Oncology Nursing Sister

To provide holistic patient centred nursing care to oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and other modalities of treatment in accordance with Cancercare’s standards, policies and procedures. To assess, develop, implement, evaluate and record patient care. To work with members of the inter-professional team to ensure quality of care for patients is maintained and that the patients’ needs are met. To conform to the Health and Safety regulations whilst dealing with cytotoxic chemotherapies ensuring a safe working environment. To provide evidence-based clinical advice, education and support to patients and relatives. To comply with relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct of Cancercare and the bodies that accredit our company and profession.

Interpersonal factor

As per professional standards, all services delivered need to be in line with the Cancercare Values of CARE. Each task needs to be consistently executed whilst at all times displaying a positive influence on all stakeholders and within the general working environment. It is expected from the employee to deliver all tasks reflecting a willingness to operate outside the scope of the job description as per operational requirements. The factors below cannot therefore be reviewed and assessed in isolation. To display the company values: C – Compassion, A – Accountability, R – Respect, E – Ethics (CARE).

Administration of chemotherapy and other oncology treatments

• Acts in a supervisory capacity over Chemotherapy Extenders/Physician Extenders.
• Provide and supervise the delivery of evidence-based holistic nursing care, using the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and record the plan of care for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Correctly interpreting and managing blood results, in consultation with a doctor.
• Monitor, interpret and record patient’s vital data, reporting abnormalities to the doctor.
• Establish and keep record of patients' allergies.
• Provide patients with relevant written information regarding their treatment and ensure patient has a signed informed consent.
• Demonstrate knowledge and competency in intravenous access, the management of intravenous catheters, including the management of extravasation.
• Program the infusion pumps as applicable to patient specifics and instruct patients on the usage of pumps for home care as applicable.
• Administer chemotherapy and other oncology treatment including anti-emetics and supportive therapy according to protocol.
• Verify chemotherapy drugs as per protocol and query the rationale behind the decision of chemotherapy regimens that vary from standard regimens with the treating oncologist.
• Educate patients on the effects and side effects of chemotherapy and other oncology treatments.
• Prevent, identify, report and record adverse reactions of chemotherapy and other oncology treatments to the doctor.
• Provide emotional support for patients and families during treatment and refer to Oncology Social Worker as necessary.
• Co-ordinate follow up of treatment plans by scheduling patients correctly.
• Provide applicable discharge instructions and health education to patients and significant others including an emergency contact number of a health care professional who is available 24 hours.
• Collaborate with members of the inter-professional team and service providers to ensure optimal patient care.
• Record statistical data to ensure scientific nursing practice within the legal framework of nursing.
• Ensure that accurate documentation of patient care is maintained within the legal framework of nursing.
• Promptly react and report any abnormal blood results.
• Identify and assess patient's condition and readiness to receive chemotherapy.
• Maintain aseptic principles as applicable and prevent the risk of vesicants and irritants.
• Daily scheduling of all patients.
• Accurately administer the correct dose of chemotherapy to the correct patient.
• Administer safe treatment within the company policies.
• Ensure that the emotional needs and health education needs of the patient are met.
• Ensure continued care and correct scheduling of all patients.
• Ensure updated communication of patient’s information to all healthcare providers involved in the patients' care.
• Update monthly statistics.

Safety awareness and risk management

• Practice the principle of infection prevention and control and adhere to all standard precautions inclusive of PPEs as per institutional policy.
• Adhere to the Sharps protocol.
• Maintain a therapeutic, clean and safe working environment in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Keep a record of chemotherapy adverse events.
• Ensure effective risk prevention and report and act upon potential/actual risks identified.
• Apply Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation as necessary.
• Correctly use, clean and store equipment as per institutional policy.
• Report equipment needing repair or replacement to the registered nurse/UBM.
• Adhere to the Medical Waste management principles inclusive of cytotoxic waste.
• Check emergency trolley/oxygen cylinders.
• Prevent and educate patients on the risk of falling as applicable.
• Minimise the risk of infections.
• Prevent sharp injuries.
• Ensure staff and patient safety.
• Ensure appropriate resources are present to avoid treatment delay.

Quality assurance

• Actively support and participate in ongoing Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
• Adhere to patient satisfaction program as per institutional program and protocol.
• Refer patient complaints to the chemo supervisor/UBM/Doctor.
• Ensure quality care is rendered.

Billings

• Correct capturing of patient billings daily.
• Ordering of consumables as necessary.
• Confirm correct medical aid authorization of treatment.
• Ensure correct billing of patients.

Continued Professional Development

• Keep up to date with Cancer care’s policies and procedures.
• Participate in ongoing personal and professional development.
• Maintain personal competence in BLS.
• Maintain personal competence in GCP for trials where applicable.
• Assist with the coaching of subordinates and junior staff within the unit.
• Participate in unit academics.
• Ensure and improve knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to oncology practice.
• Practice safely and ethically.

Requirements

• Required minimum education: Degree or Diploma in General Nursing Registered with SANC.
• Required minimum experience: 3-5 years recent nursing experience. Oncology and/or ICU experience will be advantageous.
• Good communication skills, able to work well independently and in a team.
• Must be competent with insertion of intravenous cannula.

Work Level: Skilled

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: Market Related

EE Position: No

Location: Plumstead