Paediatric specialist practitioner

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with the clinical team to formulate clinical decisions and complex treatment plans to manage acute radiotherapy toxicity and psychosocial issues by responding to actual and potential health problems appropriately. Triage of patient cases referred for PBT to ensure suitability of referral in line with commissioning guidance Oversee and coordinate the referral and treatment pathway for patients referred for radiotherapy and PBT . Manage the referral and treatment pathway for patients who require general anaesthetic alongside PBT Lead ODP Serve as the named key worker for paediatric proton therapy patients at the point of eligibility at the paediatric radiation oncology MDT meeting. Manage the transition of care of paediatric patients between care settings. Act as a knowledgeable expert who understands the process and stages of the paediatric radiation oncology pathway. Ensure efficient use of available capacity and promote an integrated team approach across the service. Contribute to the development of national paediatric radiation oncology pathways through the clinical site groups. Lead on developing and updating patient and carer information Assist in the development of relevant protocols within the radiotherapy quality system. Accept and make appropriate referrals from/to other professional colleagues. Communicate with the patients referring specialist, GP and other community and hospice based services at regular intervals as appropriate. Contribute to the clinical governance process, including adverse incident reporting/investigation and the management of complaints, as appropriate. Attend meetings at managerial, Trust committee and local Trust partnership level, acting as advocate for area of work and profession.

Participate in national oncology/radiotherapy advisory boards and relevant working groups as invited. Assist in the development of integrated patient pathways (e.g. NICE Guidance on Cancer Services, NHS Guidance etc.).

Identify gaps in service provision and work with the MDT and cancer network to implement the changes required to improve service provision.

CLINICAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate in the direct clinical management of patients Work with the clinical team to formulate clinical decisions and complex treatment plans to manage acute radiotherapy toxicity and psychosocial issues by responding to actual and potential health problems appropriately Contribute to the coordination and effective management of the admission and discharge process.PATIENT CARE

Develop a relationship that recognises the person (patient/family member/carer) as an individual. Give information, at an appropriate level of understanding, to ensure a patient is fully informed along all stages of the patient pathway. Develop and update patient specific information which is age appropriate. Co-ordinate the patient journey ensuring appointments and information is communicated to the patient in a timely fashion.

Act as a patient advocate with clear feedback systems in place to the MDT and referring hospitals. Communicate highly complex, sensitive information to patients and carers. Asses on a regular basis whether more support or advice is needed and offered where appropriate. Provide an important point of contact for the patient and those around them both during and after completion of treatment, ensuring continuation of care. To identify vulnerable children and children of vulnerable adults and work with Trust named nurse for safeguarding.

Cover other appropriate disease groups as required.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

To develop and maintain competencies relevant to professional title and role Be present and involved in training days and conferences. Participate in the education of pre/post registration students. Contribute to educational programmes within the Trust and referring/associated centres. Educate patients and their carers on issues surrounding health promotion and illness prevention.

RESEARCH AND AUDIT

Facilitate relevant paediatric radiation oncology research and audit maintaining relevant competencies to record and contribute to research and trials Keep up to date with current research and publications. Initiate and support clinical audit with respect to evaluating service effectiveness and future developments within the role, developing and managing strategies to address any shortfalls. Disseminate relevant research findings to colleagues and members of the health professions via presentation and publication.

Qualifications

Essential

• RSCN/RN Child, degree in nursing studies equivalent or DCR(T) or BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiographer State Registered Therapeutic Radiographer.
• NMC or HCPC state Registration
• Evidence of post graduate study/ education in area relevant to role

Desirable

• Post registration certificate in cancer or equivalent (nursing)
• Membership of relevant national bodies e.g. CCLG/PONF
• Advanced communication skills certificate
• Management/leadership course
• MSc or equivalent in related education area
• Non-medical prescribing qualification

Experience

Essential

• Expert experience of Paediatric oncology nursing or therapeutic radiotherapy procedures and pathways
• Evidence of participation in audit, research and-or radiotherapy development work.

Desirable

• Expert understanding of paediatric oncology treatment regimes and pathways
• Experience of working in Paediatric radiation oncology
• Experience of research and audit procedures

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of an MDT
• Ability to work autonomously
• Ability to deliver a high quality of care
• Teaching skills

Desirable

• Ability to produce high level research/audit papers for publication to professional journals and meetings
• Non medical prescribing

Knowledge

Essential

• Committed to own personal professional development and that of all nursing team
• Knowledge of safeguarding children
• Knowledge of relevant paediatric oncology supportive care teams, pathways and processes
• Knowledge in paediatric and TYA health issues and policy

Desirable

• Knowledge of clinical audit process
• Knowledge of psychosocial support mechanisms, processes, and pathways

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

• Flexibility in working hours
• Ability to travel to other Christie sites when requested.

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).