Skin Cancer Support Nurse

Job overview

**Previous applicants need not apply**

The Post holder will provide a high standard of care to patients, acting as a role model for the Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Team. It is expected that the individual will be able to work closely alongside the Skin Cancer CNSs to support and deputise in the absence of a Skin Cancer CNS. To provide psychological assessment, information and advice to patients with a skin cancer diagnosis.

The role will encompass the ability to:

• Provide information and support to patients, families and carers throughout the skin cancer pathway.
• Clinical support of senior nursing and medical staff in decisions regarding care and treatment plans.
• To attend and contribute to Multidisciplinary meeting discussions and act as an advocate for patients receiving care within the skin cancer service.
• To support patients through the psychological impact of treatments and altered body image.
• To work as a team player and liaise and communicate effectively with members of the nursing, medical and multidisciplinary team.
• In conjunction with the skin cancer team initiate and support innovative change in line with evidence-based practice, national standards and relevant reports relating to Skin Cancer patients

Main duties of the job

• Perform Holistic Needs Assessments with patients at varying stages of their skin cancer journey.
• Ability to initiate appropriate and timely consultation and/or referrals, recognising ones own scope of practice.
• To assess, implement and elevate programmes of physical, social and emotional care for individuals throughout the skin cancer service.
• To care for patients and their families within the framework of the NMC code of conduct and the departments philosophy of care.
• To make a thorough assessment of the patients’ needs according to an agreed model of nursing care pre and post appointments within the skin cancer service.
• To formulate evidence based programmes of care based on an assessment and evaluation of patient needs.
• To implement or supervise the implementation of all nursing actions as planned. To measure the effect of nursing actions, taking into account the patients’ perception and amend the plan of care as required. Working within the departments protocols and guidelines.
• To liaise with all members of the multidisciplinary team on matters affecting patient care and ensure sound communication with a Consultant in Charge and CNS keyworker.
• To assist the team in all clinical areas to maintain and develop team morale by demonstrating support for colleagues and by showing them high levels of enthusiasm and commitment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communicate using a range of methods to ensure a caring, sensitive and empathetic manner to patients and their relatives. Communicate sensitive information about patients to other members of the health care team and with the consent of the patient to their relatives. Demonstrate excellent communication skills when dealing with difficult situations. Lease and communicate with members of the nursing and multidisciplinary team in the planning and delivery of care for skin cancer patients. E.g.: cancer team, radiology staff, counsellor and other healthcare professionals. Being able to identify the educational needs of patients, their families and and their carers in relation skin cancer and addressing them at an individual and community level. Ensuring patients understand their treatment options, enabling them to provide informed consent. Always maintain patient and relative confidentiality. Promote equality and diversity ensuring that the individual needs of the patients and their families are recognised. It is expected that ALL employees of the Trust will take part in the appraisal process each year with the first appraisal taking place within the first 6 months from appointment.