Gynae-oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist in Preston

Are you an experienced nurse having worked in Women's Health / Oncology Services, and looking to develop yourself whilst supporting patients through their cancer journey? If yes, this role could be for you! Due to maternity leave, we have a 30hrs per week role available for 9-12 months.

The role of the cancer nurse specialist is critical in providing holistic support to women and their families who have a diagnosis of gynaecological cancer. The role requires the post holder to work as an autonomous practitioner alongside the team of cancer nurse specialists and with support from the gynaecology-oncologists and the medical oncology team. The post holder will provide expert advice related to specific conditions and treatment pathways to patients, relatives and the nursing team within the ward and outpatient areas and wider MDT, whilst assessing the holistic needs of the patient, planning, implementing, coordinating and evaluating evidence-based care, including psychological and psychosexual needs. The post holder is required to focus on improving the patient care experience and support service development. The post holder may be required to undertake specialist nursing procedures in relation to gynaecology-oncology.

Main duties of the job include:

• Acting as a key worker for designated patient caseloads across the patients' care pathway, planning and coordinating that care as appropriate, with support from the consultants as needed.
• Contributing to the development of the workforce through developing and delivering education and training, as well as participating in research activity and clinical audits within the specialist area.
• Supporting a caseload of patients across their care pathway, including patients undergoing treatment via medical, surgical and radiotherapy.
• Closely liaising with key stakeholders of the MDT, from radiologists, anaesthetists, oncologists, gynaecologists, operational managers and cancer trackers.
• Ensuring the experience and safety of the patient is of paramount importance, whilst also providing support for relatives/carers of the patient.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• Holistically assess the needs of patients and their families in order to plan and coordinate, implement and evaluate evidence-based care.
• Provide specialist advice to patients, their families and carers and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Undertake an end of treatment nurse-led follow-up holistic needs clinic for all patients.
• Develop and undertake nurse-led telephone follow-up clinics.
• Ensure the CNS team is easily accessible for patients and their relatives/carers, to address any urgent needs, signposting to relevant services as required.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, patients and their carers.
• Assess patients' information needs and provide relevant information to meet those needs at defined points in the patient pathway.
• Maintain accurate clinical records relating to nursing and medical management.
• Attend and actively participate in multi-professional meetings, acting as the patients' advocate.
• Provide specialist support and guidance to other staff within wards and departments and wider MDT.
• Act as a role model for the service, presenting a positive image of self, team and the organisation.
• Participate in innovation and change concerned with improving the standards of care for patients.
• Influence and develop protocols and clinical guidelines.
• Encourage staff to be innovative in the development of patient care using evidence-based practice.
• Take personal responsibility for life-long learning and personal development.
• Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment.
• Contribute to the development of the workforce through developing and delivering education and training.
• Maintain a clinically active presence and visibility on the wards and in clinics to lead, support and educate.

Person specification:

• Qualifications:

• Essential: Appropriate NMC Registration (Level 1 Adult Nurse), Degree level qualification, Post registration qualification relevant to role, Mentorship qualification or equivalent.
• Desirable: Leadership and management qualification or equivalent, Masters degree in relevant subject area, Non-medical prescriber or willingness to complete, Diagnostic skills training, Teaching qualification.

• Essential: Clinical experience within gynaecology or oncology nursing, Experience of working at a senior nursing level, Evidence of continuous professional development appropriate to role, Knowledge of local and national health and social care policy.
• Desirable: Experience of managing a team within a clinical area, Experience of delivering a nurse-led clinic/service, Experience in developing policies, protocols, leaflets and guidelines.

• Essential: Self-motivation and able to motivate others, Excellent communication skills, Commitment to CPD of self and development of others, Ability to prioritise competing tasks, IT literate.