Job Description

Job Title:

Oncology NurseBand: 5 or 6 (dependent on experience and competencies)Location: Williams Day Unit, Outpatient Chemotherapy DepartmentAccountable to: Senior Oncology Nurse / Unit Manager Job Purpose: To provide high-quality, patient-centred nursing care to haematology and oncology patients within a busy outpatient chemotherapy day unit. The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of care for patients receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) and supportive treatments. They will act as a key worker for a defined patient group, providing specialist advice, education, and support. Key Responsibilities: Clinical Practice: To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of your own work.



Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate specialist nursing care for patients undergoing a range of treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive therapies. Safely and competently administer SACT via intravenous, subcutaneous, and oral routes in accordance with local and national policies, and the SACT Passport protocol. Demonstrate competence in venepuncture, cannulation, and the management and access of Central Venous Access Devices (CVADs). Administer a range of supportive therapies including blood products, IV immunoglobulins (IVIG), IV iron infusions, and bisphosphonates (e.g., Zometa).



Monitor patients for potential side effects and toxicities of treatment, taking appropriate and prompt action, including the management of anaphylaxis and neutropenic sepsis. Perform and document accurate clinical observations, interpreting findings and escalating concerns appropriately. Communication and Patient Support: Provide clear, sensitive, and expert information, advice, and support to patients, families, and carers regarding their diagnosis, treatment plan, and management of side effects. Educate patients and carers on key topics including health promotion, neutropenic sepsis, hair loss, and other treatment-related consequences.



Work collaboratively within the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), effectively communicating patient needs and changes in condition. Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive patient records in line with professional and Trust standards. Professional Responsibilities: Maintain your own registration with the NMC and adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct. Ensure your SACT Passport and all mandatory training are current and valid.



Take responsibility for your own continuous professional development (CPD) and participate in annual appraisals. Contribute to the maintenance of a safe clinical environment, including the safe handling, storage, and disposal of cytotoxic drugs. Support junior staff, students, and new starters through mentorship and clinical supervision as required. Person Specification: Essential Qualifications & Experience: Registered Nurse (Adult) with current NMC registration.

Mandatory Requirement:

Hold a current, in-date Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies (SACT) Passport. Proven post-registration experience in an acute oncology or haematology setting. Demonstrable competence in intravenous drug administration, venepuncture, and cannulation. Essential Skills & Knowledge: Specialist Competence: Proven ability to safely administer SACT (IV and subcutaneous) for both haematology and oncology patients.

Technical Skills:

Competent in accessing and managing CVADs (e.g., PICC lines, ports). Clinical Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the side effects of SACT and their management. Patient Assessment: Ability to assess patient suitability for treatment and to identify and respond to complications. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide sensitive and complex information effectively.

Teamwork:

Ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Organisation: Excellent time management and prioritisation skills to manage a busy patient caseload. Assignment Specifics: This is a temporary assignment to provide cover on specified dates. Shift times are 09:00 to 17:00.