Staff Nurse - Chemotherapy Day Unit QEH

This is an exciting opportunity for a Band 5 staff nurse looking to specialise in the delivery of Systemic Anti‑Cancer Treatment (SACT) and supportive therapies in the Chemotherapy Day Unit. Full training will be provided; successful completion of an accredited SACT course is expected in the future.

Main Duties of the Job

• Deliver high‑standard, evidence‑based nursing care in the Chemotherapy Day Unit.
• Provide SACT and supportive therapies, working flexibly across QEH and David Whitmore, Suite 8 UHL.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary team members (pharmacists, dieticians, acute oncology service, palliative care, clinical nurse specialists).
• Support the Unit Manager in identifying staff developmental and educational needs.
• Assess patients and monitor condition during treatment.
• Offer advice and signpost patients, carers, and colleagues.
• Maintain safe standards of care in line with the NMC code of conduct and Trust policies.
• Participate in educational and training opportunities across the Trust.

Key Result Areas & Performance

• Provide advanced clinical knowledge and expertise relevant to nursing practice.
• Demonstrate competency in supporting patients receiving chemotherapy throughout the service.
• Ensure patient‑focused care and incorporate research‑based practice.
• Engage in clinical governance, meeting governmental targets, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
• Advocate for patients, ensuring patient‑orientated care within governance frameworks.
• Maintain accurate patient records and provide clear information regarding disease, treatment, and emergency protocols.
• Offer emotional and spiritual support, acting as an advocate and mentor.
• Assist in managing service budgets, manpower, and skill mix for efficient day‑unit operation.
• Ensure accurate and legible clinical and legal documentation in accordance with statutory and Trust policies.
• Identify and facilitate education needs of patients, carers, and colleagues.

Workforce

• Work with the Unit Manager to assess short and long‑term team development needs.
• Maintain close relationships with sisters and other staff for clinical and educational purposes.
• Participate in quality‑assurance initiatives and nursing audits, implementing resulting practice changes.
• Review practice with other NHS nurses, attending relevant meetings and working parties.
• Identify training and education needs of non‑specialist colleagues to promote specific service skills.
• Provide teaching programmes and opportunities to meet staff development requirements.

Financial

• Collaborate with the Unit Manager on role evaluation and optimise staff utilisation.
• Take an active role in off‑duty planning, ensuring an effective skill mix and resource availability.
• Maintain safe stock levels of equipment and identify efficiencies to reduce waste.
• Continuously seek new ways to manage resources securely and efficiently.

Partnerships

• Facilitate effective communication within the multidisciplinary team.
• Advise and support non‑specialist professionals caring for cancer/haematology patients, covering chemotherapy side‑effects, cytotoxic drug handling, IV line care, and neutropenic sepsis protocols.
• Serve as a role model and mentor to other staff, providing informal education and support.

Person Specification

Essential

• Registered with the NMC (level 1 registration).
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to formulate and articulate views clearly.
• Forward‑planning and anticipatory skills.
• Resilience under pressure, recognising stress in self and others, and supporting colleagues.

Desirable

• Degree level qualification.
• Computer literacy.

This post requires a Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 Disclosure and Barring Service check. UK Registration Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.