Responsible to:Head of Nursing
Accountable to:Chemotherapy Lead Nurse
Hours of work:Full time (including weekend work)
Location:London
Job summary
An excellent opportunity to become part of a developing Chemotherapy Service joing the expanding MediHome Team. The successfull applicant will be required to assist in the design and implementation of a high quality, comprehensive and compassionate chemotherapy service to be delivered to patients in their homes.
Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation relating to the delivery of chemotherapy.
Ensure chemotherapy patients are treated in a safe and timely manner taking a case load of patients on treatment as required.
Be a point of ongoing contact for patients/carers assessing their individual needs and implementing the appropriate plan of care.
Liaise with clinicians, other members of the multidisciplinary team and healthcare professionals to ensure a seamless service for patients receiving chemotherapy.
Provide specialist cancer/ chemotherapy nursing advice as clinical expert to support and facilitate high quality, individualised care to patients /clients in their homes and relatives/carers in collaboration with the multi professional team.
At all times ensure that the needs of the patient are placed at the centre of care delivery.
Support MediHome staff in developing their clinical competency in this area.
Principal accountabilities
Patient / client care (both direct & indirect)
- Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, providing specialist advice, and demonstrating advanced assessment skills, actively seeking evidence based practice which will support clinical outcomes as appropriate.
- Demonstrate advanced assessment skills which will include the ordering and interpretation of laboratory results prior to and throughout treatment, and with clinical supervision of Consultant Oncology staff planning and taking action as necessary.
- Administer chemotherapy to patients in their homes on a daily basis maintaining clinical competency in cannulation and administration techniques.
- Be proficient in the safe handling, administration and disposal of cytotoxic drugs
- Be able to manage a cytotoxic spill/ extravasation autonomously in line with policy and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health(COSHH) guidelines
- Manage and monitor patients’ symptoms and treatment- related toxicities
- Demonstrate the ability to administer all intravenous drugs and treatments in line with Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)
- Demonstrate knowledge of universal precautions in relation to handling and disposal of all body fluids
- Develop and maintain specialist knowledge and skills relating to cytotoxic chemotherapy, its application within practice and the principles of care and management within the cancer setting and be an expert resource to all staff in the team.
- Effectively communicate with patients and their relatives, demonstrating empathy, understanding the complexity of the illness’ impact.
- Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to MediHome standards (including electronic records).
- Teach, assess and support nurses within the team undertaking venepuncture and cannulation training, being an expert resource to nurses developing these skills
Communication and relationship skills
- Maintain and promote effective communication both verbally and in writing with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and other partner organisations.
- Demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.
- Communicate effectively with clients, relatives, colleagues and managers, both verbally and in writing.
- Provide patients and their families with information and support, and where necessary facilitate communication and decision-making between them and the inter-disciplinary team.
- Advocate a healthy lifestyle for patients, providing guidance regarding wellness, disease risks and potential changes in health status.
- Champion effective communication with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and other partner organisations to provide seamless and effective care management.
- Network with multi-professional colleagues within and outside the MediHome.
Policy and service
- Be involved in the development of MediHome guidelines, protocols and policies and procedures providing specialist input.
- In partnership with other members of the multidisciplinary team ensure seamless patient care is provided through the development of protocols and pathways.
Financial and physical
- Ensure the efficient and effective use of supplies, provisions and equipment.
- Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is taken in accordance with MediHome’s Risk Management policy.
Staff/HR/Leadership, training
- Maintain a personal, professional profile, identifying role and skill developments in line with the scope of professional practice.
- Participate in the programme for clinical supervision as required.
- Maintain a positive learning environment for colleagues and patients.
Research and development
- Actively seek evidence based practice which will support clinical outcomes as appropriate.
General
- Be personally accountable for own actions and omissions in line with the appropriate of Professional Council Code of Conduct and to take every opportunity to maintain and improve knowledge and professional competence.
- Ensure compliance with all MediHome corporate policies, local policies and legal requirements relating to clinical care and Health and Safety, and the storage of drugs.
- Ensure that equipment is handled correctly and maintained in safe working order.
- Ensure that MediHome confidential information is not disclosed, including information about staff and patients to any unauthorised member of staff or to anyone outside the employment of MediHome who is not authorised to such information.
- This job description is intended to reflect, in outline, the envisaged responsibilities of the post-holder, which may change over time with the corporate and local business needs of MediHome Ltd. It will be subject to periodic review, as a minimum annually.