Staff Nurse (Band 5) Oak Ward/ Oak Day unit

Job overview

The drug development unit is a globally competitive, early clinical trials unit that conducts first in human clinical trials for patients with advanced cancer when all avenues of standard treatment have been exhausted. The unit comprises of an in-patient 9 bedded ward, day care area and outpatient clinic. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in all areas as part of their induction before joining the Day Unit team.

The Staff Nurse role here is diverse and combines aspects of the traditional staff nurse duties with some research responsibilities. Care involves trial related assessments, oral and IV treatment, symptom control and supportive treatments. It is a unique opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills whilst providing high quality care and emotional support to patients with advanced cancer.

The successful candidate will, ideally, have experience in either chemotherapy and/or clinical trials. The ability to prioritise a busy workload and work well within a multidisciplinary team is essential.

The successful candidate must be able to work 8am - 6pm, 4 days per week Monday to Friday. The role will  cover both the Ward and the Day Unit.

Main duties of the job

• To plan, document, deliver and evaluate evidence-based nursing care for patients in a responsible and efficient way, which has been drawn up in conjunction with the co-ordinator of the shift.
• To develop a greater awareness and understanding of the needs of patients with cancer and the different treatment modalities administered within the unit.
• To develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of managing a shift with the guidance of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:

These responsibilities will be carried out under the guidance of the shift co-ordinator:

• To complete the first level assessment of the patient’s needs to gain an understanding of the physiological, psycho-social, spiritual and cultural needs of the patients with cancer and their families and to develop a positive, realistic and supportive attitude to ensure that the needs of the patient and family are met.
• To assist with teaching patients in preparation for investigations, treatment and home care
• To be aware of the side effects of any treatment in progress, and adopt a problem-solving approach to minimise the potentially adverse reactions.
• Be involved in the direct delivery of skilled specialised nursing care with supervision until competent, e.g. wound dressings, removal of drains, and insertion of urinary catheters.