Acute oncology Associate CNS

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and enthusiastic nurse to join our Acute Oncology Service.

Do you pride yourself on providing excellent care and wish to continue this within a team of like minded health care professionals. If that's you please get in touch to discover more of the role.

As an acute oncology associate CNS you will work as part of the team to give advice, both via the triage line and face to face to support managing acutely unwell oncology patients presenting to the trust as result of cancer treatment, disease progression or symptoms of previously undiagnosed cancer.

The post holder in conjunction with the Acute Oncology Nursing Tam and Consultant will be involved in the care of patients contacting or attending the hospital utilising local, national and network wide treatment protocols and pathways, including the UKONS initial management tool. The post holder will provide expert knowledge and support to patients and staff with support from the Acute Oncology wider team.

The post holder will provide essential cross department liaison and communication to improve the patients’ journey and experience, supporting reduction of length of stay and when possible, with support, avert hospital admissions.

The team are looking for applicants with experience in cancer, oncology or haemato-oncology nursing and be familiar with the management of oncological emergencies. We will offer training and support to the successful applicant.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be expected to work within the team and be able to prioritise calls/workload and time appropriately.

Provide triage and assessment of patients who call the triage phone line and be part of the team reviewing patients who attend ED in addition to those who are admitted to inpatient wards.

With support, provide advice and support to clinical colleagues on the investigation, care, and management of patients within the remit of Acute Oncology leading to faster and better care of patients with complications of cancer e.g. early recognition, appropriate treatment, rapid referral to other specialist teams including palliative care

Provide essential communication to improve patient experience and quality of care.

Liaise and update oncologists and the wider multidisciplinary teams to promote coordinated care.

Provide support as part of the team for patients with suspected cancer of unknown primary (CUP) or malignancy of unknown origin (MUO) and patients with first presentation primary brain lesion. Support and advise as part of the team regarding investigations and information needed to ensure a smooth pathway.

As part of the team ensure the quality of the Acute Oncology service through the application of audit and research evidence-based practice.

Maintain own CPD including ACCEND pathway and Acute oncology passport.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder is designated an Associate Clinical Nurse Specialist within the hospital and will liaise within the health community to provide specialist advice to the following:-

- patients and their relatives

• - carers - other health professionals within the Trust and community, tertiary settings.
• The post holder will work closely with the Acute Oncology CNS, Lead Acute Oncology Nurse, the Acute Oncologist and Medical colleagues to deliver a high-quality service to patients at Dorset County Hospital.
• To provide high standards of evidenced-based patient centred care to patients who present with acute problems relating to their cancer or cancer treatments. At Band 6 the role requires ensuring practices are delivered to the highest standard. An element of this there will be a requirement to complete the ACCEND pathways with an expectation that the post holder will demonstrate capabilities in practice (CiPs) at enhanced level.
• To enhance the patient experience by administering a holistic approach to patient care, providing leadership and clinical support to medical and nursing staff, acting as a role model within the scope of professional practice.
• To ensure patient safety remains paramount at all times, supports the Band 7 CNS team by undertaking and relevant assessments and making appropriate referrals.
• To use highly developed nursing knowledge and skills to provide high standards of evidence-based patient centred care respecting dignity and privacy.
• At Band 6 to work as part of the Acute oncology team, taking an active role in developing the service fit for the future, supporting development of the service.
• To contribute to service improvement programs and quality improvement initiatives, whilst demonstrating an ability to lead and implement new initiatives in line with local and national direction.
• 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.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.