Advertised role location: MATER HOSPITAL
Official document: 55961944  Updated JD (docx)
JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Clinical Nurse Specialist Gynaecological Oncology

LOCATION: BHSCT

BAND: 6

REPORTS TO: Assistant Service Manager for Gynaecology

RESPONSIBLE TO: Divisional Midwife*

Job Summary / Main Purpose

The main purpose of the role is to act as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), providing care, treatment, coordination and support for patients with gynaecology cancers. The post holder will also be expected to contribute to the body of knowledge through education, research and audit as well as developing practice in others with regard to this patient group. They will be expected to play a key role within the multi-professional team in order to ensure a seamless, co-ordinated approach to care and timely onward referral to other professionals and agencies as appropriate. The post holder will work within and develop a nursing service to achieve patent centred care. They will lead on service improvement to include the follow up pathway providing care to patients in the area of gynae oncology.

In particular, the post holder will work alongside Band 7 CNS and have delegated responsibility for:

Clinical & Professional
To act as a key worker for patients with gynaecology cancer offering an accessible point of contact and coordination of care across the patient journey, consistent with the responsibilities outline in the Improving Outcomes Guidelines.
To be responsible for organisation and management of own caseload.
Within a nurse provided service, undertake holistic assessment to include physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual needs and develop an appropriate plan of care an appropriate onward referral.
To develop, deliver and evaluate new models of review, which are risk weighted and needs tailored to maximise benefit to patients and the service.
To play a key role in the multi-disciplinary team, consistent with the roles outlined in the Improving Outcomes Guidance, including contributing to service improvement within the team.
To provide continuous ongoing assessment of information and support needs of patients and carers, signposting to the other sources of information and referring onto specialist support when required.
To ensure that the carers and dependents of patients with gynaecological cancers have access to assessment of their needs if and when appropriate, independent of the needs of the patients.
To establish nurse led activities as deemed appropriate to the service needs.
To work in collaboration with the wider health and social care team to co-ordinate the delivery of high-quality patient centred care.
To maintain clinical credibility by demonstrating expertise in the nursing care of patients with gynaecological cancer and their carers, friends or relatives, including the management of the disease and its treatment.
To be aware of emerging evidence, new mandates and advances in clinical practice for this patient group and ensure that these are incorporated into the service delivered.
To engage regionally and nationally in the development and implementation of multi-professional standards and clinical management guidelines for the care of patients with Gynaecological cancer.
To develop and maintain effective communication networks across service and professional boundaries and ensure effective liaison between different service providers across care interfaces.
To take a lead role, in collaboration with others and with the network, in the development of policies, guidelines and protocols related to the care of patients with Gynaecological cancer and their carers, friends or relatives.
To maintain and develop competency in facilitating a wide range of critical enquiry techniques to support the development of reflection in and on practice.
To maintain own personal and professional development in accordance with NMC code of professional conduct and within the scope of professional practice.
To deliver and promote evidence-based practice and agreed care pathways
Management
To play an integral role in the development and improvement of services for patients with gynaecology cancer to ensure they are efficient and effective and comply with best practice service standards.
To co-ordinate any patient and user involvement initiatives concerning this group and any user or service feedback mechanisms regarding service improvements.
To work alongside Band 7 CNS team on the patient experience component of care of patients with Gynaecological cancer, including engaging in the development of and maintenance of regional information pathways.
To support the implementation of any regional standards regarding the care of patients with Gynaecological cancer and to engage actively with the Northern Ireland Cancer network in the development of these.
To ensure a safe environment for patient care is underpinned by best practice guidelines and Health and Safety policies and guidelines, including the use of risk assessments and the development of action plans to mitigate/eliminate identified risks.
To ensure all strategies, policies and protocols relating to infection control are implemented and monitored, and that appropriate and timely action is taken in response to ensuring the prevention and control of infection.
To manage and report accidents, incidents or hazards according to Trust policy and procedure.
To locally resolve any concerns or complaints of patients or others where possible by early intervention, and to investigate formal written complaints, forwarding a response to the ASM in the timeframe required. To work with the ASM on action plans for improvement and lessons learned.
To have a flexible approach to own working hours in direct relation to service delivery needs.
Ensure that stakeholders and service users are aware that they are interacting with a Macmillan professional and know about the full range of resources and services available through Macmillan.
Actively engage with Macmillan Cancer Support to contribute expertise and experience and to support the Macmillan Corporate Strategy.
Ensure service adheres to Macmillan Quality Standards Framework.
Communication
To role model excellent communication skills and patient education and information giving.
To demonstrate multi-professional communication skills.
To be present at and actively participate in meetings as appropriate, disseminating any organisational/nursing information to others, and to represent nursing views as necessary at these meetings.
To chair meetings as appropriate promoting open communication and participation.
To demonstrate skills in conflict resolution and competent negotiation skills when dealing with difficult or challenging situations / behaviour.
Education, Research and Practice Development
Participate in and develop educational programmes for nurses and other health professionals as required.
To work with a range of external and internal educational and training providers to ensure a range of educational and training opportunities for healthcare professionals with regard to Gynaecological cancer and treatment.
To work in collaboration with others to formally review the outcomes of the services for patients with gynaecology cancer and their carers, friends or relatives, and ensure that any issues identified are addressed appropriately.
To collaborate with the ASM, the NDL and others to identify learning needs and required actions consistent with service priorities which reflects the future requirements of the service.
To be actively involved in a training needs analysis which reflects the future requirements of the services and which ensures that the nursing establishment has the necessary skills to care of patients with gynaecology cancers and their carers, friends or relatives.
To work in collaboration with stakeholders, including education providers, to identify the training and education opportunities available to fulfil the requirements of the learning needs identified.
Participate as required in developing policies, protocols and guidelines to ensure safe and effective care.
Promote, evidence-based practice in liaison with the Nursing Development Lead and others, to create a learning environment based on the principles of lifelong learning; promote audit to identify opportunities to enhance patient / client care or service.
To develop a culture which encourages and supports staff in reflective practice using reflective practice strategies.
To assist in providing formal and informal training and education on issues related to the care of patients with gynaecology cancers and their carers, friends or relatives.
To participate in appropriate local and national nursing and multi-professional research and audit aimed a contributing to the outcomes and experiences of persons with gynaecology cancers and their carers, friends or relatives.
Compile and provide statistical data as required.
To work in collaboration with others to promote and extend the research base of gynaecology cancers.
To promote, lead and enhance lifelong learning by engaging in ongoing personal and professional development.
To maintain own training, education and development records.
Key Relationships
Key relationship with stakeholders include:
Members of the Gynae-Oncology MDT
Nurses, clinicians and AHPs involved in the care of the patients with gynaecological cancers across boundaries
Cancer Support charities
Primary Care
NICaN
Other relevant statutory and voluntary organisations

