Clinical Nurse Specialist Oncology

Job Purpose As a key member of the Nursing team, the post holder will demonstrate excellent clinical skills, quality patient care initiatives and facilitate effective interpersonal communication with colleagues in the unit(s) and hospital. The role will provide comprehensive nursing care to patients using evidence-based practice and adjusting resources to ensure continuity of care, will act as a role model for excellence in patient care. The CNS will communicate and collaborate with the medical/nursing staff teams in the delivery of quality continuing care for the patient, including liaison with Consultants, and GPs. The position requires a strategic approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the management of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives. The role demands a broad range of professional skills and knowledge as well as skills in communication, leadership, teaching, education, research and counselling all in keeping with the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse Specialist Posts, 4th edition, National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008. Job Background/Context Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is a state of the art 112 bed healthcare facility ideally located on at the junction of the N4 and M50 in Lucan, Co Dublin. The hospital provides a wide range of Emergency, Ambulatory, Interventional and Diagnostic care to for Adults and some services for Children. As a member of Irelands newest private health care group, Blackrock Health we are dedicated in ensuring our mission, vision and values are our guiding principles in ensuring our patients and staff have a world class experience. A career in Hermitage Clinic will ensure you are joining a diverse, dynamic and enthusiastic team of professionals, passionate about developing services to ensure we provide the best care in the most modern of facilities. We offer new recruits an array of supports to ensure you are enabled to develop your career. Please contact us directly to review our up to date opportunities and list of benefits. Clinical Focus The CNS will have a strong patient focus whereby the specialty defines itself as nursing and subscribes to the overall purpose, functions and ethical standards of nursing. The clinical practice role may be divided into direct and indirect care. Direct care comprises the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care to the patient, family and/or carer. Indirect care relates to activities that influence and support the provision of direct care. Direct Care Provide specialist nursing care for oncology patients, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based practice. Undertake comprehensive patient assessments, including physical examinations, diagnostic testing, and clinical evaluations, to develop and implement individualized care plans Use the outcomes of patient assessment to develop and implement plans of care/case management in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate. Monitor and evaluate patient responses to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and other cancer treatments, adjusting care plans as necessary. Make alterations in the management of patients condition in collaboration with the MDT and the patient in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines (PPPGs). 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 assess the patients needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice, and counselling as required. Where appropriate work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, family, and/or carer as appropriate. Participate in medication reconciliation taking cognisance of poly-pharmacy and support medical and pharmacy staff with medication reviews and medication management. Manage and oversee treatment administration and symptom management, ensuring safe and effective care in line with best practice guidelines. Identify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer and support patient self-care in line with best evidence. This will include the provision of educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive, easy to understand and meets patients needs. Indirect Care Participate in case review with MDT colleagues. Use a case management approach to patients with complex needs in collaboration with the MDT in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate. Take a proactive role in the formulation and provision of evidence based PPPGs relating to oncology care. Establish and maintain clear referral line Patient / Client Advocate Communicate, negotiate, and represent patients, family, and/or carer values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with MDT colleagues in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate. Develop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation to patient participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options. Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of the patient, family, and/or carer. Establish, maintain, and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperation between Acute Services, Primary Care, and Voluntary Organisations as appropriate. Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients. Education & Training Maintain clinical competence in patient management within oncology nursing, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence based practice. Provide the patient, family, and/or carer with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill, and confidence in managing their conditions. Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family, and/or carer thus empowering them to self-manage their condition. Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing colleagues as appropriate. Participate in training programmes for nursing, MDT colleagues, and key stakeholders as appropriate. Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence based oncology nursing care delivery through journal clubs, conferences etc. Develop and maintain links with relevant third level Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in the design, development, and delivery of educational programmes in specialist areas. Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs. Audits Research & Quality Consultant Essential Criteria Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI Have at least five years recent relevant post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting and a minimum of two years nursing experience in the specialist area Have acquired a level 8 post registration Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic award relevant to the specialist area of Oncology Nursing (or similar) or be willing to complete within one year of taking up post. Why work at the Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic Competitive salary An Education Support Programme Development opportunities Opportunities for career progression Subsidised Restaurant Free staff car parking Employee Assistance Programme The Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is an Equal Opportunities Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality at all levels of the organisation. Skills: Clinical Management Leadership