Senior Staff Nurse, Infusion Suite & Haematology Day Unit

at  Ashford and St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The post holder will
promote and support the delivery of a quality nursing service, setting and monitoring clinical standards in the Infusion Suite and Haematology day unit
Be responsible for the nursing care of patients attending the day unit including the administration of SACT (systemic anti-cancer treatment) and supportive treatments.
To support the coordination and management of staff and facilitate training, educational and development needs.

To work as a senior staff nurse and deputise for the Sister/Charge Nurse when needed

• Assist the Infusion Suite / Haem day unit Manager in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that practices are in accordance with department and hospital policy.
• Be competent in the administration of chemotherapy and carrying out procedures such as Venesection, Cannulation, venepuncture and central venous access devices (CVAD)
• Have clinical expertise in administering the range of chemotherapy regimens and complex infusions for medical, cancer and haematology patients
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills in liaising with clinical teams, patients and their next of kin.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills in supporting individual patient information needs, including the side effects of treatments and procedures
• Assess and escalate the potential side effects of treatments, demonstrating clinical understanding of the significance of the patient’s clinical observations and condition.
• Liaise with the pharmacy aseptic unit to ensure treatments are ready for patients to receive to ensure patients waiting times are kept to a minimum
• Provide guidance and support to staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being and their own professional development.

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.
Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter’s, Chertsey, Surrey.
We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at ASPH. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.
We are expanding our theatres at Ashford Hospital and moving towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures.
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
On-site Nurseries
On-site staff cafes
On-site parking
Support in career development
Salary Sacrifice schemes including wage stream, lease cars, Cycle to Work schemes and home electronics
Adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

Clinical & Professional Responsibilities

• Support the Infusion Suite Manager in leading and supervising a safe, high standard of nursing practice and the delivery of evidenced based patient care in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures.
• Assist the Infusion Suite Manager in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that practices are in accordance with department and hospital policy.
• Be competent in the administration of chemotherapy and carrying out procedures such as Venesection, Cannulation, venepuncture and central venous access devices (CVAD)
• Assist in the establishment, monitoring and evaluation of agreed standards of patient care and quality service.
• Determine nursing care priorities, planning the delivery of patient care taking into account the skill mix of staff.
• Have clinical expertise in administering the range of chemotherapy regimens and complex infusions for medical, cancer and haematology patients.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills in liaising with clinical teams, patients and their next of kin.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills in supporting individual patient information needs, including the side effects of treatments and procedures
• Assess and escalate the potential side effects of treatments, demonstrating clinical understanding of the significance of the patient’s clinical observations and condition.
• Liaise with the pharmacy aseptic unit to ensure treatments are ready for patients to receive to ensure patients waiting times are kept to a minimum

Management Responsibilities

• Ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection.
• Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with established procedure and the law.
• Understand the implications of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff according to the hospital’s Health and Safety Policy.
• Report and record accidents/incidents and complaints to Infusion Suite Manager, according to the Trust policy and undertake further investigations as directed.
• Be competent in current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theory and practice.
• Have a working knowledge of the fire regulations and procedures ensuring appropriate action is taken in response to an emergency.
• Demonstrate efficiency in nursing rostering and budgetary control through efficient and effective use of resources.
• Attend meetings when required, developing effective links with colleagues for obtaining and giving information.
• Conduct and lead appraisal for all staff, identifying development needs.
• Deputise for the Infusion Suite Manager as required.
• Provide guidance and support to staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being and their own professional development.
• Assist with any appropriate evaluation projects and in the assessment of new equipment and technology.
• Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order.
• Keep a training log complying with Trust and CNST requirements detailing staff trainers and the equipment which individual staff have been trained in and are competent to use.

Information and Reporting Responsibilities

• Demonstrates understanding of clinical governance in clinical practice
• Actively develops and maintain evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited, and initiate appropriate changes in practice.
• Records, making decisions and planning in areas affecting patient care; reports promptly to medical or appropriate staff any matters which fall outside his/her responsibility.
• Records and evaluates clerical and legal documents, ensuring they are accurate and legible
• In conjunction with the Infusion Suite Manager participates in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets.
• In conjunction with the Infusion Suite Manager, assist in the supervision and performance management of staff within the unit.
• Identify and action own development needs and establish personal clinical supervision/mentorship.
• Help to develop and implement a programme for clinical supervision for staff.
• Help the Infusion Suite Manager to ensure that all new staff undergo orientation and induction specific and relevant to the clinical area.
• Ensure that all staff are aware of when and how to report untoward incidents and how to deal effectively with patients’ or relatives’ complaints.
• Participate in approved research projects.

Education Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Manager and CNS’s, maintain a suitable learning environment for all staff.
• Support the education of staff, promoting competency via work based education.
• Support the knowledge base of staff to provide patient education including side effects of SACT and self-management
• Ensure staff undertake professional and/or other development, ensuring attendance at mandatory updating, as laid down by the Trust.
• Maintain and enhance own knowledge through continuing education and training activities.
• Work with the Sister / Charge Nurse to ensure a programme of performance review is in place for all staff.
• Take part in an individual performance review, reviewing personal development and performance in consultation with line manager.

Communications and Engagement

• Establish an effective communication system with patients, their carers, and all staff working in the multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate compassion, excellent communication skills and empathy when supporting patients and their families, including supporting advanced care planning and breaking significant news.
• To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work.