Chemotherapy Nurse

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Chemotherapy Nurse

Closing date: 06 July 2026

Position:
Band 6 Chemotherapy Nurse.

The role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, Oncology Consultants, and site specific Clinical Nurse Specialists to provide a seamless service for patients with cancer, their relatives and carers.

• Safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
• Undertake telephone triage for chemotherapy patients and their carers.
• Work within a nurse‑led environment, taking responsibility for assessment, clinical decision‑making, and the analysis and implementation of solutions.
• Act as an independent non‑medical prescriber where required, including clinical assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate prescribing.
• Recognise poor response or deteriorating performance status and arrange early medical review or hospital admission.
• Ensure patients’ physical, social and psychological needs are met and refer to appropriate services.
• Maintain nursing practice to a high standard in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and contracts.
• Administer cytotoxic drugs, blood transfusions and other supportive treatments safely, recognising safety implications and managing unpredictable workloads.
• Perform phlebotomy and cannulation; administer cytotoxic drugs; liaise with hospital and community staff for follow‑up care.
• Recognise own limitations and seek assistance when necessary.
• Provide evidence‑based clinical advice to patients and carers, including telephone advice and decision‑making regarding further medical advice or admission.
• Support patients, carers and staff in coping with diagnosis and refer for specialist input when needed; provide high‑level interpersonal skills.
• Ensure accurate doses are prescribed and relevant investigations are ordered as per protocol.
• Insert peripheral vascular access devices and maintain peripherally inserted/tunnelled central catheters.
• Ensure pre‑medication, hydration and other supportive medications are prescribed and administered.
• Check cumulative doses of drugs with lifetime limits are not exceeded.
• Monitor patients for hypersensitivity or allergic reactions and initiate appropriate action immediately.
• Confirm patients understand how and when to take oral cytotoxic agents and other supportive medication.

• Manage treatment clinics daily, ensuring effective use of resources and accurate data entry into the hospital computer system.
• Provide leadership of the unit in the absence of the manager, ensuring adequate staff cover.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Advocate for patients and carers, referring on as appropriate.
• Adhere to policies and procedures of Luton & Dunstable Hospital.
• Manage ordering of stores and supplies within the practice area, being mindful of budget constraints.

• Registered General Nurse (RGN)
• Post‑graduation study in Haematology or Oncology (or equivalent)
• SACT accredited course/passport
• BSc/MSC
• Mentorship or teaching experience

• Knowledge of cancer and chemotherapy treatments.
• Understanding of confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Knowledge of cytotoxic treatments and management of side effects.
• Ability to support and influence change.
• Experience of audit and research.
• Experience of teaching.

• Advanced communication skills training.
• Handling distressed patients and their carers.
• Highly effective communication.
• Counselling course.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.