Staff Nurse (BAND 5) - Wilson Ward

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our friendly team on Wilson Ward.  We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed experienced band 6 nurse.

Wilson Ward is a fast paced environment caring for patients with a wide range of cancers, undergoing surgical and medical interventions. The ward also receives patients from CCU and from our day-care services, where they may have been receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and symptom control.  Although oncology experience and head and neck clinical skills are desirable, we will offer you training in all aspects of cancer care and we will support you with developing your oncology knowledge.

The candidate will need to have excellent interpersonal and clinical skills, and be able to provide the highest quality care and demonstrate good leadership skills. You must have experience in working and taking charge of a ward in a busy environment and be able to manage a complex work load.

The successful candidate would be expected to be proactive in identifying areas to improve the patient experience and quality of nursing care and also be prepared to lead in areas of service development with support from the Ward Sister. The role involves working closely with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and leading the team in the Sister’s absence.

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.
• To develop an awareness of the protocols involved for patients undergoing clinical trials.