Acute Oncology & Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression Nurse Specialist

Job Purpose:Under direction from the Senior Acute OncologyNurse Specialist (AONS) the post holder will play a key role in communicating with and influencing others to ensure an Acute Oncology model of care is deliverable, sustainable to meet patients needs, and is in compliance with national peer review measures as agreed. Key Dimensions:The post holder will work closely with the Senior AONS and Acute Oncology Consultant to provide early input of specialist nursing assessment and clinical management advice for unscheduled oncology emergency admissions with regard to complications related to chemotherapy, complications of cancer or suspected unknown primary cancer. The post holder will give expert advice and implement patient care in an area which requires specific clinical knowledge, skills and experience. The post holder will work alongside other clinical colleagues in oncology, palliative care, acute medicine, radiology and pathology to manage the care of individual patients, ensuring quality of care is maximised. This post is integral to the development of the Acute Oncology pathways within the trust and extending to the wider health community through effective partnerships, coordination and integration. Under direction of the Senior Acute OncologyNurse Specialist (AONS) will assist in coordinating the Acute Oncology service and provide early input of specialist nursing care to oncology patients enabling: Faster and better care of patient with complications of chemotherapy (early recognition, appropriate investigation, better treatment, early discharge) Faster and better care of patients with complications of cancer (early recognition, better treatment, rapid referral to appropriate specialty) Appropriate investigations of patients who may benefit form treatment for unknown primary cancers, targeted investigations, and rapid triage of patients into specialist oncology or palliative care. Improved access to expert oncology input for patients with metastatic malignancy of unknown origin to avoid unnecessary, inappropriate investigations; are discussed in an MDT; and receive rapid treatment for their disease and/or symptom control decisions. To work collaboratively as part of the Acute Oncology team, to help develop and deliver services across organisational, professional and geographical boundaries. Forging close working relationships with medical and cancer teams, the emergency department and specialist palliative care.To provide direct care through physical and holistic assessment of patients, instigating, appropriate targeted investigation and the rapid triage of patients into oncology or specialist palliative care. PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYClinical Practice To make appropriate triage and clinical decisions following assessment utilising specialist knowledge in this specialty, underpinned by theory and experience. To act as Nurse Specialist for MSCC patients To act as a resource in providing evidence based advice and information to promote the health and wellbeing of patients with cancers and unknown primary. Collect, collate, evaluate and report information, maintaining accurate patient records. To promote an innovative and progressive attitude to the continual improvement of patient care through audit, research and evidence based practice. To act as a role model and competent specialist practitioner, developing staff and others, knowledge and skills of patient care within wards, departments and community setting. To have a visible presence and regular contact with key points of entry across the trust, particularly ED, MAU, SAU. Support and promote an integrated approach to quality, seeking always to improve patient care and patient experience. Work within the scope of professional practice and adhere with the nursing and midwifery council code of professional conduct ensuring extension of practice in line with the agreed local and national guidelines, protocols and competencies Management Contribute and support the development and implementation of clinical audits and research projects in own specialist area, ensuring the findings are disseminated and good practice is shared across the trust and beyond in accordance with trust governance and clinical guidelines including Peer review process. Contribute and support the audit and evaluation of the service reporting back to lead clinician/matron/managers within the care group Assist in the completion of national audit programmes and network agreed minimum data sets. Ensure that all inpatients with complications of Oncology Chemotherapy are reviewed by the Oncology team within 24 hours of admission (or next working day) Promote the role of the Acute Oncology service and ensure referral processes and trigger alerts are in place to ensure appropriate timely referrals. Support the Senior AOS nurse to provide expert support, direction and judgment in the collection of information towards annual peer review processes and service developments, working closely with other colleagues, in the review and analysis of the service Leadership/Education To review own professional development To identify personal training and development needs. To provide education and teaching to clinical staff and other colleagues on aspects of Acute Oncology to support the development of specialist skills and knowledge. To assist in identifying, assessing and meeting the educational needs of the patient and their family, paying particular attention to the public and personal attitudes to cancer and how these relate to political, social, economic and ethical issues. Undertake training courses to develop maintain and increase knowledge, skill and expertise whilst reflecting service and Trust aims. Communications & working relationships Demonstrate advanced communication skills which provide appropriate support, relevant information and education to facilitate decision making on all treatment options for patients and their family/carers. Assist the Lead AOS Nurse to establish close liaison and communication with and between all disciplines involved in the care of patients and their families/carers in order to facilitate a coordinated service in the hospital and to ensure an effective discharge into the community. Support new patients, identifying their psychological, emotional, spiritual, financial and cultural needs in relation to their condition and proposed treatment pathway. To act as the patients advocate when necessary and inform and educate them regarding their treatment options enabling patients to make informed choices, referring back to clinician where appropriate. To be aware of own limitations and emotional effort needed and regularly attend clinical supervision. Utilising IT systems maintain accurate records of all activity. Please note: This is a 7 day a week service and the post holder will be expected to work some weekends and bank holidays.