Job responsibilities
To be a point of contact/key worker for patients diagnosed with a gynaecological malignancy at pre-diagnosis, diagnosis, during treatment and in the follow up period whether face to face or via the telephone
Utilise advanced communication and counselling skills when discussing diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options for gynaecological cancers with sensitivity and expertise
Proven leadership skills and ability to manage change
Experience in planning and delivering formal (accredited) and informal education in specialist area working towards/having gained MSc in relevant subject (i.e. oncology)
Be able to maintain a caseload of patients anddemonstrate advanced practice in the holistic assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care, promoting the philosophy of person centred care for patients with a gynaecological malignancy
Run nurse led Face to face and telephone clinics for patients with gynaecological cancer, initiating and co ordinating appropriate investigations
Deliver advanced clinical practice across the gynaecological cancer specialism and professional boundaries gaining enhanced knowledge of vaginal brachytherapy, radiotherapy and its side effects to disseminate with colleagues, patients and carers.
Completion of non-medical prescribing course
Visit the ward areas and review patients, where appropriate, providing support and information relevant to their care
Provide cover for the junior doctors on an occasional basis in circumstances when no junior doctor medical cover can be provided- this will include carrying/answering the bleep, assessing patients if clinically unwell and escalating as appropriate or ordering investigations and attending the ward round for gynaecology cancer patients
Demonstrate evidence of research based practice and participation in audit
Understanding of genomes and its relevance to gynaecological cancer. Be able to participate in consent for genetic testing.
Venepuncture
Cannulation
To be aware of the Trusts values and objectives and ensure work is in line with these
Carry out individualized nursing care and procedures to the highest standards complying with hospital policies and procedures at all times
To maintain high standards of infection control, as per hospital policy. Be responsible for assisting with maintenance of a clean working environment.
To manage, under indirect supervision, own workload within clinical area and competence of the post.
Have responsibility for the correct administration and custody of medicines according to Trust policy
Act as the patients advocate
Be aware of the Trusts complaints procedure and role of the PALS Team
Work within codes of practice, professional guidelines and NICE guidance
Ensure patients and their carers have access to up-to-date information/literature on their cancer, treatment options and services available
Support the Patient Support Group for patients, relatives and carers with a gynaecological cancer diagnosis.
Enhanced communication and interpersonal skills and psychosexual counselling skills and ability to manage own time and work autonomously
Work collaboratively with, the Consultant Gynaecologists, Gynaecology Clinical Nurse Specialists, Oncologists, Acute Oncology Team and the Specialist Palliative Care team to enhance patient care and management
Facilitate effective communication and co-ordinate referral of patients and carers to appropriate support services and community Trusts to promote a seamless service and thus reduce/avoid admissions and reduce length of stay to the acute Trust
Act as a leader, advisor and role model to less experienced nurses, ensuring appropriate care is planned, implemented and evaluated
To attend and be a member of the Specialist Gynaecology Cancer meetings in accordance with national guidance to ensure a seamless cross boundary service is provided for patients
Support the MDT Lead, Cancer Services Manager and Gynaecology Cancer Lead Gynaecologist with the Cancer Peer Review Measures compliance work
Be familiar with relevant computerised systems integral to the service
Promote a culture that anticipates and addresses any patient/carer concerns before they become a complaint and work closely with the PALs/Complaints Department onthese issues
Provide specialist advice to support ward staff when patients are admitted ensuring all medical and nursing needs are understood and carried out in accordance with Trust standards and policies
Attend and proactively participate in relevant specialist nurse and cancer nurse forums at Trust level
Takes personal responsibilities for life-long learning and personal development through clinical supervision, appraisal and knowledge and skills framework and actively engages with learning and development opportunities
Support the development and implementation of strategies to meet the educational needs of patients and carers in with a gynaecological cancer so that they may be empowered to manage their condition and seek appropriate help and advice
Assess and provide educational materials as appropriate for patients/family regarding their disease, treatments and services to meet their needs
Support the provision of cancer education and training for all grades and disciplines of staff, formally and informally in ward/work areas and assess the effectiveness of the teaching/learning process
Disseminate findings from own professional development through the use of presentations and the support of educational initiatives
Develops new skills in response to emerging knowledge and techniques.
Attend mandatory lectures and training as set out in the Trust guidelines
Encourage user involvement in the development of the gynaecological cancer service through the use of surveys, audit and attendance at relevant meetings locally and within the local Cancer Network
Demonstrate knowledge of the researchprocess and current clinical trials relevant to gynaecological cancer and participate in the recruitment of patients into trials
Critically evaluate research findings and regularly promote the use of evidence-based practice in the specialist area
Promotes patient and public feedback through local initiatives to drive innovation and change
To be able to disseminate highly sensitive, distressing or contentious information to patients and family members/carers and staff as appropriate frequently in clinical environments lacking in privacy
Ability to work under pressure whilst organising own work time and maintaining excellent standards of patient care
Managing staff, patient and public expectations of the service within national targets
Having to constantly liaise with the multiple care providers involved with each patient
Having to break bad news to patients and their families regarding their diagnosis, prognosis or treatment and deal with highly distressed people and the challenging situations that can result from bad news
Complying with Health and safety rules and regulations. Ensure familiarity with fire prevention and procedures, Health and safety at Work Act 1974, security procedures and policies
Ensuring as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of staff, patients and visitors, in accordance with the trusts Health and Safety policies. Adhere to all Trust Policies and procedures and professional code of conduct.
