Job summary
We are seeking a Specialist Nurse for Children and
Young People with Oncology Disorders to shape outstanding cancer
care for children and young people across Worcestershire and Herefordshire,
working in partnership with Birmingham Children's Hospital as part of our POSCU
shared care model.
As our Specialist Nurse, you will be a visible member
of the clinical team and expert resource for CYP cancer and leukaemia care, supporting
seamless journeys from first investigation and diagnosis through treatment,
transition to adult services, or palliative care. You will deliver evidence based
children's cancer nursing, set standards, and be integral to a skilled team providing
safe, high quality care across our sites.
Main duties of the job
Managing our caseload with support from senior nursing and medical colleagues, you will act as an independent CYP oncology practitioner, and support chemotherapy clinics and nonmedical prescribing within scope and Trust policy.
Within our friendly team you will be a role model to champion the best outcomes for our patients, supporting families and staff through challenging moments, and reinforcing quality with care pathways, strategic service development and research.
If youre ready to inspire, and make a lasting difference for children, young people, and their families, we want to hear from you. At Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, youll be part of a team that celebrates achievement, values innovation, and works together to provide outstanding care. Take the next step in your career and help us deliver hope, healing, and brighter futures.
For more information about the role please contact Charlotte Hughes - Lead Oncology Nurse specialist, Dr Charlie Cragg - Paediatric Specialist Doctor, or Dr Kamalarajan Consultant Paediatrician and POSCU Lead on 01905 760471 or 07703 381771
About us
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large
acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute
services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a
larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.
The Trust operates hospital-based services from
three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester
Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and our
caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred
care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to
work with us. Our values, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our
everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Being open and honest
Ensuring people feel cared for
Showing respect to everyone
We are committed to developing a culture of continuous improvement by embedding the principles of our Improvement System.
We are proud to have achieved Timewise
accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working
within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
DBS Checks and Costs
Any applicants who are offered posts requiring a
DBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check
(at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see link in Supporting
Information section for more details on DBS checks and costs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Summary
The post holder will hold a recognised qualification in administration of SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment)
The post holder will be part of the Clinical Nurse Specialist team and the Childrens multi-disciplinary team who will be professionally accountable for demonstrating visible and accessible leadership and Trust values.
The post holder will support the Paediatric Multi-disciplinary Team to ensure Childrens Oncology Service is embedded within the Childrens service.
The post holder will work as a specialised oncology clinical nurse working with children and young people with oncology disorders, taking responsibility for their on-going nursing management from the time of diagnosis until transition to adult services.
The post holder will support the Childrens Clinical Audit Programme promoting quality improvement initiatives.
To act independently within the CYP Oncology team guided by best practice and trust policies and guidelines.
To act as a carer and advocate for families giving expert support and advice based on best practice and close communication with the CYP oncology team.
To act as a nursing expert in oncology disorders both locally and regionally.
Clinical Responsibilities
- Be competent in the administration of SACT, and to provide clinical support to staff in outpatient setting when required.
- Demonstrate appropriate practice and specialist advice in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. This includes history taking, physical examination, requesting tests, carrying out tests, sampling and interpretation of diagnostic procedures/clinical investigations.
- Clinical decision-making regarding stepping up and stepping down medication in line with local and national guidelines. This involves a sound knowledge of oncology medications, their mode of action and side effects, to be able to safely advise patients and families.
- To be responsible for assessing and recognising emergencies in the speciality. To interpret information and take appropriate action and lead others to do the same.
- To independently deliver nurse led clinics when required. These may be delivered face to face, virtual or telephone. Where appropriate, liaise with Paediatric Consultants who will be reviewing complex cases.
To see children and families from the CYP oncology case load in both in-patient and out-patient setting, providing direct care, education and support for patients and their families.
Process phone calls and telephone encounters with families and/or young person in a timely manner that aligns with organisational expectations.
To be part of the initial diagnosis of children with oncology disorders with the medical team, counselling families before diagnosis, carrying out blood tests and communicating results.
To receive and triage referrals of children with suspected oncological disease, children needing additional support with their oncology disease, working with the families and/or young person to support and educate with compassion.
To communicate very sensitive and distressing information to parents and families about this challenging life altering condition. Ability to assess and advise patients and relatives in crisis situations and ensure that their needs are met by the whole team.
To work with each family individually assessing the level of support they will need using interpersonal skills to build a trusting relationship thus promoting concordance, recognising the dynamics of change for each family.
To act as an expert resource for children and young people and their families, giving advice, education about diagnosis and treatment and support that is appropriately planned to meet each individual's needs empowering them to manage their treatment regimes, e.g. to recognise any deterioration of control or acute episodes requiring immediate specialist attention and how to access the necessary support. This must be a dynamic process recognising the growth and development of the child and the changing themes of oncology disease.
