Apheresis Nurse Specialist

Job responsibilities

Clinical

Taking responsibility for the care of a caseload of patients requiring specialist Apheresis procedures under the guidance of the Apheresis Clinical Nurse Specialist.

To be a highly competent, knowledgeable and visible practitioner within the speciality ensuring the provision of excellent, evidence-based nursing care for patients and their families.

Take direct referrals, in accordance with apheresis service guidelines as appropriate and assess, treat and refer patients to other members of the clinical team as required.

To work alongside all members of the team to identify new ways of working that ensure high quality of care is delivered.

Be a visible point of contact for patients, visitors, relatives and staff, acting as a resource for information and provide information and support.

Ensure pre-collection patient/donor evaluation is complete for autologous and allogeneic stem cell collections.

In conjunction with the ward/referral hospital, provide advice and support to colleagues and patients to ensure the mobilisation regime is carried out as per protocol.

Develop skill in care of the central venous catheter, venepuncture, cannulation, intravenous drugs, chemotherapy and venesection, apheresis and blood product administration in accordance with the hospitals guidelines for clinical practice.

Participate in applying and understanding the principles of cytotoxic handling and disposal as stipulated in local departmental policies and national legislation.

Be a role model and example, ensuring that the dignity, rights and confidentiality of the patient and individual team members are protected and maintained in accordance with national standards and guidelines

In conjunction with the MDT, ensure that patient care plans are regularly reviewed and evaluated. Ensure nursing records and documentation is maintained and current.

Be a key member of the MDT in supporting patients and their carers during the delivery of bad news, caring for terminally ill patients and the event of death.

Managerial

Take charge and lead the apheresis unit in the absence of the Apheresis Clinical Nurse Specialist

When rotating to haematology Daycase carry out some Deputy Sister/Charge nurse duties such as sickness meetings and appraisals in the absence of the ward manager

Take an active role in influencing service development through specific research and audit projects

Responsible for supporting the Apheresis Clinical Nurse Specialist to help gain both the JACIE and Human Tissue Authority accreditation for the Apheresis department as required to practice as a transplant centre.

In collaboration with the transplant programme director and senior nurses, the post holder will ensure compliance with pre-established specifications/standards (JACIE/HTA) that underpin the quality of the transplant service with a specific focus on our apheresis service.

Work with the Haematology Quality Manager to maintain and update Standard Operational Procedures (SOPS) for all aspects of apheresis.

Assist with the establishment, motivation and development of the team. Identify individuals personal and development needs through performance reviews and competency assessment, completing training needs analysis.

Facilitate the provision of on-call rotas and monitor annual leave, working times, sickness and absence according to Trust policy.

Contribute to the creation of a positive team and working environment, promoting flexible working. Encourage all team members to demonstrate initiative in their application to practice. Identify and minimize interpersonal conflicts that may affect team or individual performance.

Convey and present information, written or verbal, formally or informally, as appropriate. Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times in-line with Trust policy and procedure.

Maintain and support the unit with accurate incident reporting, ensuring the appropriate action is taken where required.

Apply the Directorate and Trust clinical governance strategies to clinical area.

To support the Apheresis Clinical Nurse Specialist with an annual audit plan to help develop and implement new processes within the apheresis

To become competent at handling Datixs and receive the training to do so.

Improve and maintain standards in nursing care by working with the ward manager using tools such as benchmarking and audit.

Training and Qualifications

Essential

• Current NMC registration
• Degree
• Continuous professional development evidence
• IV medication pack completed
• Cannulation/venepuncture competent

Desirable

• Apheresis procedure competent
• Chemotherapy trained
• Teaching/assessing qualification
• Mentor course
• Research training/experience

Experience

Essential

• Post registration experience
• Supervision of students/non registered staff
• Ability to manage a team
• Convey sensitive information empathetically
• Evidence of project work/link role
• Experience of service development/improvement

Desirable

• Apheresis experience
• Experience in heamatology setting
• Providing staff with feedback and on their performance using knowledge and skills framework
• Teaching and assessing experience
• Audit and research experience
• Evidence of data collection and analysis
• Developing policies and procedures

Communication Skills

Essential

• Effective written and verbal communication
• Produce timely accurate records
• Recognize own limitations
• Minimize interpersonal conflict and barriers to communication
• Team working ability

Desirable

• Evidence of negotiation/influencing skills
• Formal teaching sessions experience

Analytical and Judgemental

Essential

• Ability to assess, plan deliver and evaluate patient care
• Identify own learning needs
• Respond to difficult situations
• Recognize gaps in service provision

Desirable

• Demonstrate knowledges of issues related to NHS policies
• Evidence of making autonomous decisions

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).