Acute oncology Associate CNS

This Associate CNS post sits within the Acute Oncology Service at Dorset County Hospital, where the team advises on acutely unwell patients with cancer. The work centres on triage calls and face-to-face assessment of patients presenting because of cancer treatment, disease progression or undiagnosed cancer, along with reviews in ED and on inpatient wards. It is a Band 6 post with leadership of medical and nursing staff, and completion of the ACCEND pathway at enhanced level.

Entry requires registered adult nurse status and recent oncology experience.

• Triage and assess patients calling the triage line
• Review patients attending ED and those admitted to inpatient wards
• Give advice face to face and by phone on acutely unwell oncology patients, including complications of cancer
• With support, advise clinical colleagues on investigation, care and management, including early recognition and rapid referral to specialist teams such as palliative care
• Work to local, national and network protocols, including the UKONS initial management tool, with the acute oncology nursing team and consultant
• Liaise with oncologists and multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care, reduce length of stay and, where possible, avert admissions
• Support patients with suspected cancer of unknown primary, malignancy of unknown origin or first presentation of a primary brain lesion, advising on investigations and pathways
• Provide leadership and clinical support to medical and nursing staff, acting as a role model
• Undertake assessments and make appropriate referrals, supporting the Band 7 CNS team
• Contribute to service improvement, quality improvement, audit and evidence-based practice
• Complete the ACCEND pathway, demonstrating capabilities in practice at enhanced level, and maintain CPD and the acute oncology passport
• Communicate with patients, relatives, carers and health professionals in the trust, community and tertiary settings

• Registered adult nurse
• Post-registration specialist qualification in oncology, haematology or acute oncology
• Chemotherapy administration qualification
• Recognised advanced communication skills qualification or willingness to undertake one
• Evidence of continued professional development

• Significant and recent post-registration experience
• Recent experience caring for patients with cancer and those undergoing chemotherapy
• Experience in cancer, oncology or haemato-oncology nursing
• Experience of caring for central venous catheters

• Effective communication skills
• Excellent telephone manner
• High resilience in the workplace
• Ability to assess and plan individual care with patients and carers
• Ability to handle distressing situations with sensitivity and empathy
• Venepuncture and cannulation skills or willingness to undertake

• Relevant teaching qualification
• Experience in a nursing role managing complex patients
• Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements
• Area of special interest
• Negotiating skills
• Self-motivation
• Ability to work across the multidisciplinary health and social care team
• Excellent computer and IT skills

• Training and support for the successful applicant
• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to UKVI criteria