To prioritise care that can be offered to families taking a flexible approach.
To be aware of professional boundaries between nurse and family.
To make appropriate referral and delegation of care to community childrens nurses working closely to communicate changes. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care for children and young people with oncology disorders e.g. carrying out and arranging investigations, monitoring management plans, liaising with schools and liaising with oncology teams
Work with CYP/PTC oncology teams where appropriate and work in partnership with Birmingham Womens & Childrens Hospital where needed.
Using expert judgement and analytical, problem-solving skills (evidence based) in the surveillance and recognition of changes in patients condition.
To be aware of child protection issues and take appropriate action should there be concerns involving case conferences and planning meetings.
To have an active understanding of the physiology of oncology disorders and apply this to patient care.
To have an active and relevant understanding of test results, the implications of these results and to be able to ensure that appropriate results can be explained to the family.
Plan, organise and monitor the management of care for children and young people with oncology disorders who are inpatients.
Plan, organise and monitor effective discharge planning of key in-patients in conjunction with the ward team, to promote a smooth transition to care in the community.
To be responsible for effective communication between tertiary, secondary, primary care and the family.
Plan, organise and monitor a seamless transition of care for adolescent patients with CYP oncology disorders and their families from the paediatric multidisciplinary team to the adult team or GP ensuring full preparation for the young person over an agreed period of time. This will include in depth discussions on their future adolescent and adult health issues, and accompanying patients to their initial appointments when transitioned to Adult Oncology services at other PTC within the region
To ensure accuracy of documentation and to maintain an efficient and accurate record system with relevant information in agreement with the Oncology team.
To ensure safe storage of measurements or quality of life information and retrieve data such as trend plotting of these results.
- To access and utilise patient information through the PAS and EPR.
- Be a Non-Medical Prescriber to support the wider team in provision of medications for patients (excluding SACT).
-
Maintain an effective communication network with all multi-professionals, facilitating a multidisciplinary approach to benefit the children, young people and their families.
To work effectively within the Trust's paediatric multidisciplinary oncology team including attending in-patients, ward rounds, to participate in weekly clinical meetings and out-patient clinics as appropriate, acting on and communicating changes made to families ensuring an individualised, evidence based optimum service for each patient and their family.
To act as advocate for the child / young person and family enabling them to express their needs effectively when dealing with the multidisciplinary team and communicating back to the family.
Act as an expert resource for medical staff both within the trust and outside.
To liaise with the TCT or adult oncology team to ensure open exchange in the developments in the oncology service.
To work with oncology service at Birmingham Women and Childrens Hospital to contribute to service development, change management and the development of policies and guidelines.
In conjunction with the other multidisciplinary colleagues, contribute monthly/quarterly reports of case mix, workload and education activity which will be presented at Directorate meetings.
Take an integral part in regional and national oncology related working groups.
To participate in the presentation and publication of relevant research and best practice initiatives.
To be actively involved with conferences and meetings, developing presenting skills in the regional and national setting. To represent the Trust nationally.
To network with other Children and Young People Clinical Nurse Specialists throughout the UK, joining appropriate organisations in order to collaborate, share and benchmark practices and initiatives
To obtain evaluate and disseminate information to facilitate best practice for children and young people with oncology disorders and their families.
Regular meetings with group and Lead CYP Oncology Nurse Specialist to ensure co-ordination of care, continuity and planning changing in frequency from weekly to monthly according to current service needs.
Maintain confidentiality of patient/family and staff information. Be discerning when confidential information should be shared.
To undertake all expanded role procedures according to agreed protocols within the scope of Professional Practice and identify areas for further advancement.
To develop and maintain own clinical skills and knowledge of the oncology speciality that is evidenced based aiming to achieve a 'best practice' principle, keeping up to date with new advances in treatment and new developments in the world of children and young people oncology research.
Manage time off and delegate care of patients appropriately.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Summary
The post holder will hold a recognised qualification in administration of SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment)
The post holder will be part of the Clinical Nurse Specialist team and the Childrens multi-disciplinary team who will be professionally accountable for demonstrating visible and accessible leadership and Trust values.
The post holder will support the Paediatric Multi-disciplinary Team to ensure Childrens Oncology Service is embedded within the Childrens service.
The post holder will work as a specialised oncology clinical nurse working with children and young people with oncology disorders, taking responsibility for their on-going nursing management from the time of diagnosis until transition to adult services.
The post holder will support the Childrens Clinical Audit Programme promoting quality improvement initiatives.
To act independently within the CYP Oncology team guided by best practice and trust policies and guidelines.
