Haematology/Oncology Nurse

Job overview

** We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses **

As a staff nurse in cancer services your role will be split between our inpatient and outpatient areas as needed. In each department you will learn about each area’s specialist services.

You will be working in our inpatient Haematology ward and Haematology/oncology Day Unit, where you will be taking part in the administration of SACT. You will be learning about Haematological malignancies and non-malignancies, their specific treatments and care, this will include the care of patients pre and post-transplant. You will gain specialist knowledge in the administration of blood products. You will nurse Oncology patients to include symptom management, administration of SACT and end of life care.

You will spend time with other cancer specialist services include Clinical Nurse Specialists, ANPs, the Palliative Care Team and the Acute Oncology Team.

The staff nurse is a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing skilled care and advice to cancer patients and their families/partners/friends in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

The staff nurse will assist in the management and organisation of the nursing service in all clinical cancer areas when required.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 5 nurse who strives for high standards of patient care to join our team of  cancer nurses.

The haematology unit consists of an acute 20 bedded ward, nursing both haematology and oncology patients.  We nurse neutropenic septic patients as well as post bone marrow transplant/immunocompromised patients, chemotherapy and SACT patients and palliative and patients at the end of their life. We also have a24 chaired Haematology/Oncology Day Unit providing out-patient treatments including chemotherapy, SACT and supportive therapies.

We also have our satellite haematology and oncology unit at St Richards hospital and the Haematology ward and day unit in Royal Sussex County  Hospital. Rotations to these areas will be expected if needed.

You will need to have:

• Nursing registration - at least 6 months current UK hospital experience
• A strong interest in Cancer and Haematology speciality

If you would like to work with us in developing cancer services for Sussex, then please contact us for further details and to arrange an informal visit. Tel: 01903 205111 ext 86550/86551

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require Tier 2 sponsorship please apply for our Internationally Qualified Nurse Advert.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Work unsupervised providing nursing care as part of the multi-disciplinary team to patients. Communicating with and referring to other healthcare professionals as necessary.

Administer Chemotherapy, Immunotherapies, IV drugs and blood products once trained. Have knowledge of the drugs given for the treatment of cancer and the potential complications and side-effects.

During administration of treatments provide nursing care to ensure patient safety. This includes the immediate management of acute reactions and potential complications during drug administration, for example extravasation/spillage.

Deliver a high standard of individualised holistic patient care to promote and maintain all aspects of his/her physical, social, cultural and psychological well being. Have a sound knowledge of general medicine and basic nursing care.

Maintain full awareness of current regimes, policies and protocols.

To gain the knowledge and expertise in cannulation, venepuncture and the management of central access devices (PICC, Hickman lines, Groshong and portacaths) and become an expert in giving IV therapies.

Ensure patients are thoroughly informed prior to their treatment in order to provide informed consent, establishing in particular that they understand:

• The rationale and aims for the proposed treatment
• The procedure for their particular SACT regime
• Potential side-effects and their management
• Self care whilst on treatment and the use of complementary therapies.
• Who to contact in the event of any oncological emergencies.
• Issues relating to fertility and contraception including sperm banking where appropriate.

Verbally consent the patients for their SACT.