Job overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly established triage nursing team within the Acute Oncology Service to specialise as an Acute Oncology Triage Nurse Adviser. This post will specialise in triaging acutely unwell haemo-oncology patients calling via Chemotherapy helpline.
In addition to this, the post holder will be a key member of the Acute Oncology Team and expected to support 7-day service. This role will be integral in supporting planned initiative to support an Oncology SDEC in the near future
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and compassionate nurse, with a strong work ethic, and drive to make a difference for our Oncology patients and families.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced nurse, with triaging skills, and knowledge/experience in acute medicine, emergency department and oncology nursing. Due to the complex nature of cancer, we are looking for someone with previous oncology and acute experience and ideally a broad knowledge of patients admitted with complications of disease and complication of SACTs.
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
If you have previously applied within the last 3 months, please do not reapply.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as part of the Acute Oncology Team with specific role in triaging and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and ensuring patients escalated for emergency assessment and review as indicated.
The post holder will be ultimately responsible for covering triage and expected to work support assessments and specialist advise on admission or presentation to hospital, as appropriate. In addition, to this role the post holder will be an integral part of the acute oncology team and support 7-day Acute Oncology service and support the development of planned Acute SDEC as required.
They will work alongside the Acute Medical teams on both hospital sites, contributing to the delivery and evaluation of evidence-based patient care.. The role will be innovative and encompass all aspects of the patient care pathway, acting as a triage nurse adviser and support to patients and families, supporting information and assistance to carers both within the formal/informal setting. The role is an evolving role and has opportunities for development with new planned acute oncology SDEC unit in the near future.
Working for our organisation
MTW is a large acute hospital trust in the south-east of England.
We provide a full range of general hospital services and some aspects of specialist and complex care to around 600,000 people living in west Kent and East Sussex. We have a team of over 8,000 full and part-time staff. We also provide specialist cancer services to around 2 million people across Kent and East Sussex via the Kent Oncology Centre.
In the 2024 NHS staff survey, our employees ranked MTW among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and the second-best Trust to work for in the South East.
Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.
We support our staff with disabilities to ensure they have the adjustments they need to be the best they can be in the workplace. Collaborating with Access to Work means that our staff are assessed by experts in the workplace and we ensure that their recommendations are implemented as quickly as possible. You can find out more here: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. NMC Level 1 Registration in Adult Nursing
2. First level degree or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
3. Post-registration training in oncology, SACTs or acute care
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Post-registration experience in oncology, chemotherapy
5. In-depth knowledge of the issues surrounding the scope of professional practice and accountability
6. Understanding of the principles and processes involved in Clinical Governance
7. Knowledge of antic0-systemic cancer treatments (SACTs)
8. Experience of triaging face to face and via telephone
Desirable criteria
9. Experience of acute medical/emergency department nursing
10. Experience of breaking bad news.
11. Sound knowledge of palliative care, emergencies and the management of these
12. Working knowledge of the use of research in developing nursing care for oncology patients
Skills
Essential criteria
13. Proven ability to communicate with patients
14. Competent and experience triage skills
15. Able to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate specialist individualised and evidence-based nursing care
16. Able to interpret blood test and other test results, escalate as appropriate.
17. Able to assess patient problems on the telephone and make necessary judgement about whether to arrange admission and/or give symptom control advice.
18. Ability to demonstrate a problem- solving approach
Desirable criteria
19. Confidence in breaking bad news to patients and families.
20. Experience of audit, benchmarking or research and the ability to use results to inform change and development
21. Demonstrates change management skills
22. Competent in the use Excel spreadsheets to evidence audit results