To act as a carer and advocate for families giving expert support and advice based on best practice and close communication with the CYP oncology team.
To act as a nursing expert in oncology disorders both locally and regionally.
Clinical Responsibilities
- Be competent in the administration of SACT, and to provide clinical support to staff in outpatient setting when required.
- Demonstrate appropriate practice and specialist advice in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. This includes history taking, physical examination, requesting tests, carrying out tests, sampling and interpretation of diagnostic procedures/clinical investigations.
- Clinical decision-making regarding stepping up and stepping down medication in line with local and national guidelines. This involves a sound knowledge of oncology medications, their mode of action and side effects, to be able to safely advise patients and families.
- To be responsible for assessing and recognising emergencies in the speciality. To interpret information and take appropriate action and lead others to do the same.
- To independently deliver nurse led clinics when required. These may be delivered face to face, virtual or telephone. Where appropriate, liaise with Paediatric Consultants who will be reviewing complex cases.
To see children and families from the CYP oncology case load in both in-patient and out-patient setting, providing direct care, education and support for patients and their families.
Process phone calls and telephone encounters with families and/or young person in a timely manner that aligns with organisational expectations.
To be part of the initial diagnosis of children with oncology disorders with the medical team, counselling families before diagnosis, carrying out blood tests and communicating results.
To receive and triage referrals of children with suspected oncological disease, children needing additional support with their oncology disease, working with the families and/or young person to support and educate with compassion.
To communicate very sensitive and distressing information to parents and families about this challenging life altering condition. Ability to assess and advise patients and relatives in crisis situations and ensure that their needs are met by the whole team.
To work with each family individually assessing the level of support they will need using interpersonal skills to build a trusting relationship thus promoting concordance, recognising the dynamics of change for each family.
To act as an expert resource for children and young people and their families, giving advice, education about diagnosis and treatment and support that is appropriately planned to meet each individual's needs empowering them to manage their treatment regimes, e.g. to recognise any deterioration of control or acute episodes requiring immediate specialist attention and how to access the necessary support. This must be a dynamic process recognising the growth and development of the child and the changing themes of oncology disease.
To prioritise care that can be offered to families taking a flexible approach.
To be aware of professional boundaries between nurse and family.
To make appropriate referral and delegation of care to community childrens nurses working closely to communicate changes. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care for children and young people with oncology disorders e.g. carrying out and arranging investigations, monitoring management plans, liaising with schools and liaising with oncology teams
Work with CYP/PTC oncology teams where appropriate and work in partnership with Birmingham Womens & Childrens Hospital where needed.
Using expert judgement and analytical, problem-solving skills (evidence based) in the surveillance and recognition of changes in patients condition.
To be aware of child protection issues and take appropriate action should there be concerns involving case conferences and planning meetings.
To have an active understanding of the physiology of oncology disorders and apply this to patient care.
To have an active and relevant understanding of test results, the implications of these results and to be able to ensure that appropriate results can be explained to the family.
Plan, organise and monitor the management of care for children and young people with oncology disorders who are inpatients.
Plan, organise and monitor effective discharge planning of key in-patients in conjunction with the ward team, to promote a smooth transition to care in the community.
To be responsible for effective communication between tertiary, secondary, primary care and the family.
Plan, organise and monitor a seamless transition of care for adolescent patients with CYP oncology disorders and their families from the paediatric multidisciplinary team to the adult team or GP ensuring full preparation for the young person over an agreed period of time. This will include in depth discussions on their future adolescent and adult health issues, and accompanying patients to their initial appointments when transitioned to Adult Oncology services at other PTC within the region
To ensure accuracy of documentation and to maintain an efficient and accurate record system with relevant information in agreement with the Oncology team.
To ensure safe storage of measurements or quality of life information and retrieve data such as trend plotting of these results.
- To access and utilise patient information through the PAS and EPR.
- Be a Non-Medical Prescriber to support the wider team in provision of medications for patients (excluding SACT).
-
Maintain an effective communication network with all multi-professionals, facilitating a multidisciplinary approach to benefit the children, young people and their families.
To work effectively within the Trust's paediatric multidisciplinary oncology team including attending in-patients, ward rounds, to participate in weekly clinical meetings and out-patient clinics as appropriate, acting on and communicating changes made to families ensuring an individualised, evidence based optimum service for each patient and their family.
To act as advocate for the child / young person and family enabling them to express their needs effectively when dealing with the multidisciplinary team and communicating back to the family.
Act as an expert resource for medical staff both within the trust and outside.
To liaise with the TCT or adult oncology team to ensure open exchange in the developments in the oncology service.
To work with oncology service at Birmingham Women and Childrens Hospital to contribute to service development, change management and the development of policies and guidelines.
