Staff Nurse (BAND 5) - Wilson Ward

Wilson Ward is a fast-paced environment caring for patients with a wide range of cancers, undergoing surgical and medical interventions. The ward also receives patients from CCU and from our day-care services, where they may have been receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and symptom control. Although oncology experience and head and neck clinical skills are desirable, we will offer you training in all aspects of cancer care, and we will support you with developing your oncology knowledge.

The candidate will need to have excellent interpersonal and clinical skills and be able to provide the highest quality care and demonstrate good leadership skills.

To plan, document, deliver and evaluate evidence-based nursing care for patients in a responsible and efficient way, which has been drawn up in conjunction with the co-ordinator of the shift

To develop a greater awareness and understanding of the needs of patients with cancer and the different treatment modalities administered within the unit.

To develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of managing a shift with the guidance of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits and learning and development opportunities. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

For more information please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification

Clinical Responsibility – patient care

These responsibilities will be carried out under the guidance of the shift co-ordinator:

To complete the first level assessment of the patient’s needs to gain an understanding of the physiological, psycho-social, spiritual and cultural needs of the patients with cancer and their families and to develop a positive, realistic and supportive attitude to ensure that the needs of the patient and family are met.

To assist with teaching patients in preparation for investigations, treatment and home care

To be aware of the side effects of any treatment in progress, and adopt a problem-solving approach to minimise the potentially adverse reactions.

Be involved in the direct delivery of skilled specialised nursing care with supervision until competent, e.g. wound dressings, removal of drains, and insertion of urinary catheters.

To develop an awareness of the protocols involved for patients undergoing clinical trials.

To be aware of all hospital policies and procedures and collaborate with other health care professionals to ensure that these are observed.

To be rostered as part of the ward to care for patients over a 24 hr period.

Have frequent exposure to body fluids, odours and infections and ensure that personal protective equipment is used as required, adhering to Trust policies in relation to Health and Safety and Infection Control.

Be involved in the collection of samples for diagnostic testing, e.g. urine collection and sputum collection.

Administer medicines as prescribed with adherence to Guidelines for Medicines Administration (NMC2002) and The Royal Marsden Medicines Management Policy. This will exclude administration by the intravenous route or through subcutaneous syringe driver until you have passed the written drug administration test and have been assessed as competent.

To be aware of the emotional demands that comes with treating cancer patients and their families.