Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Neuro-oncology Cancer Nurse Specialist to join our team. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is an international leader in cancer treatment and is the largest cancer treatment centre of its kind in Europe.



The post presents an opportunity to join an established Neuro-Oncology Cancer Nurse Specialist Team as a Band 7 working 22.5 hours (0.6WTE). The post holder must be a qualified Registered Nurse (RN) and have 5 years relevant experience in an oncology neuro-oncology/palliative care background or equivalent.



Excellent communication, organisational and prioritisation skills are essential.



The post holder will work alongside the existing Neuro Oncology team.

Their responsibilities will include:

Managing a case load of neuro-oncology cancer patients and using your oncology assessment skills to optimise patient care acting as key worker. In depth knowledge of neurological cancer and willing to develop this further Ability to assess people living with neurological cancer's holistic needs and complete holistic needs assessment. Advanced communication skills and advocacy skills Uphold professional standards expected of a qualified nurse always prioritising safety and patient care Help facilitate patient support groups Excellent decision-making skills Excellent leadership skills to embrace change. Devise and lead on audit and research to aim at improving patient care, experience and outcomes and publish and present findings Presentation skills and taking part in wider education involving neuro-oncology cancer at local, national, and international level. Attend relevant oncology conferences and education sessions to keep up to date with in depth knowledge Line management Innovation and development of services within the nurse team Ability to prioritise a complex workload Support nurse led clinics by assessing patients on treatment either face to face or on the telephone, ordering relevant investigations within your scope of practice and prescribing supportive medications and treatment.

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.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



To act as Key Worker for Neurological cancer patients, carers and other professionals during the patient pathway at the Christie for non-surgical treatments, from first referral through to end of life or discharge from follow-up To work independently and collaboratively providing assessment, advice, support and symptom/side-effect management for patients, carers and other professionals. To work as a member of the Neuro-oncology Disease Group with responsibility for the development and review of protocols / guidelines which promote innovative clinical nursing practice and integration of patient care. To be aware of change at national and local level and how it affects the service provided To undertake clinical and organisational audit, promoting the importance and value of undertaking such initiatives through multi professional collaboration.

Clinical duties



To accept referrals, undertake a Holistic Needs Assessment and formulate the ongoing personalised care plan. Referring appropriately to services in the acute and community setting. To attend appropriate Neuro-oncology clinics and liaise closely with the patients, nurses and doctors attending these. To provide continuity of care across the group, particularly with regard to integrating radiotherapy and chemotherapy. To provide information about side effects of treatment and ensure clear and concise documentation is completed. To be fully conversant with treatment protocols. To communicate effectively and support / counsel patients and carers prior to, during and after treatment. Work in a collaborative manner with the rest of the team to work towards all patients having End of Treatment Summaries and Long-Term Care Plans. When appropriate have conversations with patients about their Preferred Priorities of Care and Advanced Care Planning, document and communicate with the other professionals involved. Assess out-patients, both face-to-face and via phone, in multi-disciplinary and nurse led clinics, formulating appropriate clinical decisions and management plans through history taking, physical examination and requesting clinical investigations (depending on competency). Provide specialist assessment, support and information around psycho-sexual, fertility and menopause issues. Ensure accurate documentation of patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards. Non-medical prescribing (within the limits of your competence) to manage treatment toxicity and symptoms for patients with neurological cancer. To attend MDT meetings as appropriate and contribute to the discussion about individual patients. To attend other professional and clinical meetings as appropriate. To be aware of current research protocols and liaise with the Research Nurses from the Neuro-oncology Research Team and Observational & Supportive Team as appropriate. To act always in accordance with the NMC Code guiding documents. To be aware of all non-surgical Renal cancer patients admitted as inpatients and liaise with nursing and junior medical staff involved in their care. In collaboration with the Neuro-oncology Nurse Clinicians to act as a point of contact for patients and their carers in the community. To implement/follow Trust Policies and Procedures to ensure safe and effective delivery of care.

Managerial/Clinical Leadership.



To provide specialist, expert clinical knowledge to clinical colleagues, patients and carers/relatives both within and outside the Trust. To provide written evidence of service development and performance. Initiate and support clinical developments / projects to promote excellence in patient care. Promote patient and public involvement activities in the specialist area, leading to service improvement. Attend and participate in the CNS Forum Act as a role model presenting a professional image at all times Evaluate service delivery; identify areas for improvement to promote excellence in patient care and initiate change. Involve patients and the public in service development as appropriate. To build effective professional relationships with the GM Cancer Alliance and across Acute and Community settings. Provide and receive clinical supervision and mentorship to facilitate reflective practice. Line manage other nurses or support staff on the team as appropriate

Education and Development



To participate in annual appraisal and accept personal responsibility for professional growth and development. Maintain a professional portfolio. Ensure compliance with Trust essential training. To identify training and educational needs of colleagues and develop educational programmes in collaboration with colleagues To provide specialist input on relevant post registration/graduate courses. Use relevant educational opportunities, including attending local, national and international conferences, to ensure provision of the highest standards of patient care that is evidence based. Provide written and verbal feedback to colleagues. Together with other professional colleagues develop information and resource packs for patients and their carers.

Research and Audit



To ensure that clinical practice is based on evidence and current best practice and to disseminate information to staff. To identify opportunities for nursing research and to participate where appropriate in nursing and multi disciplinary research, clinical audit, and benchmarking, in order to improve effectiveness and quality of patient care. Evaluate service delivery; identify areas for improvement and initiate change. Establish improvements in practice through audit and research and disseminate through presentation at local, regional, national and international conferences and written publication. Contribute to the writing of protocols relevant to own specialty.

Other Duties



Providing support with administrative services including referrals to Macmillan and District Nurses and liaising with local cancer nurse specialists to optimise the pathway for patients with neurological cancers. Attend relevant clinics and review patients in a clinic setting as required. Willing to undertake training days within the disease group and cancer pathway. Willing to attend relevant MDT sessions if needed. * Signposting patients to relevant services.