Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

The post holder will act as a key worker and advocate for patients receiving treatment for gynaecological cancers including cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vulval and vaginal cancers,

Working alongside Consultant Gynaecologists, Clinical Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, Cancer Nurse Specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will provide expert nursing care and support to women diagnosed with gynaecological malignancies across the cancer pathway, with a particular focus on patients undergoing radiotherapy, systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT), and follow-up care in collaboration with regional tertiary oncology centres.

Main duties of the job

Provide specialist assessment, advice and support to women diagnosed with gynaecological malignancies throughout diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and where appropriate, palliative care.

Act as a key worker for patients undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other systemic anti-cancer therapies.

Develop specialist knowledge in radiotherapy treatment pathways

Work in partnership with Clinical Oncology teams across tertiary referral centres to facilitate patient care and ensure appropriate follow-up.

Provide specialist support and education regarding radiotherapy side effects.

Support the assessment and management of patients receiving SACT therapies.

• Recognise and appropriately escalate treatment-related toxicities and oncological emergencies in accordance with local and national guidance.

Undertake Holistic Needs Assessments (HNA)

Participate in Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and contribute to treatment planning and pathway coordination.

Coordinate investigations, referrals and follow-up appointments across secondary and tertiary care services.

Provide psychosocial support and signpost patients to appropriate support services.

Deliver nurse-led clinics and telephone advice services

Participate in audit, research, governance activities and quality improvement initiatives.

Contribute to compliance with Cancer Waiting Time Standards

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will:

• Provide specialist assessment, advice and support to women diagnosed with gynaecological malignancies throughout diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and where appropriate, palliative care.
• Act as a key worker for patients undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other systemic anti-cancer therapies.
• Develop specialist knowledge in radiotherapy treatment pathways including external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy for gynaecological cancers.
• Work in partnership with Clinical Oncology teams across tertiary referral centres to facilitate seamless patient care and ensure appropriate follow-up following treatment.
• Provide specialist support and education regarding radiotherapy side effects, including bowel toxicity, bladder toxicity, skin reactions, vaginal stenosis, sexual dysfunction, fatigue and long-term survivorship issues.
• Support the assessment and management of patients receiving SACT therapies including chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
• Undertake Holistic Needs Assessments (HNA) and develop personalised care and support plans.
• Participate in Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and contribute to treatment planning and pathway coordination.
• Coordinate investigations, referrals and follow-up appointments across secondary and tertiary care services.
• Facilitate complex communication with patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis and supportive care needs.
• Support implementation of the Personalised Care Agenda, including treatment summaries, health and wellbeing events and cancer care reviews.
• Provide psychosocial support and signpost patients to appropriate support services including psychological support, benefits advice, Macmillan services and survivorship programmes.
• Deliver nurse-led clinics and telephone advice services where appropriate.
• Participate in audit, research, governance activities and quality improvement initiatives relating to gynaecological oncology services.
• Contribute to compliance with Cancer Waiting Time Standards and National Cancer Programme requirements.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Responsible for the assessment and continual professional development of staff using mechanisms such as Individual Performance Review (IPR) to generate a Personal Development Plan (PDP) in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.

Participates in the teaching and supervision of the clinical team including, where applicable learner nurse and others under training allocated to the ward.

Co-ordinates link nurse practitioners’ within the clinical area in order to enhance personal, team and patient knowledge in relation to specific clinical areas.

As part of a development of personal and professional skills will access mechanisms to support staff in accordance with Clinical Supervision Policy to undertake clinical supervision as either supervisor/supervisee.

The post holder is required to undertake duties, having regard to the NMC ‘Code of Professional Conduct for the Nurse, Midwife and Health Visitor’ and their professional contribution to Clinical Governance

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.