Lead Breast Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist

The post holder will lead and manage the Breast Nursing Team on a daily basis, ensuring that the team provide an excellent service to the Trust through evidence based practice, education, policy and guideline development. Develop and embed supported self-management initiatives, personalised care interventions and holistic patient support models. Provide highly specialised clinical expertise and professional leadership to multidisciplinary teams across acute, community and primary care settings.

Be responsible for the operational management, service development and quality improvement of the pathways within remit. Contribute to workforce planning, education, governance, audit, research and service transformation. Work autonomously within professional and organisational frameworks, exercising advanced clinical judgement and leadership. Develop and manage nurse led clinics to streamline the breast cancer services to improve patient experience and develop effective pathways Maintain a high profile in clinical practice, promoting clinical excellence, initiating learning opportunities and promoting effective learning environments in all ward areas and clinic areas Clinical Responsibilities Undertakes the role of key worker for Breast cancer patients and cover for the key worker for the MDT as per MDT operational policy.

Attend MDT meetings on a regular basis complying with the standards as outlined in the Cancer Measures Actively supports patients and their families, through communicating difficult and complex information using appropriate and individualised methods to ensure effective understanding, empowering them to make an informed decision about their care options. To be responsible for supporting and counselling patients and their families, showing empathy when dealing with bad news and explaining treatment options.

Proactively supports patients and carers in coming to terms with their illness/condition, providing on-going support. To provide information in a way that is suitable for the patients their careers and families, including the manner in which the information is disseminated, complexity and language used and the timing of its giving. Provides empathy and reassurance through the quality of life issues that are associated with living with their disease and the effects of cancer treatments.

With support acts as an expert practitioner within the multi-disciplinary team, providing specialist nursing knowledge, co-ordinating specialised patient care and effectively communicating any changes in condition/treatment. Ensures information is conveyed to the patient in a timely and understandable manner, using different communication methods to clarify understanding. Supports the surgical, Oncology Consultants and medical team in providing patients with diagnosis, treatment options and delivering bad news.

Support the Oncologists in the assessment and monitoring of patients receiving systemic anti-cancer treatments and supportive therapies Provides specialist advice and care with support and has the ability to work as an autonomous practitioner. The CNS will be responsible for ordering, assessing and interpreting diagnostic investigations within Trust policy and agreed pathways, using their knowledge and skills to interpret results and implement care accordingly.

Recognises own limitations and refers on to other specialised agencies when appropriate. Explains test results and consequences to patients, carers and staff and ensures their understanding by careful and sensitive questioning. By observation and sensitive questioning assesses patient compliance with agreed management plans, identifying any concerns or adjustments required. Effectively communicates between clinical areas and patients regarding appointments, admissions, discharges and subsequent follow-up ensuring administration procedures are up to date.

Develop policies applicable to the role or patient group being managed Responsible for facilitating the provision of patient centred care, utilising other members of the Health Care Team both locally and within the Network boundary, providing them with relevant information. With support, makes clinical judgements and provides the patient with direct written/ verbal referral to supportive and Palliative Care Services including specialist psychological services.

Liaise with Acute and Community staff as well as the Cancer Centre consultants and nursing teams, clinical nurse specialists and other professionals. Makes appropriate referrals on to other Health Care professionals when required in accordance with the patients wishes To work closely with the Clinical Director, Oncology Consultants and Cancer MDTs and medical teams in delivering a high quality, safe and compliant service to this population.

Knowledge, Education and Training Demonstrates advanced knowledge and innovative practice in relevant specialist area. Act as a role model demonstrating high…