In conjunction with the other multidisciplinary colleagues, contribute monthly/quarterly reports of case mix, workload and education activity which will be presented at Directorate meetings.
Take an integral part in regional and national oncology related working groups.
To participate in the presentation and publication of relevant research and best practice initiatives.
To be actively involved with conferences and meetings, developing presenting skills in the regional and national setting. To represent the Trust nationally.
To network with other Children and Young People Clinical Nurse Specialists throughout the UK, joining appropriate organisations in order to collaborate, share and benchmark practices and initiatives
To obtain evaluate and disseminate information to facilitate best practice for children and young people with oncology disorders and their families.
Regular meetings with group and Lead CYP Oncology Nurse Specialist to ensure co-ordination of care, continuity and planning changing in frequency from weekly to monthly according to current service needs.
Maintain confidentiality of patient/family and staff information. Be discerning when confidential information should be shared.
To undertake all expanded role procedures according to agreed protocols within the scope of Professional Practice and identify areas for further advancement.
To develop and maintain own clinical skills and knowledge of the oncology speciality that is evidenced based aiming to achieve a 'best practice' principle, keeping up to date with new advances in treatment and new developments in the world of children and young people oncology research.
Manage time off and delegate care of patients appropriately.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Child)
- Educated to degree (BSc or MSc) in health related subject
- Relevant professional SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment) qualification in the care of children and young people with cancer
- Recognised teaching / mentoring qualification
- Recent evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Advanced Communications Skills Training or prepared to work towards
- Evidence of Masters level learning or prepared to work towards
- Non-Medical Prescriber Qualification
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Assertive, enthusiastic, dynamic
- Demonstrate initiative, motivation and ability to facilitate practice development
- Ability to motivate self and others whilst able to work autonomously
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 3 years experience working in a paediatric oncology Principle Treatment Centre
- Advanced clinical skills in caring for children with oncology disorders
- Experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Self-directive with excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Experience of multi professional and multi-agency working
- Experience of teaching health professionals
Desirable
- Guideline development
- Experience of handling clinical incidents and complaints
- Experience of participating in research and audit programmes
Skills/Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of supporting the training of others in oncology care
- demonstrate practical application of quality standards within the clinical setting e.g. Care Quality Commission, NICE guidance
- Understanding of and commitment to evidence based practice
- Proven management skills
- Awareness of Safeguarding Procedures
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Prioritising and decision making skills
- Excellent organisational skills with a well proven ability to plan and allocate work effectively
- Evidence of participation in change management
- Good presentation skills
Desirable
Other Job Requirements
Essential
- A flexible approach to work
- Good attendance record
- Ability to travel across the county
- Standard Clauses
- A Disclosures and Barring Service check will be carried out where the position is eligible for a Disclosures and Barring Service Check in accordance with the 2012 Protection of Freedom Act and the guidance issued by the DBS.
- All posts working with children or vulnerable adults are required to have an Enhanced DBS checked including checking against DBS / ISA Vetting and barring lists.
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Child)
- Educated to degree (BSc or MSc) in health related subject
- Relevant professional SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment) qualification in the care of children and young people with cancer
- Recognised teaching / mentoring qualification
- Recent evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Advanced Communications Skills Training or prepared to work towards
- Evidence of Masters level learning or prepared to work towards
- Non-Medical Prescriber Qualification
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Assertive, enthusiastic, dynamic
- Demonstrate initiative, motivation and ability to facilitate practice development
- Ability to motivate self and others whilst able to work autonomously
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 3 years experience working in a paediatric oncology Principle Treatment Centre
- Advanced clinical skills in caring for children with oncology disorders
- Experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Self-directive with excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Experience of multi professional and multi-agency working
- Experience of teaching health professionals
Desirable
- Guideline development
- Experience of handling clinical incidents and complaints
- Experience of participating in research and audit programmes
Skills/Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of supporting the training of others in oncology care
- demonstrate practical application of quality standards within the clinical setting e.g. Care Quality Commission, NICE guidance
- Understanding of and commitment to evidence based practice
- Proven management skills
- Awareness of Safeguarding Procedures
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Prioritising and decision making skills
- Excellent organisational skills with a well proven ability to plan and allocate work effectively
- Evidence of participation in change management
- Good presentation skills
Desirable
Other Job Requirements
Essential
- A flexible approach to work
- Good attendance record
- Ability to travel across the county
- Standard Clauses
- A Disclosures and Barring Service check will be carried out where the position is eligible for a Disclosures and Barring Service Check in accordance with the 2012 Protection of Freedom Act and the guidance issued by the DBS.
- All posts working with children or vulnerable adults are required to have an Enhanced DBS checked including checking against DBS / ISA Vetting and barring lists.
Desirable
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
