Acute Oncology Service CNS in Plymouth

The post holder will work closely with Lead Acute Oncology CNS, ACPs and Oncology Consultants to provide early input of specialist nursing assessment and clinical management advice for unscheduled oncology emergency admissions with regard to complications related to chemotherapy, complications of cancer or suspected unknown primary cancer.

This post is integral to the development of the acute oncology pathways within the trust and extending to the wider health community through effective partnerships, coordination and integration.

The postholder will have extensive knowledge and experience of working within oncology, and administration of SACT. Under direction of the Lead AOS CNS, the postholder will assist in coordinating the acute oncology service and provide early input of specialist nursing care to oncology patients.

To make appropriate triage and clinical decisions following assessment utilizing specialist knowledge in this specialty, underpinned by theory and experience. To work in all areas of Acute Oncology, including telephone triage, Oncology SDEC, elective procedures, daily Consultant ward round, Tracking of the MUO patients, CNS to the CUP patients and MSCC coordination.

To act as nurse specialist for MSCC patients and to act as a resource in providing evidence-based advice and information to promote the health and wellbeing of patients with cancers and unknown primary. Collect, collate, evaluate and report information, maintaining accurate patient records.

To promote an innovative and progressive attitude to the continual improvement of patient care through audit, research and evidence-based practice. To act as a role model and competent specialist practitioner, developing staff and others, knowledge and skills of patient care within wards, departments and community setting.

To have a visible presence and regular contact with key points of entry across the trust, particularly ED, MAU, SAU. Support and promote an integrated approach to quality, seeking always to improve patient care and patient experience.

Work within the scope of professional practice and adhere with the nursing and midwifery council code of professional conduct ensuring extension of practice in line with the agreed local and national guidelines, protocols and competencies.

Work within the Oncology SDEC and track MUO patients until they are put on the appropriate MDT, being the nominated Cancer CNS for the CUP patients. Be able to take telephone triage calls from patients and triage appropriately using the UKONS tool.

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.

We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests for less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities include:

• To make appropriate triage and clinical decisions following assessment utilizing specialist knowledge in this specialty, underpinned by theory and experience.
• To act as nurse specialist for MSCC patients.
• To act as a resource in providing evidence-based advice and information to promote the health and wellbeing of patients with cancers and unknown primary.
• Collect, collate, evaluate and report information, maintaining accurate patient records.
• To promote an innovative and progressive attitude to the continual improvement of patient care through audit, research and evidence-based practice.
• To act as a role model and competent specialist practitioner, developing staff and others, knowledge and skills of patient care within wards, departments and community setting.
• To have a visible presence and regular contact with key points of entry across the trust, particularly ED, MAU, SAU.
• Support and promote an integrated approach to quality, seeking always to improve patient care and patient experience.
• Work within the scope of professional practice and adhere with the nursing and midwifery council code of professional conduct ensuring extension of practice in line with the agreed local and national guidelines, protocols and competencies.
• Work within the Oncology SDEC. Track MUO patients until they are put on the appropriate MDT, and be the nominated Cancer CNS for the CUP patients.
• Be able to take telephone triage calls from patients and triage appropriately using the UKONS tool.

Knowledge and Experience required:

• Demonstrable (significant) and relevant post registration experience, at Band 5 or above, in cancer, palliative care of the speciality.
• Proven Knowledge in relevant speciality.
• Proven evidence of Continuous personal and professional improvement.
• Demonstrable experience of audit and research leadership and management.

Qualifications:

• Registered General Nurse.
• Post-basic qualification in cancer/palliative care or equivalent relevant subject or working towards this (specialist oncology/sarcoma module).
• Advanced Communications.
• SACT Trained.

Aptitude and Abilities:

• Teaching/assessment and presentation skills.
• IT literate.
• Leadership and motivational skills.

Please note that all communication will be electronic, please check your email account regularly including your junk folder.

If you need support with the online application process or require reasonable adjustments with the application and/or interview process please contact the Recruiting Manager for this post.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants about less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. We recommend contacting the manager of the role prior to applying and we commit to giving requests full consideration.

We welcome and encourage applicants who identify with all protected characteristics to apply for our roles. We believe that diversity strengthens our teams and improves our patients' experience. At UHP we aim to create an inclusive workplace and hospital where everyone feels they belong and included.

Providing false information is an offence & could result in the application being rejected or summary dismissal/police action if an applicant is successful.

Please note that if you are successful in your application & accept the position you agree that the Staff Health and Wellbeing Department can access your health records from your current/previous employer in order to check the status of your inoculations & screening tests. This is an automated process & the information will only be used for these purposes prior to your taking up the position with us.