Colorectal and Anal Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated nurse to join the Clinical Network Services Division. The post will involve offering specialist nursing input to patients with Colorectal & Anal Cancer. Together with the established Colorectal and multi-disciplinary team, the CNS will aim to deliver a world class patient experience.

Main duties of the job

The CNS will work within the busy and dynamic Colorectal team. The majority of patients will be receiving treatment to control their cancer and often have supportive and palliative needs. Sign posting patients to appropriate services, providing advice, support and symptom management is a fundamental aspect of the CNS role.

The post holder will be line-managed and work in conjunction with the Band 7 Colorectal and Anal cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Nurses

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and driven to improve patient care and experience. The candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. They will also have well-developed clinical and professional leadership skills to encourage and promote best outcomes for patients, their relatives and carers. The ability to work autonomously is paramount for this post together with confidence to engage and work with a range of colleagues at all levels and from all professional groups

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Sarah Mitchell, Colorectal Specialist Nurse on 0161 956 1617, David Wilson Colorectal Specialist Nurse on 0161 956 1618, Janette Beech, Colorectal Nurse Clinician on 0161-9182194 or Olive Craven Colorectal Nurse Clinician 0161 446 3756

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a key contact for patients with Colorectal and Anal malignancies and provide support for their carers and other healthcare professionals
• Provide advice, support and symptom management as appropriate, liaising with other relevant health care professionals
• Demonstrate knowledge of current best practice in relation to the treatment and management of patients with Colorectal and Anal malignancy

Clinical duties

1.     Attend Medical and Clinical Oncology Colorectal clinics at The Christie in order to meet patients and their carers and provide relevant information to support their treatment.

2.     Provide psychological support and make referrals to relevant professionals if appropriate

3.     Be fully conversant with treatment protocols and demonstrate knowledge of current evidence based management of patients with Colorectal malignancies.  Liaise with Colorectal research nursing team accordingly

4.     Accurately document patient care in accordance with Trust policies and standard

5.     Carry out clinical duties to ensure the patient pathway runs effectively and efficiently

6.     Act in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code and other supporting documentation

Professional/Clinical Leadership

1.     Act as a role model and expert resource to patients, carers and colleagues

2.     Evaluate service delivery, identify areas for improvement and initiate change and clinical development when appropriate

3.     Keep accurate documentation of service delivery and performance using tools available on CWP

4.     Receive clinical supervision and mentorship, if desired, in order to facilitate reflective practice

5.     Attend and participate in the CNS forum

Education and Development

1.     Participate in annual appraisal and accept personal responsibility for professional growth and development.  Maintain a professional portfolio

2.     Ensure compliance with Trust mandatory training

3.     Contribute to educational programmes in collaboration with CNS colleagues.  This could include teaching colleagues, dissemination of best practice through presentations, and participation in patient education days

4.     Attend relevant educational meetings in order to keep up-dated with current best practice

5.     In collaboration with other colleagues, develop information and resources for patients and their carers

Research and audit

1.     In collaboration with colleagues, undertake clinical and organisational audit in order to improve practice

2.     Disseminate change in evidence based practice to colleagues at The Christie and the wider network

3.     Evaluate service delivery; identify areas for improvement, and initiate change as appropriate