Staff Nurse

Job responsibilities

Communication & relationship skills:

• Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, relatives, and the wider multidisciplinary team, ensuring information is delivered sensitively and appropriately, particularly when conveying distressing or complex clinical information.

Analytical skills:

• Assesand monitor patient responses to chemotherapy, identifying early signs of complications or adverse reactions and escalating appropriately.

Planning & organisation skills:

• Contributeto the smooth running of the day unit by prioritising workload, managing patient flow, and ensuring treatments are delivered efficiently and on time.

Responsibility - patient/client care:

• Deliver high-quality, evidence-based nursing care to patients undergoing chemotherapy and associated treatments.

Responsibility for policy & service development:

• Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and feedback mechanisms to inform service development.

Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources:

• Ensure the safe and cost-effective use of medical equipment, chemotherapy drugs, and consumables.

Responsibility - staff management/leadership/training:

• Act as a role model for junior staff and students, supporting their development through supervision, teaching, and mentorship.

Duties in relation to information resources:

• Maintainup-to-date and accurate patient records using both electronic and paper systems, in line with information governance and confidentiality standards.

Responsibility - research & development:

• Keepup to date with developments in oncology nursing, evidence-based practice, and national guidance relevant to chemotherapy care.

Freedom to act:

• Workwithin NMC guidelines, trust policies, and local chemotherapy protocols, exercising professional judgement in the delivery of care.

Please refer to the Job Description for further details

We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.

MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.

We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.

By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.

Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.

Qualifications and knowledge

Essential

• Registered General Nurse - NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration
• Competent in drug calculations as assessed at interview
• Awareness of NHS policies and procedures
• Awareness of infection prevention and control measures
• Understanding of health and safety in the workplace

Desirable

• Qualification in the care of patients receiving chemotherapy (or equivalent)

Experience

Essential

• Computer literate and confident with clinical systems
• Experience of working effectively within a team

Desirable

• 2 years minimum experience at band 5 level
• Experience working in Haematology or Oncology settings

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrates care and professionalism towards patients and families
• Competent in venipuncture and cannulation
• Ability to prioritise workload and interpersonal skills
• High standard of clinical care and patient advocacy
• Accurate and clear documentation and record keeping
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change
• Able to respond to changing priorities at short notice

Desirable

• Qualification in chemotherapy care (or working towards)
• Experience in managing central line (e.g. PICC/Hickman)

Personal and people development

Essential

• Presents a professional appearance and demeanor
• Uses initiative and demonstrates proactive problem-solving
• Reliable and punctual
• Honest and trustworthy
• Demonstrates self-motivation and commitment to learning
• Supports and encourages junior staff
• Willing to work towards mentorship qualification

Communication

Essential

• Communicates clearly and effectively in verbal and written forms
• Demonstrates self-awareness, empathy and diplomacy
• Understands the impact of communication style on others
• Accurate and professional documentation skills

Specific requirements

Essential

• Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations

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).