Overview
Clinical Nurse Specialist Medical Oncology – UPMC Whitfield Hospital. Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital. Job type: Permanent.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (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 work closely with the patient, the patient’s medical team, the nursing team and the multidisciplinary team to ensure evidence-based practice and high standards of care in all areas of patient care. This includes, but is not limited to, patient and family education pre- and post-treatment; acting as a clinical resource for care of patients undergoing medical oncology treatment (chemotherapy, infusions, immunotherapy, etc.); maintaining a clinical database of patients and their treatment/outcomes (survivorship); documenting procedures, evaluations, treatments, outcomes, education and referrals; and participating in follow-up clinics/phone calls as required.
Roles and responsibilities are organized around five core concepts: Clinical focus; Service user advocacy; Education and Training; Audit and Research; Consultancy and leadership in clinical practice. The CNS will provide a point of contact for patients in the outpatient setting, including a telephone triage hotline service using a validated assessment tool (UKONS) and detailed patient assessments.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
* Provide a specialist nursing service for patients with a new cancer diagnosis.
* Undertake comprehensive patient assessment (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) using best evidence-based practice.
* Develop and implement plans of care in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and the patient/family/carer as appropriate.
* Monitor and evaluate the patient’s response to treatment and amend the plan of care with the MDT and patient as appropriate.
* Make alterations in the management of the patient’s condition in line with agreed pathways, PPPGs, policies and guidelines.
* Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleagues and coordinate investigations, treatment therapies and follow-up.
* Communicate with patients and their families to assess needs and provide information, education, advice and counselling as required.
* Collaborate with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to deliver seamless service delivery where appropriate.
* Participate in medication reconciliation and support medical/pharmacy staff with medication reviews and management.
* Identify symptom management strategies and provide self-management guidance and escalation pathways.
* Manage nurse-led clinics with MDT input and identify health promotion priorities to support patient self-care with educational materials.
Indirect Care
* Participate in case reviews with MDT colleagues and use a case-management approach for patients with complex needs.
* Lead the formulation and provision of evidence-based PPPGs for supportive cancer care.
* Ensure survivorship care aligns with best practice guidelines and relevant standards.
Patient/Client Advocate
* Provide an efficient, high-quality service respecting patient, family and carer needs.
* Manage time and caseload to meet service needs and monitor service quality.
* Maintain patient confidentiality and records in line with HIQA and HSE requirements.
* Represent the service at appropriate forums and contribute to service planning and development.
* Familiarity with HIQA standards and adherence to HSE protocols as applicable.
Managerial Responsibilities
* Maintain clinical competence and stay updated with evidence-based practice.
* Provide information and supportive interventions to empower patients and carers.
* Contribute to education programmes and resources for patients and families; mentor and precept nursing colleagues as appropriate.
* Participate in MDT learning opportunities and continuous professional development.
* Address own CPD needs and contribute to service planning and budgeting through audit data.
Education & Training
* Establish and maintain a patient referral register and collect data aligned to KPIs as directed.
* Identify and conduct nursing and MDT audits and research projects relevant to practice; disseminate best evidence in Cancer treatment and survivorship care.
* Use audit outcomes to drive service improvements and participate in related planning.
Qualifications & Experience
Candidates must have at the latest date of application:
* Be a registered nurse on the active NMBI register or eligible for registration.
* Successfully completed a post-registration programme validated by a QQI NFQ Level 8 or higher relevant in Cancer Nursing (or equivalent evidence of Level 8+ credits).
* Minimum 5 years post-registration full-time experience or 5 years full-time in Cancer Nursing.
* Evidence of career development and personal development planning, and continuing professional development in Cancer Nursing.
* Ability to practice safely and effectively within scope of practice.
* Maintain live annual registration with NMBI and confirm annual registration with NMBI to UPMC Ireland.
Equal Opportunity & Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity. We are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees.
Compensation: Competitive base pay with performance-related pay where applicable. Benefits include fully paid maternity and paternity leave, pension, life/critical illness cover where applicable, and performance recognition through the ACES programme. Work-life balance features include enhanced annual leave up to 27 days and flexible working opportunities. Development opportunities are provided to support career goals.
About UPMC
UPMC is a multinational academic medical centre with operations in Ireland, including UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford and other centres. The organisation focuses on clinical and technological innovation, research and education, with a global network through UPMC International.
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