Staff Nurse

at  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

Palatine Ambulatory Care and Withington Ward is a hybrid unit, which predominantly caters for Haematology-Oncology as well as Teenage and Young Adult Oncology patients, receiving ambulatory systemic anti-cancer treatment.
This unit has a dual aspect comprising of outpatient ambulatory patients and state-of-the-art 4-inpatient beds in a collaboration between the haematology and transplant service and the teenage and young adult (TYA) service, providing high quality care for adult patients with hematological malignancies and over 16-year-old TYAs with all types of cancer.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual, with post registration experience to work as a Staff Nurse.
We are looking to recruit individuals to undertake this role and be committed, motivated and compassionate, with good organisational and communication skills, to complement the existing team.
Working hours are 24/7 at 07:30 to 20:00 or 20:00-07:30 over 7 days, including bank holidays, with some additional shifts varying from 8am-4pm or 10am-6pm.
A nurse on the unit would be expected to be trained up to given stem cell and systemic anti-cancer infusions, bolus chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
The role will include administering multiple lines of oral and intravenous medication to our immunocompromised patients, monitoring the vital signs and fluid balance. Escalating concerns to senior nurses and medical team and communicating with wider multidisciplinary team.
The role would further include the education of patients as they undertake ambulatory chemotherapy, which enables the patient to go home with chemotherapy and/or supportive treatments post chemotherapy, therefore you would need to develop an in-depth understanding of all the regimes and protocols.
We are looking for a nurse with well-developed communications skills, enthusiasm to learn, who is self-motivated and who has excellent time management skills. An interest in haematology and caring for TYA patients is essential.
Inhouse training is offered within a supernumerary period for all new starters. A team of clinical practice facilitators will work alongside new colleagues as well as peer support from nursing mentor.
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.
We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
We are a 4 bedded ward with specialist side rooms for isolating immune compromised patients. We give specialist chemotherapy, immunotherapy and cell therapy supported by through training process and clinical practice facilitators. We work in small teams to provide 24-hour care to both give therapy, provide symptom control, treat sepsis and holistically care for the individuals in our care.
Integrity, vision and a desire to take the service forward and expand the nursing role are also a requirement. The job is challenging and interesting and the many different protocols means treatment plans are varied and there is a lot to learn, making this an exciting place to work.
You will be encouraged to expand and develop your knowledge, skills and competencies within a supportive and friendly environment. Whilst haematology-oncology/general oncology experience is not necessary, there must be a willingness to learn about the specialty including stem cell transplants. However, full training will be provided within a recognised framework in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, The Christie Policies, working in a JACIE accredited environment.

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Lead by example and act as a positive role model for all staff, taking responsibility for own professional development
To complete the Ward/Unit introductory pack and all other training packages assisted by the Clinical Practice facilitator tea
Complete Principles and Practice of Intravenous Skills Programme and Cannulation Skills Training and update as require
Attend all mandatory training study days and undertake/ update all e-learning in accordance with Trust and Unit guidanc
Participate in the theoretical and practical professional instruction and support of all learners
Undertake and maintain UKONS SACT Administration Skill
Monitor the progress of learners, in particular, their skills in carrying out practical procedure
Participate in all Palatine Treatment Centre training for JACIE and HTA accreditatio
Utilise Q pulse quality management system in order to access and adhere to standard operating procedures

Professional
As part of the team help to achieve and maintain a high standard of patient care and take individual responsibility for the nursing care of a group of patients as a Registered Nurse, ensuring privacy & dignity is maintained whilst being aware of physical and psychological need
Welcome patients and introduce them to the ward/ ambulatory care unit and ensure they are offered a welcome booklet
To be aware of the needs of relatives, and offer support, advice and direction to most appropriate supporting agencies
To give and receive a clear and accurate update at change of duties and ensure accurate documentation of nursing intervention
To participate in the rehabilitation of patients and offer relatives any necessary instructions and support
Ensure that prescribed drugs and treatments are stored and administered correctly and in accordance with the Hospital Procedure and Policy
To liaise with medical and para-medical personnel and community organisations to ensure timely and safe discharges and transfers
Administer blood products correctly and in accordance with Hospital Procedure and Policy
Undertake national training programmes and in line with Trust policies to administer both infusional and bolus chemotherapy via established central lines and peripheral cannul
Assist in the checking of and safe administration of intrathecal chemotherapy according to national guidelines and trust policy
Participate in nursing procedures appropriate to the departmen
Ensure the safe and timely through put of patients, liaising closely with the ward/ unit co-ordinator, medical staff, specialist and research nurses, bed manager and other staff as appropriate
Provide a supportive role within the Unit for nursing, medical and clerical staf
To liaise as needed with referring hospitals, GP’s and community nursing teams
To follow the correct procedure when notifying relatives of seriously ill patients and those who have died
Be prepared to learn new skills and perform procedures required of the role.
To participate in the Palatine Treatment Centre rotation programme as require
Support and assist in the induction/training of junior staff/Health Care Assistant’s acting as mentor to designated staf
To highlight areas of improvement/development within the department and undertake relevant project
Assist in the provision of meals / refreshments for patients
Help to maintain a safe environment and report faults/risks etc to the nurse in charg
Liaise with staff member responsible for stores/stationery and ordering and assist in the maintenance of stock level
To participate in internal rotation to night duty, weekend work and long day shifts as routinely required