Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and collaborative oncology nurse with both managerial and clinical skills to support the day-to-day operations of the Outpatients facilities in the NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at The Christie. This position will work closely with the CRF Senior Charge Nurses and Matron to deliver a safe and efficient outpatient service, including phlebotomy services and clinics. The role requires proactive leadership, excellent communication, and the ability to respond quickly to ensure seamless patient care.
The post holder will be a key member of the CRF team, demonstrating initiative and vision in continuing to move the service forward whilst assisting and supporting the Senior Charge Nurses in implementing service changes and developments.
If you are passionate about providing exceptional patient care and have strong leadership and communication skills, we encourage you to apply and become an integral part of our dynamic CRF team!
This is a full time, one year contract with secondment opportunity.
Main duties of the job
The ideal candidate will bring strong clinical expertise, a thorough understanding of safety and governance, and a dedication to delivering exceptional patient care. This role demands excellent communication and team management skills, particularly through periods of change. Your leadership will be key to ensuring safe, high-quality patient care and supporting the CRF's mission to deliver innovative cancer research.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Collaborate with the CRF Senior Charge Nurses and Matron to oversee CRF Outpatient operations, including phlebotomy and clinic operations.
2. Evaluate daily trial needs to ensure the right skill mix and safe service delivery.
3. Provide support for outpatient staff, maintaining a reliable and dependable presence to resolve any issues.
4. Serve as the first point of contact for unwell patients, coordinating immediate care and escalating as necessary.
5. Responsible for line management of the Senior HCA team, and support their continued training and development.
6. Champion continuous improvement, supporting the implementation of changes and new initiatives to advance service quality.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.
We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
The CRF at The Christie is one of six CRF units that together make up the NIHR Manchester CRF. The Christie CRF was established in 2010, refurbished in 2016 and provides the specialist infrastructure needed to support researchers in the delivery of world class oncology research. A variety of clinical research is supported by the CRF, from Phase 1 first-in-human trials to innovative advanced therapy studies, as well as complex later phase research.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Act in a manner consistent with The Code NMC (2015) carrying out the role in accordance with locally agreed policies and procedures.
2. Support the CRF Senior Charge Nurses and Matron in the co-ordination and management of CRF Outpatients.
3. Be responsible for and maintain a safe and effective working environment, resolving issues where possible and escalating appropriately. Responsible for undertaking MEG and FLO audits and implementing any actions arising.
4. Organise and implement a daily work schedule, ensuring an effective skill mix, deploying staff flexibly to meet the resource needs of individual clinics together with utilizing Trust IT packages that support patient scheduling and phlebotomy bookings.
5. Assess, plan and implement clinical care for the unwell patient; maintain associated patient records. Communicate and escalate to appropriate teams.
6. Safely perform essential nursing duties within the CRF Outpatient setting, contributing to clinic operations by assisting with admissions, dressing changes, administering injections etc., and referring patients to appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team.
7. Develop good working relationships, attend appropriate meetings and demonstrate clear communication with teams both within and outside of R&I to ensure patients have an effective and efficient research experience.
8. Line manage the HCA team, fostering staff potential and encouraging participation in personal development plans.
9. Ensure HCA team are compliant with mandatory and clinical training requirements. Work closely with CRF Clinical Educator.
10. Be aware of Health and Safety issues and ensure relevant risk assessments are undertaken.
11. Ensure familiarity with risk issues pertaining to confidentiality of participant and research related documentation (Data protection Act, 2018, Caldicott 1999, GDPR Regulation 2018).
12. Ensure patient care is delivered according to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures. Ensure all trust policies and procedures are adhered to and new ones implemented as necessary. Undertake audits as required.
13. Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy, investigating speedily and compassionately. Investigate DATIX applicable to the area.
14. Regularly liaise and report to CRF managers on unit affairs and staff development.
15. Assist in staff recruitment process when required.
16. Take a progressive approach to the management of short and long-term sickness/absence in collaboration with the unit managers.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
1. Participate and undertake research and audit which will influence practice.
2. Complete all mandatory and role specific clinical training including assessment of the critically ill patient; attend mandatory study days.
PROFESSIONAL
1. To actively seek to review unit performance and workflow, identifying areas for improvement/development, and developing strategies to progress these.
2. Act as a resource giving advice and support regarding emergency admissions and associated issues.
3. Liaise closely with the medical team and other members of the MDT in respect of patient care promoting the highest standard of care.
4. To develop and maintain a professional interest in all aspects of nursing and associated research.
PERSONAL
1. Maintain a professional and courteous manner while demonstrating excellent communication skills to foster strong working relationships with staff at all levels.
2. Show respect for members of the team and endorse the philosophy of giving mutual support.
3. Be aware of ones own limitations, maintain confidentiality and adherence to NMC Professional Code of Conduct.
4. Actively seek mentorship and/or supervision to enable reflection and development within the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
7. RGN Level 1
8. Degree or Diploma in Nursing Studies
9. Post Registration Certificate in Cancer or Acute Care or equivalent experience
Desirable
10. Management Course
11. Teaching & assessing certificate or equivalent
Experience
Essential
12. At least 3 years post registration experience
13. Escalating unwell patients and managing patient pathways.
14. Working autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
15. Line management
16. Managing own workload and that of others in the team
Desirable
17. Leading a clinical team
18. Implementing a service improvement
19. Working in a clinical research environment
Skills
Essential
20. Excellent communication skills
21. Excellent assessment and IV skills
22. Ability to deliver high quality care
23. Diplomacy, able to resolve issues and concerns effectively
24. Team working
25. Computer literacy
26. Understanding of need for evidence-based practice
Desirable
27. Leadership skills
28. ILS/ ALS training
Knowledge
Essential
29. Committed to own personal professional development and that of other staff
Values
Essential
30. Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours