Senior Specialist Nurse Oncology

Job description

Job Purpose The Senior Specialist Nurse Oncology provides expert, patient-centred care for individuals with cancer requiring medical intervention and support. This role involves managing patients with complex and urgent oncological needs, including the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer-related complications such as infection, pain, or side effects from chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Core Responsibilities Patient Assessment and Care Specialist Focus: A specialist nurse is expected to have a high level of expertise in assessing the specific needs of oncology patients, especially in acute care settings where symptoms can be severe or rapidly changing. Advanced Skills: The role goes beyond routine nursing assessments, requiring the ability to identify complex issues like cancer-related infections or treatment-related side effects that require immediate attention and intervention. Chemotherapy and Treatment Administration Specialization in Oncology: Administering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other oncological treatments is a core function of a Specialist Oncology Nurse. This involves knowledge of chemotherapy regimens, safe handling of cytotoxic drugs, and monitoring for adverse reactions—all of which require specialized training and expertise. Safety and Protocol Adherence: A specialist nurse must be proficient in chemotherapy protocols, understanding the risks associated with specific treatments, and knowing when and how to intervene in case of side effects or complications. Symptom Management and Palliative Care Palliative and End-of-Life Care: One of the key roles of a specialist nurse in acute oncology is symptom management, particularly for patients experiencing advanced cancer. This includes not only managing acute symptoms but also providing palliative care, when necessary, which is a highly specialized aspect of oncology nursing. Holistic Care: Specialist nurses are expected to provide comprehensive care, including addressing emotional and psychosocial aspects of the disease, which is essential for improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Multidisciplinary Collaboration Advanced Collaborative Skills: Specialist nurses in oncology are expected to work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, surgeons, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. This requires not only clinical expertise but also the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within a team to ensure comprehensive patient care. Decision-Making: Given their expertise, specialist nurses often contribute to clinical decision-making in patient care, helping to shape treatment plans and interventions, particularly in acute settings where quick decisions are required. Patient and Family Education Complex Education Needs: Patients and families in oncology often face complex treatment regimens and challenging decisions. The specialist nurse plays a crucial role in educating both patients and families, ensuring they understand the disease process, treatment options, side effects, and coping strategies. This requires specialized knowledge and communication skills. Supportive Role: In acute oncology, the nurse provides more than just basic education—they offer emotional support and act as a guide through the complexities of cancer treatment, which is a specialized skill. Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping Comprehensive and Accurate Documentation: Specialist nurses are expected to maintain high standards in clinical documentation. This is crucial not only for legal and professional standards but also for continuity of care, especially when managing complex or changing treatment regimens. Accurate records ensure that all members of the multidisciplinary team are informed of the patient's condition and treatment progress. Advanced Critical Thinking: Specialist nurses document not only routine care but also their clinical observations, assessment of treatment effects, and the response to interventions, all of which require advanced critical thinking and clinical judgment. Quality Improvement and Clinical Audits Leadership in Quality Improvement: Specialist nurses are often involved in driving quality improvements in patient care. In acute oncology, where patient conditions can change rapidly, the nurse’s role in identifying areas for improvement (e.g., care pathways, treatment protocols) is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. Contribution to Research and Protocol Development: Specialist nurses are expected to engage in clinical research, contribute to evidence-based practice, and sometimes take leadership roles in developing or refining clinical guidelines for the oncology department. Infection Control and Safety Expertise in Infection Control: Oncology patients are often immunocompromised, making infection control a critical aspect of care. A specialist oncology nurse has the expertise to monitor for infections, initiate timely interventions, and apply infection control protocols to minimize risks for patients undergoing aggressive cancer treatments. Advanced Infection Management: In the event of an infection, specialist nurses are expected to assess the severity, administer appropriate treatments (such as antibiotics or antifungals), and escalate care when necessary. Qualifications Educational Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) from a recognized institution. Master’s Degree in Oncology Nursing (added advantage). Professional Requirements Registered Nurse (RN) Certification with a valid practicing license. Specialization in Oncology Nursing. Specialized training or certification (Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Administration Certification). Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Membership in a recognized nursing or oncology professional body (e.g., Oncology Nursing Society). Experience Requirements 7 years+ post-registered nurse qualification experience At least 5 years of clinical experience in acute oncology or a related specialty. Experience with advanced procedures and patient care in the specific area of expertise. Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases and manage specialized equipment. Knowledge Requirements In-depth understanding of oncology treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Knowledge of cancer staging, pathology, and progression. Expertise in palliative care and pain management strategies for oncology patients. Familiarity with infection control protocols and oncology-specific safety guidelines. Understanding of oncology clinical trials, research protocols, and evidence-based practice. Skills Requirements Oncology Patient Care – Proficient in assessing, planning, and managing care for cancer patients. Chemotherapy Administration – Skilled in safely handling and administering chemotherapy drugs. Symptom Management – Ability to recognize and manage side effects of cancer treatment. Health Education & Counseling – Educating patients and families on treatment, side effects, and coping strategies. Emergency Response – Quick decision-making in oncologic emergencies like tumor lysis syndrome. Competency in using oncology-related medical devices, such as infusion pumps and radiation therapy equipment. Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems for documentation and patient monitoring. Personal Attributes Professional attitude towards work Shares the AMCE’s vision. Proactive and organized. Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers. Supportive and approachable. Ability to adapt accordingly. High levels of honesty and integrity African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics. The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in partnership with King's College Hospital London (KCH) is seeking talented individuals to fill the role of Senior Specialist Nurse Oncology The African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja), a multi-specialty medical institution developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King's College Hospital London (KCH) aims to revolutionize healthcare in Africa. Established to address critical gaps, the AMCE Abuja is committed to providing world-class care through innovative research, development, and education. The partnership with King's College Hospital ensures global expertise, world-class clinical training, research, and professional development. The Centre will offer comprehensive services in oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general healthcare across the continent, with plans for expansion. The construction phase, supported by global partners, precedes a phased rollout over six years, evolving into a 500-bed facility. Set to commence operations in early 2025, this flagship facility in Abuja is a key part of Afreximbank’s network of healthcare facilities, actively countering brain drain, reducing medical tourism by offering advanced procedures such as stem cell transplantation and state-of-the-art treatments for various diseases, and fostering employment opportunities. The vision for the AMCE initiative is to shape a healthier and more educated future for Africa.