service in the NGS Macmillan Unit specifically the chemotherapy treatment area.
• The post holder will assist senior staff with the provision of individualised nursing care.
• You will support the team in the achievement of chemotherapy services, in the safe handling, administration and disposal of anti-cancer therapy for haematology/oncology/palliative care patients undergoing treatment.
• The post holder will use a holistic patient centred approach to achieve objectives and provide support to relatives/carers whilst supporting patients through their cancer journey.
• It is preferred that the post hold have completed the UKONS SACT passport or have up to date, equivalent anti-cancer therapy training
• Proficient in nurse led interventions such as venepuncture, cannulation and management of Central Venous Access devices (including implanted ports, Hickman lines and PICCs)

Please find attached job description and person specification for further details.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• RGN Qualified - Registered Nurse
• NMC professional registration

Desirable

• Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) Passport or equivalent training (Chemotherapy Trained)
• Advanced Communication course or equivalent
• Mentorship qualification
• Competancies in the management of Central Venous Access Devices ie, Hickman Line, PICC and implanted port and cannulation/venepuncture

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Effective communication skills
• Organised and prioritises workload
• Commitment to undertake professional development including Trust's Preceptorship and essential training programmes
• Knowledge and understanding of harm free care.
• Patient safety
• Quality clinical governance
• Evidence based practice.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Holistic Needs Assessments
• Knowledge of chemotherapy/anti- cancer related drugs
• Knowledge of palliative care and/or patients with cancer
• Knowledge of chemotherapy/anti cancer drugs
• Competent in accessing Central Access
• Knowledge and understanding of managing infusion related reactions

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of understanding nursing processes i.e., assessment, care planning, implementation and evaluation

Desirable

• Experience of working in a nurse led environment
• Previous experience in a cancer outpatient setting
• Knowledge of patient safety

Demonstrates our proud to CARE values

Essential

• Compassion
• Ambition
• Respect
• Encouragement - Proud to CARE

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Flexible working across Chemotherapy services to support the service needs (eg Bank holidays, early and late shifts: there is an expectation for the successful applicant to stay behind if treatments run over time if necessary)
• Professional appearance and approach to work
• Good team member
• Supports and coaches junior team members and support workers
• Works without direct supervision and is resourceful
• Uses initiative and makes decisions as required
• Commitment to high clinical standards when working with patients
• Uses initiative, tact and diplomacy
• Caring Manner
• Able to deal with exposure to bereavement and challenging patients/relatives/situations

Desirable

• Has an interest in improving their knowledge and skills
• Has a passion for improving the Chemotherapy and cancer service