General Responsibilities
Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and the vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulation.
Adhere to Trust Equality and Good Relations guidance throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct
Records Management
All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created, or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004 and Data Protection Act 1998. Employees are required to be conversant with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policy and procedure on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
Environmental Cleaning Strategy
The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognised the key principle that “Cleanliness matters, is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners”. Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff, and members of the general public.
Infection Prevention and Control
The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
This includes:-
Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’).
Using the correct ‘7 Step’ hand hygiene technique.
Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment’.
Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet).
Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry.
Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e., cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised.
Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.
Values
The Belfast Trust aims to recruit staff not only with the right skills but also with the right values to ensure the delivery of excellent patient care and experience. Staff will be
expected to be committed to provide safe, effective, compassionate, and person-centred care by:-
Treating Everyone with Dignity and Respect

Displaying Openness and Trust

Being Accountable

Being Leading Edge

Maximising Learning and Development

By embedding the above values, we will make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Trust’s Vision.

Personal Public Involvement
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community where relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).
Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.
http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf
Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.





PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Clinical Nurse specialist Gynaecological Oncology

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: MDGS


Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA


The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience
Qualifications
Registration

Registered on the live NMC register RN 1
4 years’ post registration experience.
Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience within a gynaecology or oncology setting. This experience must have been at Band 5 or above, must be exclusive of post-basic courses
Have an ability to work within a team demonstrating effective interpersonal and motivational skills, promoting change and innovation.
*Demonstrate ability to plan and manage care needs of a group of patients and evaluate impact of that care.
*Demonstrate ability to contribute to service improvement
Shortlisting by Application Form


Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Evidence of personal and professional development.
Evidence of the ability to manage change.
Evidence of ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Shortlisting by Application Form OR Interview / Test


DESIRABLE CRITERIA


Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience
Qualifications
Registration

Working towards or willing to undertake Specialist Practice in oncology within 12-24 months of appointment
Shortlisting by Application Form


NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Setting Direction
Have the ability to identify a vision for the future development of services and being prepared to take action within the relevant time period to give affect to that vision following appropriate agreement with senior managers and other appropriate staff.

Delivering the Service

Have the ability to ensure the delivery of services in accordance with the Trust Performance Plan (TDP), Government and Departmental objectives and relevant professional and quality standards.
SHORTLISTING

A shortlist of candidates for interview will be prepared on the basis of the information contained in the application form. It is, therefore, essential that all applicants demonstrate through their application how and to what extent their experience and qualities are relevant to this post and the extent to which they satisfy each criterion specified.

Candidates who are short listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The competencies concerned are given in the HPSS Leadership Qualities Framework and Knowledge and Skills Framework, as identified in the Job Description.

Value Based Recruitment
Value Based Recruitment is a process adopted by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to attract and select employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with those of the Trust.
It focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ people do what they do.
Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required knowledge, skills, competencies and values to be effective in this new role.
In answering the value based questions, you have the opportunity to share examples of when you have demonstrated values relevant to the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role