An exciting opportunity is awaiting you if you are a highly motivated, enthusiastic nurse with excellent communication skills.

We want you to join our team in our chemotherapy unit which is based at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch. You will have the opportunity to be part of this service and our innovative ways of working as we grasp this opportunity to influence, shape and develop the changing face of cancer care and service provision in our Trust.

The 12 chaired day unit cares for patients with a range of cancers who are receiving systemic anti-cancer therapies. We are looking for someone who wants to increase their Oncology/Haematology experience and wants to work within this rewarding environment. If you have cannulation, phlebotomy, or central lines skills it will be an advantage, but if not, then you should have enthusiasm and dexterity to develop these skills. The ability to communicate effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary team is essential. Oncology / Haematology experience is desirable but not essential. You will be supported in this post by the Unit Manager and team, Matron for Oncology and Haematology and the Lead Chemotherapy nurse. In return we will offer you excellent learning and developmental opportunities we will support your personal growth through regular personal development planning and our educational strategy.

Current opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm but will be changing to Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturdays 9am to 5pm.

Main duties of the job

• Thorough assessment and management of patients undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment.
• Administration of cytotoxic treatment and other intravenous therapies according to protocols in accordance with trust and national guidelines.
• Pre chemotherapy consultations providing information and ensuring informed consent.
• Identifying adverse events and liaising with senior nurses and medical professionals for management of care.
• Recognising and providing psychological and emotional support for patients and being aware of when and where to signpost.

Liaise with the multi-disciplinary team ensuring seamless care for the patient.

About us

Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester

Our workforce is nearly 6,800 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.

Our objectives are simple:

• Best services for local people
• Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients
• Best use of resources
• Best people

Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Assess patients for chemotherapy to ensure their physical condition and blood parameters are satisfactory to safely receive treatment according to treatment protocols / regimes and escalate any concerns to the co-ordinator.

Administer and dispose of intravenous and chemotherapy safely in accordance with Trust and National Guidelines.

Provide information regarding treatment and side effects to ensure each patient is prepared for their specific treatment and elicit informed consent.

Provide one to one and telephone advice to patients and their families regarding treatment side effects and management of side effects to ensure each patient receives care which is specific and appropriate to their needs.

Use good communication skills to enhance and augment patients understanding and adapt information to their specific needs as they progress through treatment.

Liaise with other appropriate health care professionals within both hospital and community settings regarding individual patient care to ensure seamless transfer of care between disciplines (or ensure patients needs are being adequately met).

Recognise and provide the psychological and emotional support needed by individuals and their families whilst undergoing treatment and refer on to other professionals sensitively and appropriately in order to adequately meet patients needs.

Assess patients with difficult venous access and make recommendations, with senior nurse support for alternative access to ensure patients receive treatment safely and with minimum risk.

Ensure safe administration of chemotherapy regimens according to trust protocols

Provide follow-up care / maintenance of central venous lines for patients and advise other health care professionals involved as appropriate, to ensure the patients line is safely and adequately cared for in accordance with Trust policy.

Administer other intravenous therapies i.e. Blood, bisphosphonates, to patients according to protocols / regimes to ensure therapies are delivered safely and with minimum risk

Monitor and instigate care with senior nurse support to address / prevent reactions to and complications of treatment including administration of prophylactic agents.

Be knowledgeable about the specific care requirements of patients within the unit.

Participate in departmental meetings and act on any instruction.

Person Specification

Other qualities

Essential

• - Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• - Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues across health and social care settings
• - Good IT skills
• - Aware of own strengths and weaknesses

Qualifications

Essential

• - Registered Nurse on part 1 of the professional register

Desirable

• - Teaching and Assessing Qualification
• - 1st level degree or working towards or equivalent

Experience

Desirable

• - Post-registration experience at Band 5

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B98 7UB

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

C9365-23-1136