Job Description

To provide holistic patient centered nursing care to oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and other modalities of treatment in accordance to Cancercares standards, policies and procedures.

• To assess, develop, implement ,evaluate and record patient care.
• To work with members of inter professional team to ensure quality of care for patients are maintained and that the patients needs are met.
• To conform to the Health and Safety regulations whilst dealing with cytotoxic chemotherapies ensuring a safe working environment.
• To provide evidence based clinical advice, education and support to patients and relatives.
• To comply with relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct of Cancercare and the bodies that accredit our company and profession.

Interpersonal factor

• As per professional all services delivered needs to be in line with the Cancercare Values, of CARE. Each task needs to be consistently executed whilst at all times displaying a positive influence on all stakeholders and within the general working environment. It is expected from the employee to deliver all the tasks reflecting a willingness to operate outside the scope of the job description as per operational requirements. The factors below cannot therefore be reviewed and assessed in isolation.
• To display the company values: C - Compassion, A - Accountability, R - Respect, E - Ethics (CARE)

Administration of chemotherapy and other oncology treatments

• Acts in a supervisory capacity over Chemotherapy Extenders/Physician Extenders.
• Provide and supervise the delivery of evidence based holistic nursing care, using the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and record the plan of care for patients undergoing chemotherapy .
• Correctly interpreting and managing blood results, in consultation with a doctor
• Monitor, interpret and record patients vital data, reporting abnormalities to the doctor.
• Establish and keep record of patients allergies.
• Provide patients with relevant written information regarding their treatment and ensure patient has a signed informed consent.
• Demonstrate knowledge and competency in intravenous access, the management of intravenous catheters, including the management of extravasation.
• Program the infusion pumps as applicable to patient specifics and instruct patients on the usage of pumps for home care as applicable.
• Administer chemotherapy and other oncology treatment including anti-emetics and supportive therapy according to protocol.
• Verify chemotherapy drugs as per protocol and query the rationale behind the decision of chemotherapy regimens that varies from standard regimens with the treating oncologist.
• Educate patient on the effects and side effects of chemotherapy and other oncology treatments.
• Prevent, identify, report and record adverse reactions of chemotherapy and other oncology treatments to the doctor.
• Provide emotional support for patient and family during treatment and refer to Oncology Social Worker as necessary.
• Co-ordinate follow up of treatment plans by scheduling patients correctly.
• Provide applicable discharge instructions and health education to patients and significant others including an emergency contact number of a health care professional who is available 24hours.
• Collaborate with members of the inter-professional team and service providers to ensure optimal patient.
• Recordstatistical data
• To ensure scientific nursing practice within the legal framework of nursing.
• To ensure that accurate documentation of patient care within legal framework of nursing
• To promptly react and report any abnormal blood results
• To identify and assess patient's condition and readiness to receive chemotherapy
• Informed patients
• To maintain aseptic principles as applicable and prevent the risk of vesicants and irritants
• Daily scheduling of all patients
• To accurately administer the correct dose of chemotherapy
• To accurately administer the correct dose of chemotherapy to the correct patient
• Administer safe treatment within the company policies
• To ensure that the emotional needs and health education needs of the patient is met.
• To ensure continued care and correct scheduling of all patients
• To ensure updated communication of patients information to all healthcare providers involved in the patients care.
• Updated monthly stats

Safety awareness and risk management

• Practice the principle of infection prevention and control and adhere to all standard precautions inclusive of PPEs as per institutional policy.
• Adhere to the Sharps protocol.
• Maintain a therapeutic, clean and safe working environment in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Keep a record of chemotherapy adverse events.
• Ensure effective risk prevention and report and act upon potential/actual risk identified
• Apply Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation as necessary.
• Correctly use clean and store equipment as per institutional policy.
• Report equipment needing repair or replacement to the registered nurse/UBM.
• Adhere to the Medical Waste management principles inclusive of cytotoxic waste
• Check emergency trolley/oxygen cylinders
• Prevent and educate patients on the risk of falling as applicable
• To minimize the risk of infections.
• To prevent sharp injuries.
• Compliance and adherence to legislation and policies
• To ensure staff and patient safety
• Ensure appropriate resources present to avoid treatment delay.

Quality assurance

• Actively support and participate in ongoing Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
• Adhere to patient satisfaction program as per institutional program and protocol.
• Refer patient complaints to the chemo supervisor/UBM/Doctor.
• To ensure quality care rendered.

Billings

• Correct capturing of patient billings daily.
• Ordering of Consumables as necessary
• Confirm correct medical aid authorization of treatment.
• To ensure correct billing of patients.

Continued Professional Development

• Keep up to date with Cancer cares policies and procedures.
• Participate in ongoing in personal and professional development.
• Maintain personal competence in BLS.
• Maintain personal competence in GCP for trials where applicable.
• Assist with the coaching of subordinates and junior staff within the unit
• Participate in unit academics.
• To ensure and improve knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to oncology practice.
• To practice safely and ethically.

Required minimum education:Degree or Diploma in NursingRegistered with SANCRequired minimum experience:3-5 years recent nursing experienceOncology and/or ICU experience will be advantageousComputer literacy (MS Word, Excel, outlook)Function well under work pressureCan work individually and be part of a team

Cancercare SA