Haematology Associate Clinical Nurse Specialist

at  Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

An opportunity has arisen to appoint an associate clinical nurse specialist band 6 at Dorset County Hospital, working with patients affected by haematological diseases.
The Haematology Department at Dorset County Hospital works closely with cancer services and covers both in-patient and out-patient services. We primarily deliver level 2a haematology care with occasional in-patient salvage chemotherapy being administered locally to support patients closer to home. We work closely with our neighbouring trust and also regional centres to support patients with more complex conditions.
The current team consists of 2 WTE CNS’s (band 7) and four consultant haematologists.
The Haematology Associate CNS will support patients who are diagnosed with malignant or non-malignant haematological disease. A key element of the job will be to closely support patients diagnosed with haematological malignancy, acting as a key worker to these patients and their carers, ensuring effective communication and seamless care for the patients throughout their care pathway.
Work closely with the haematology multi-disciplinary team within the Trust. Active involvement in the diagnosis, investigations, treatment, and follow-up of patients with haematological disease, providing continuity of care and improving the quality of life for this patient group.
Support the band 7 CNS post-holder in their role as keyworker to patients in their caseload.
Deputise for the band 7 CNS post holder in their absence, including attendance at weekly MDT meetings,
Providing holistic assessment of needs and implementation of patient centred care.
To work with other cancer CNSs to help facilitate generic health and wellbeing programmes and activity.
Liaising with tertiary centres and their appropriate staff for patients undergoing investigations or treatment outside of the locality.
Demonstrating a fundamental level of specialist knowledge of haematological diseases and remaining up-to date with all relevant developments in these areas.
To work collaboratively with palliative care teams to provide support of patients with haematological disease who are approaching the end of life.
To administer chemotherapy and other SACT as required for haematology patients.
To be on the trust register as approved nurse checker for intrathecal chemotherapy.
To maintain skills in the care of central venous access devices, venous cannulation, and phlebotomy.
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.​
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
Act as deputy named key worker to patients.
Develop and deliver individualised, specialised plans of care.
Provide advice and information for patients and their relatives/carers.
Ensure swift efficient patient pathways. Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure cancer waiting times are met.
Communication with patients to ensure they are kept up to date and informed as appropriate of their diagnosis and treatment plan.
The post-holder is responsible to work within trust policies and procedures.
Responsibility to ensure national cancer standards are met and any new standards are discussed at haematology MDT.
Propose and help implement changes to improve cancer services and other areas or disciplines as appropriate.
Assist the band 7 CNSs on the development and regular review of relevant policies and guidelines relating to cancer, ensuring they are evidence based and up to date.
The post-holder is responsible to ensure that all areas of work give consideration to the financial impact and to keep this at a minimum.
Personal duty of care to ensure any equipment used is used appropriately.
The post-holder is responsible to ensure any staff allocated to work with him/her, are given comprehensive and high-quality information regarding all aspects of haematological disease.
To act as a specialist resource to staff within the hospital who are involved in the care of patients with haematological disease.
Conversant with Trust wide systems to enable data input and retrieval (ie SCR, PAS, PACS, ICE)
Conversant with systems outside the trust such as EPR (Poole).
Complies at all times with the Trust and National data protection and Confidentiality policies.
The post-holder will undertake audits as required, both local and national, developing action plans from outcomes and implementing change.
Will support personnel from the Research and Innovation department to enable appropriate engagement in research studies agreed by the Trust.
Will participate in evaluation in the tendering process for service development.
A good level of physical fitness to see patients, relatives, and MDT members across the hospital.
Ability to travel to other hospitals when required (for meetings, patient OPAs)
To participate in local and national audits as appropriate, to evaluate outcomes, manage change and re-evaluate.
To have the skills and ability to interpret, analyse and assess complex facts or situations, making appropriate decisions and taking appropriate action.
To manage situations of conflict in a professional and conciliatory manner.
With the support of the band 7, plan and organise workload and activities – ability to adapt and re-prioritise at short notice.
Once deemed competent in terms of specialist knowledge and skills, provide training and education as required across trust and to outside agencies as required.
Keep comprehensive and accurate documentation in line with trust policy.
The post holder is required to work clinically on a daily basis assisting patients with mobility needs if required.
Attendance to trust moving and handling training session is mandatory.
Work is frequently of a highly stressful nature, dealing with anxious and distressed patients and their relatives.
Work can be constantly interrupted by telephone calls and queries from patients, relatives, other professionals.
The post holder is required to deal with referrals and queries requiring prompt response

Please refer the Job description for details