To provide holistic patient centered nursing care to oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and other modalities of treatment in accordance to Cancercare’s 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 patient’s 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 patient’s 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 PPE’s 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 care’s 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 General Nursing
Registered with SANC
Required minimum experience:
3-5 years recent nursing experience
Oncology and/or ICU experience will be advantageous
Can work good under pressure
Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)