Nurse Specialist - Family History

Job overview

The post holder will help support individuals and families manage their genetic/familial condition (intestinal cancer syndromes including Lynch Syndrome and the Polyposis Syndromes), in order to minimise their risk of getting bowel and associated cancers. This will be achieved by obtaining family histories and ensuring cascade testing to family members is initiated in a timely manner.

The post holder will also contribute to improving knowledge of the management and natural history of the syndromes and will manage their own workload on a day-to-day basis, acting independently to action and prioritise work.

Main duties of the job

• Assist the nurse consultant and nurse practitioners with the comprehensive and effective management of patients with inherited intestinal cancer syndromes.
• Assess, plan and implement care by obtaining a comprehensive family and genetic history.
• Once a genetic and/or clinical diagnosis has been made, ensuring cascade testing is offered to family members, offering screening, monitoring follow-up procedures and providing specialist advice and support to the patients and their families.
• Specialising in the defined area of intestinal inherited cancer syndromes, providing specialist education, training and support to the multidisciplinary team regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Maintaining the integrity of the specialist database which contains a register of patients and their families with Polyposis, Lynch Syndrome and a family history of bowel and associated cancers.
• Undertaking research and clinical audit in own specialist area, ensuring the maintenance of clinical excellence, underpinned by evidence-based practice.
• Ensure that accurate records and information systems are maintained and be aware of the legal implications of accurate record keeping.
• Adhere to the NMC code of professional conduct with regard to patient confidentiality and data protection.
• Work in partnership with patient/ family and colleagues to develop and maintain effective working relationships within the clinical area.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To view the main responsibility, please see the attached the Job Description and Person Specification.