Staff Nurse

Job overview

The Critical Care unit at The Christie is looking for the very best nurses to work within our cancer speciality and help maintain our excellent patient outcomes and patient experiences.  Our CCU is only one of two level 3 critical care facility dedicated entirely to cancer patients in the United Kingdom.

This environment is challenging, exciting, supportive and actively facilitates the development of specialised skills. Our commitment to ongoing staff development and the support of a modern career framework is apparent through the variety of educational opportunities available and clinical support offered by our Practice Educator.

We aspire to be compassionate, supportive, personal and open; patient and family experience is central to everything we do. Therefore, together with solid clinical and technical skills, we expect a deep awareness of the special needs of our patients, along with the ability to support and care for them and their families throughout their stay.

Post registration experience in an acute hospital setting and experience in Critical Care environment is preferable. You will be confident and competent in using the required skills to fulfill the role, together with a genuine interest in developing acute cancer care skills and the ability to uphold our team’s values. Additionally, previous experience/qualifications in oncology are desirable although not essential.

Main duties of the job

Deliver high quality nursing care to oncology patients requiring Level 2- 3 critical care support, including those with sepsis, neutropenic complications, acute organ dysfunction, or post procedural needs.

Monitor and assess patients using advanced clinical observations, early warning scores, and oncology specific assessment tools.

Administer blood products, and supportive treatments in line with Christie protocols.

Respond promptly to clinical deterioration, escalating concerns and participating in emergency interventions.

Work collaboratively with the wider MDT to develop and implement individualised care plans.

Provide emotional support, education, and clear communication to patients and their families, helping them understand treatment, side effects, and recovery expectations.

Maintain accurate, timely documentation and uphold the highest standards of infection prevention and control.

Participate in continuous professional development, including oncology specific training, critical care competencies, and opportunities for career progression within The Christie.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional

• Assessment and prioritization of the needs of the critically ill patient and their family, specifically tasks such as patients requiring respiratory support, cardiovascular support, cardiac/invasive monitoring, inotropic support. Ensuring provision of client centered care which focuses on the promotion of health as well as illness.
• Ensure accurate documentation of patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards. Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult matters and/or in difficult situations. 3.    Assess educational and informational needs of patient and family, providing up to date information enabling them to participate in the planning of care. 4.    Enhance care within the clinical area by using relevant research outcomes when planning and delivering nursing care. 5.    Evaluate nursing care – inform nurse in charge/unit Sister and medical staff of patient’s changing healthcare needs. 6.    To be a role model for potential post holders by demonstrating competent skills that have been determined in accordance with the needs of the unit. 7.    Maintain safe practice according to Hospital Policies and Standards. 8.    Ensure all prescribed drugs and treatments are given in accordance with Hospital Policy.
• Participate in internal rotation to night duty as required.
• Prepare patients for safe transfer to other critical care areas and liase with relevant nursing, medical and para-medical personnel and relatives.
• Carry out patient transfer to other critical care areas in absence of transfer team.
• Prepare patients for safe and timely transfer to ward areas.
• Carry out and facilitate preoperative visits.
• When appropriate/necessary, in rotation with other Staff Nurses, take charge of    the unit in the absence of the band 6/unit Sister, ensuring that standards of care  and unit management are maintained.
• Help foster a supportive working environment and maintenance of staff morale, promoting a culture in which staff feel valued and able to reach their potential.
• Act as a preceptor/mentor to new unit staff and Pre and Post Registered Nurses.
• Be aware of responsibilities with regard to Health and Safety At Work Act. Maintain and develop an environment and culture that improves health, safety and security.

EDUCATION:

• The staff nurse is responsible for their own personal development and maintaining a personal development plan Maintain own awareness of current nursing practice.  Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the highest standards and up to date care offered to the patient with cancer.
• Supervise clinical staff and disseminate knowledge and current developments. Develop oneself and others in areas of practice.
• Participate in planned programmes of appraisal with the band 6 Team leader/ unit Sister.
• Liaise with the School of Nursing, participating in the teaching of basic and   post   basic learners and training assessments.
• Ensure own learning and development needs are met. Complete unit preceptorship/induction pack.
• Attend annual updates in: Fire safety, BLS, Moving and Handling and Radiation Protection.
• Undertake necessary education and learning relevant to Critical care.

PERSONAL

• Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote a good working relationship
• Show professional and courteous manner when answering the telephone and other enquires
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information both at work and outside of working hours
• To be aware of and adhere to all policies including; sickness and absence, confidentiality, uniform and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work act and be familiar with all risk assessments pertinent to CCU
• Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy
• To be aware of limitations and utilise the preceptor system for any issues that arise
• To show respect for members of the team and endorse ward 10 philosophy of giving mutual support