Clinical Nurse Specialist Radiation Oncology – Job Description – CLOSED

Clinical Focus

The CNSp Radiation Oncology will have a strong patient focus whereby the speciality defines itself as nursing and subscribes to the overall purpose, functions and ethical standards of nursing/midwifery. The clinical practice role may be divided into direct and indirect care. Direct care comprises the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care to the patient, family and/or carer. Indirect care relates to the activities that influence and support the provision of direct care.

Direct Care

The CNCp Radiation Oncology will:

• Provide a specialist nursing service for patients with a diagnosis of Cancer who require support and treatment through the continuum of care.
• Undertake comprehensive patient assessment to include physical, psychological, social and spiritual elements of care using best evidence-based practice in Cancer care
• Use the outcomes of patient assessment to develop and implement plans of care in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate
• Monitor and evaluate the patient’s response to treatment and amend the plan of care accordingly in conjunction with the MDT and patient, family and/or carer as appropriate
• Make alterations in the management of patient’s condition in collaboration with the MDT and the patient in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines
• Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleagues
• Co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow-up
• Communicate with patients, family and/or carer as appropriate, to access patient’s needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice and counselling as required or make referrals to relevant MDT colleagues for supplementary care where required
• Where appropriate work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate
• Participate in medication reconciliation taking cognisance of poly pharmacy and support medical and pharmacy staff with medication reviews and medication management
• Identify and promote specific symptom management strategies as we as the identification of triggers which may cause exacerbation of symptoms. Provide patients with appropriate self-management strategies and escalation pathways
• Manage nurse-led clinics with MDT input
• Identify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer and support patient self-care in line with best evidence. This will include the provision of educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive, easy to understand and meets patient needs

Indirect Care

• Identify and agree appropriate referral pathways for patients with Cancer
• Participates in case review with MDT colleagues
• Use a case management approach to patients with complex needs in collaboration with MDT in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate
• Take a pro-active role in the formulation and provision of evidence-based policies, procedures and guidelines relating to Cancer care
• Take a lead role in ensuring the service for patients with Cancer is in line with best practice guidelines
• Communicate, negotiate and represent patient’s family and/or carer values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with MDT colleagues in both Primary and secondary Care as appropriate
• Develop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation to patient participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options
• Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient, family and/or carer
• Establish, maintain and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperation between Acute Service, Primary Care and Voluntary Organisations as appropriate
• Maintain clinical competence in patient management within Cancer nursing, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence-based practice
• Provide the patient, family and/or carer with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill and confidence in managing their Cancer condition
• Provide mentorship and preceptorship for UPMC colleagues as appropriate
• Participate in training programmes for nursing, MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriate
• Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs

Audit and Research

• Identify, initiate and conduct nursing and MDT audit and research projects relevant to the area of practice
• Identify, critically analyse, disseminate and integrate best evidence relating to Cancer care into practice
• Contribute to nursing research on all aspects of Cancer care
• Use the outcomes of audit to improve service provision
• Contribute to service planning and budgetary processes using audit data and specialist knowledge
• Monitor, access, utilise and disseminate current relevant research to advise and ensure the provision of informed evidence-based practice

Consultant

• Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for Cancer practice
• Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation
• Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing practice
• Develop collaborative working relationships with local Cancer CNSp/Registered Advance Nurse Practitioner/MDT colleagues as appropriate, developing person centred care pathways to promote the integrated of model of care delivery
• Attend integrated care planning meetings as required
• Where appropriate develop and maintain relationships with specialist services in voluntary organisations which support patients in the community
• Liaise with other health service providers in the development and the on-going delivery of care
• Network with other CNSp in Cancer Care and in related professional associations

Health and Safety and Quality

• To comply with the Cancer Centres policies and procedure in relation to Health and Safety
• Actively participate in all quality initiative

Standard Responsibilities

• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviours
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Lives the UPMC Values

· Have an Oncology Qualification from an accredited institution or be willing to undertake the course and in-house training

· Have a minimum of 3 years post registration experience in the specialist area of Cancer care

· Have evidence of CDP

· Possess adequate computer skills

· Have an Oncology Qualification from an accredited institution or be willing to undertake the course and in-house training

(Amount and Type)

Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice

Demonstrate:

· Effective communication skills

· Organisation and time management skills

· Effective analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills

· Commitment to provide a quality service

· Ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice