Clinical Nurse Specialist Medical Oncology - Limerick Cancer Centre Location: Limerick Cancer Centre Job type: Permanent Overview of role: The CNS in Medical Oncology will provide expert nursing care and support to patients diagnosed with cancer, undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT).
The CNS will act as a key liaison between patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring continuity of care, symptom management, and psychosocial support throughout the cancer CNS Medical Oncology will work closely with the patient, patient's medical team, nursing team, multidisciplinary team members to ensure evidence - based practice in delivering high standards of care in all areas of patient care.
This will include, but is not limited to: Patient and family education pre and post treatment Serve as a clinical resource in relation to care of the patient undergoing medical oncology treatment (chemotherapy, infusions, immunotherapy etc.)Maintain a clinical database of patients and their treatment and outcomes (survivorship)Document all procedures, evaluations, treatments, outcomes, education and referrals consistent with Hospital policy and national / international standards Participate in follow up clinics / phone calls as required Roles and responsibilities are developed around five core concepts which include: Clinical focus Service user / client advocacy Education and Training Audit and Research Consultancy - including leadership in clinical practice The CNS Medical Oncology will be dynamic, enthusiastic, conscientious and passionate with strong clinical leadership and the ability to develop the role to meet the evolving needs of the Medical Oncology patient.
The CNS will be responsible for acting as a point of contact for patients in the out-patient setting, providing a telephone triage hotline service using a validated assessment tool (UKONS), undertaking detailed patient assessments and actively participate in planning and performing unscheduled review of patients presenting unwell to the oncology/haematology day units with disease/treatment related side effects.
The CNS will provide increased access to specialised cancer nursing care for patients on active treatment to enhance patient safety and minimise risks.
The CNS will work within the acute haematology and oncology services as part of the MDT, forging relationships especially with, but not exclusively, ED, acute medical assessment units and CIT/community services and continue to develop the role in line with evidence based practice and NCCP guidelines Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Professional/Clinical: Thepost holder's practice is based on the five core concepts of Clinical Nurse Specialist role as defined by the NCNM 4th edition (2008) in order to fulfilthe role.
The concepts are: Clinical Focus Patient/Client Advocate Education and Training Audit and Research Consultant Clinical Focus.
Clinical Focus The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will have a strong patient focus whereby thespecialty defines itself as nursing and subscribes to the overall purpose,functions and ethical standards of nursing.
The clinical practice role may bedivided into direct and indirect care.
Directcare comprises the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care to thepatient, family and/or carer.
Indirect care relates to activities thatinfluence and support the provision of direct care.
Direct Care CNS : The CNS will: Provide a specialist nursing service forpatients with a new diagnosis of cancer.
Undertake comprehensive patient assessmentto include physical, psychological, social and spiritual elements of care usingbest evidence based practice.
Use the outcomes of patient assessment to develop and implement plans ofcare/case management in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) andthe patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.
Monitor and evaluate the patient's response to treatment and amend the plan ofcare accordingly in conjunction with the MDT and patient, family and/or careras appropriate.
Make alterations in the management of patient's condition in collaboration withthe MDT and the patient in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures,protocols and guidelines (PPPG's).
Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleagues Co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow-up Communicate with patients, family and /or carer as appropriate, to assesspatient's needs and provide relevant support, information, education, adviceand counselling as required Where appropriate work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, familyand/or carer as appropriate Participate in medication reconciliation taking cognisance of poly-pharmacy andsupport medical and pharmacy staff with medication reviews and medicationmanagement Identify and promote specific symptom management strategies as well as theidentification of triggers which may cause exacerbation of symptoms.
Providepatients with appropriate self-management strategies and escalation pathways.
Manage nurse lead clinics with MDT input.
Identify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer andsupport patient self-care in line with best evidence.
This will include theprovision of educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive,easy to understand and meets patient's needs.
Indirect Care: The CNS will: Participate in case review with MDT colleagues Use a case management approach to patients with complex needs in collaborationwith MDT in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate.
Take a proactive role in the formulation and provision of evidence based PPPGsrelating to supportive care for cancer patients.
Take a lead role in ensuring the service for patients who require survivorshipcare is in line with best practice guidelines and the Safer Better Healthcare Standards (HIQA, 2012) Patient/Client Advocate: The CNS will: Communicate, negotiate and representpatient's family and/or carer values and decisions in relation to theircondition in collaboration with MDT colleagues as appropriate Develop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation topatient participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice oftreatment options Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient,family and/or carer Establish, maintain and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperationbetween UPMC Ireland Services and other organisations as appropriate Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality serviceto patients Managerial Responsibilities: The CNS will: Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needsof each patient, family and/or carer.
Effectively manage time and caseload in order to meet changing and developingservice needs.
Continually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needs.
Implement and manage identified changes.
Ensure that confidentiality in relation to patient records is maintained.
Represent the specialist service at local, national and international fora asrequired.
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records and data on all matterspertaining to the planning, management, delivery and evaluation of care andensure that this service is in line with HSE requirements.
Contribute to the service planning process as appropriate and as directed bythe ADON Medical Services.
Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
and comply with associated HSE protocols forimplementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water andwaste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient healthservice.
KPI's The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators(KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital's service plan targets.
The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
The management and delivery of KPIs as aroutine and core business objective.
Education& Training: The CNS will: Maintain clinical competence in patient management within cancer nursing andnursing/midwifery, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure theimplementation of evidence based practice.
Provide the patient, family and/or carer with appropriate information and othersupportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill and confidence inmanaging their condition.
Contribute to the design, development and implementation of educationprogrammes and resources for the patient, family and/or carer in relation todiagnosis and survivorship issues thus empowering them to self-manage theircondition.
Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing colleagues as appropriate.
Participate in training programmes for nursing and MDT colleagues asappropriate Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation toevidence based survivorship care delivery through journal clubs, conferencesetc.
Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs.
Audit & Research: The CNS will: Establish and maintain a register of patients referred to the CNS.
Maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to National Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) as directed and advised by the ADON Medical Services.
Identify, initiate and conduct nursing and MDT audit and research projectsrelevant to the area of practice.
Identify, critically analyse, disseminate and integrate best evidence relatingto Cancer treatment and care.
Contribute to nursing research on all aspects of survivorship care for cancerpatients.
Use the outcomes of audit to improve service provision.
Contribute to service planning and budgetary processes through use of auditdata and specialist knowledge Monitor, access, utilise and disseminate current relevant research to adviseand ensure the provision of informed evidence based practice Auditexpected outcomes including: Collate data (agreed KPIs/clinical targets as per the National Cancer Control Programmes Guidelines), which will provideevidence of the effectiveness of CNS interventions undertaken 3 or 4 - Refer tothe National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwiferyfinal report - Evaluation of Clinical Nurse and Midwife Specialist and Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioner roles in Ireland (SCAPE Report,2010) and refer to the National KPIs associated with the speciality.
Theyshould have a clinical nursing focus as well as a breakdown of activity -patients seen and treated.
Evaluate audit results and research findings to identify areas for qualityimprovement in collaboration with nursing management and MDT colleagues.
Consultant: The CNS will: Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for Oncology practice.
Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation.
Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing practice.
Develop collaborative working relationships with local Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist's/Registered Advanced Nurse/Midwife Practitioner/MDT colleagues as appropriate, developing person centred care pathways to promote the integrated model of care delivery.
With the support of the Director of Nursing, attend integrated care planning meetings as required.
Where appropriate develop and maintain relationships with specialist services in voluntary organisations which support patients in the community.
Liaise with other health service providers in the development and on-going delivery of the National Clinical Programme model of care.
Quality, Risk and Safety Responsibilities: Network with other Clinical Nurse Specialistin Oncology and in related professional associations.
Itis the responsibility of all staff to: Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements withregard to quality, risk and safety Participate and cooperate with local quality, risk and safety initiatives asrequired Participate and cooperate with internal and external evaluations of theorganisation's structures, services and processes as required, including butnot limited to, The National Hygiene Audit, National Decontamination Audit, Health and Safety Audits, CHKS, DGSA, ISO and other audits specified byregulatory authorities Initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiatives in their areawhich are in keeping with local organisational quality, risk and safetyrequirements Contribute to the development of PPPGs and safe professional practice andadhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards Comply with UPMC Ireland Complaints Policy Ensure completion of incident/near miss forms and clinical risk reporting Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of anyequipment supplied and used to carry out the responsibilities of the role of CNS.
It is the responsibility of all staff to ensurecompliance with local organisational hygiene standards, guidelines andpractices Skills, competenciesand/or knowledge: Professional Knowledge CNSwill: Practice in accordance with relevant legislation and with regard to The Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives(Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) Incorporating, The Scope of Nursing& Midwifery Practice and Professional Guidance 2025) Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be professionallyaccountable for actions/omissions.
Take measures to develop and maintain thecompetences required for professional practice Adhere to the Nursing & Midwifery values of Care, Compassion and Commitment(Do H, 2016) Adhere to national, regional and local HSE PPPGs Adhere to relevant legislation and regulation Adhere to appropriate lines of authority within the nurse/midwife managementstructure.
CNSwill demonstrate: In-depth knowledge of the role of CNS Oncology liaison In-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of psychological issues with patientsin their patient cohort.
The ability to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the patient experiencingcomplications of Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies, including taking an accuratehistory of their condition and presenting problems.
The ability to employ appropriate diagnostic interventions including use of the UKONS Telephone Triage toolkit to support clinical decision making and thepatients' self- management planning The ability to formulate a plan of care based on findings and evidence basedstandards of care and practice guidelines The ability to follow up and evaluate a plan of care Knowledge of health promotion principles/coaching/self-management strategiesthat will enable people to take greater control over decisions and actions thataffect their health and wellbeing An understanding of the principles of clinical governance and risk managementas they apply directly to CNS role and the wider health service.
Evidence of teaching in the clinical area A working knowledge of audit and research processes Evidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, E-mail, Power Point Communicationand Interpersonal Skills Effective communication skills Ability to build and maintain relationships particularly in the context of MDTworking Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner Ability to manage groups through the learning process Ability to provide constructive feedback to encourage future learning Effective presentation skills.
Organisationand Management Skills: Evidence of effective organisational skills including awareness of appropriateresource management Ability to attain designated targets, manage deadlines and multiple tasks Ability to be self-directed, work on own initiative A willingness to be flexible in response to changing local/organisationalrequirements.
Building& Maintaining Relationships including Team and Leadership skills Leadership, change management and team management skills including the abilityto work with MDT colleagues.
Commitmentto providing a quality service: Awareness and respect for the patient's views in relation to their care Evidence of providing quality improvement programmes Evidence of conducting audit Evidence of motivation by ongoing professional development.
Analysingand Decision Making Effective analytical, problem solving anddecision making skills Qualifications & Experience: Key Requirements: Candidates must have at the latest date of application: Professional Qualifications, experience etc.
(a) I) Be a registered nurse on the active Register of Nurses and Midwives held by An Bord Altranais agus Cnimhseachais na hireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) or be eligible to be so registered Evidence of career development and personal development plan And Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development and competence in delivering a professional service in Cancer Nursing (b) Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfillinghis/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice Annual registration (i) Practitioners must maintain live annual registration on theappropriate/relevant Division of the register of Nurses and Midwives maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (Bord Altranais agus Cnimhseachais nahireann) for the role And (ii) Confirm annual registration with NMBI to UPMC Ireland.
Skills/Competencies: Practice in accordance with relevant legislation and with regards to The Scopeof Nursing and Midwifery Practice Framework (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2015) and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2014)Demonstrate: Effective communication skills.
Organisation and time management skills.
Effective analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Commitment to provide a quality service Have an Oncology Qualification from an accredited institution Have a recognised post-registration nursing course - Higher Diploma or Post Grad course or be in pursuit of same.
Have extensive experienceand clinical expertise i.e.
minimum of 4 years post registration experience inthe specialist area of Cancer Care.
Have the ability topractice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibilitywithin his/her scope of practice.
Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge: Competent in IV/Oral Chemotherapyadministration Competent in accessing, maintaining& care of CVAD devices Competent in IV Cannulation &Venepuncture Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits UPMC is an equal opportunity celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environmentfor all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards programthat is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunitiesfor all our colleagues.
Compensation - Competitive pay for the work employees do - base pay, performance related payand premium pay where applicable.
Benefits -Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times.
Critical Illness coverfor all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition - Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance - Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days.
Flexibleworking opportunities to support you to work around external familycommitments.
Developmentand Career Opportunities - Opportunities for each employee to reachtheir career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
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UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialtyservices of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others tomore people in more places around the world.
In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since2006.
UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny.
Outpatient care is available atthe UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapylocations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo.
UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network.
UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.
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