Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint a new Lead nurse for SACT (chemotherapy) within CDDFT. We need someone who can demonstrate a high level of expertise within the specialist service providing advice, education and support to staff, patients, their families and carers.

Practising as a Chemotherapy Lead Nurse within the Integrated Medical Specialties Directorate acting as an autonomous practitioner, working independently and in conjunction with other healthcare professionals. This will encompass the skills of advanced clinical assessment, examination, diagnosis and treatment within an agreed scope of practice throughout the directorate.

Support new ways of working that emphasises a more efficient and patient focused service, and will ensure the safe treatment, referral and discharge of patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed presentations in their area.

Responsibility for leading the on-going development of clinical practice and standards of care within the service, including the development of policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines in collaboration with multidisciplinary colleagues.

Deliver clinical components of their role and support appraisal, clinical audit, teaching, continuous professional development and research.

To comply with the trusts vision, values and behavioural compact

Main duties of the job
As the chemotherapy lead nurse you will provide expert knowledge in order to address the needs of the chemotherapy service. They will lead the development of initiatives and strategies utilising a high degree of personal autonomy.

The post holder will provide clinical leadership and act as an expert role model to advise and support colleagues at an individual, team and organisational level by utilisation of their advanced knowledge and skills. Provide and support training to staff on chemotherapy pathways, passports and ensure all nursing standards are maintained.

Works closely with visiting Consultants and Trust Consultants as well as the Cancer Networks and share best practice and new initiatives across the trust

Actively supports and acts as an advocate for patients and their families.

About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Job responsibilities
Expert Practice

• Undertake nurse led clinics in line with identified protocols and clinical guidance.
• To maintain competence administering intravenous chemotherapy at least one day per month, working across all clinical areas.
• Prescribe medications appropriate to the role including the use of PGDs.
• Demonstrate flexibility as daily work load will be unpredictable.
• You will promote innovative solutions, identifying pathways of care that move across boundaries and strategies to prevent further complications, with the aim of maintaining trust and dignity.
• You will be responsible for the development and dissemination of specialist polices guidelines and protocols for the chemotherapy service.
• You will provide expert advice, support and information to other professionals and agencies to ensure appropriate referral to the acute Trust.
• You will provide support for patients and carers to ensure that advice and information is accessible to them and to promote empowerment and informed choice.
• You will support staff within the trust to provide care appropriate to patient need and support staff to develop required skills and knowledge.
• Participate in regular regional and national specialist meetings of chemotherapy to maintain and advance current practice.
• You will ensure that the Trusts hospital infection prevention and control (HIC) policies and procedures to protect patients, staff and visitors from healthcare-associated infections are adhered to. Ensuring you perform the correct hand hygiene procedures (as described in HIC 14), when carrying out clinical duties. Using aseptic technique and personal protective equipment in accordance with Trust policies.
• All staff must challenge non-compliance with infection, prevention and control policies immediately and feedback through the appropriate line managers if required.
• Preventing infections by adhering to HIC 12 MRSA, HIC20 preventing central venous catheter associated infections, HIC 36 insertion and care of peripheral venous cannula and HIC 23 Clostridium difficile.

Professional leadership
The post holder will be a recognised expert in chemotherapy and provide professional leadership, which will support and inspire colleagues and enhance the development of clinical practice.

Have advanced leadership skills to enhance the development of patient pathways to meet national standards and guidelines.

Participate in the development of the organisations mission, vision and values and promote a culture of excellence.

Identify and develop systems to motivate, support and recognise the contributions of others.

Develop mechanisms for involving empowering and inspiring colleagues.

Implement and monitor standards of nursing practice and promote continuous improvement.

Generate and implement new solutions that will best suit the needs of patients, through thinking laterally about practice.

Initiate and implement structures for Clinical Governance and promote best practice.

Act as a positive role model and provide specialist advice and support for multidisciplinary colleagues including colleagues working in the Acute Trust, Primary Care setting and other key stakeholders external to the Trust.

Provide leadership for Divisional Specialist nurses, in all aspects of development including educational, clinical skills, audit and research, publications and service development.

Provide information and analysis of this information to support service development

Acts as a professional mentor for appropriate specialist nurses within the trust including advice on maintaining their NMC registration and also including their SDR process

Person Specification
Statutory Registration
Essential

• NMC

Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse (Adult) on the NMC register.
• First degree in a relevant health/nursing subject or equivalent level of advanced knowledge.
• Post-graduate specialist qualification in cancer/oncology nursing.
• Recognized SACT competency/administration course and physical assessment/non-medical prescribing qualification (or willingness to work towards).
• Independent nurse prescriber
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) at an advanced level

Desirable

• Masters degree or working towards postgraduate/Master's level award.
• Formal leadership, management, or teaching qualification.

Experience
Essential

• Extensive post-registration experience in oncology, cancer care, and acute SACT delivery.
• Proven experience at Band 7 (or equivalent senior clinical role) leading a team or specialized service.
• Comprehensive knowledge of national cancer agendas, SACT safety standards, and UKONS (United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society) guidelines.
• Experience in audit, clinical governance, risk management, and service development

Desirable

• Experience in managing budgets or complex rotas/workforce planning.
• Involvement in regional or national cancer networks/peer groups

Specials Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• Advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous practice for complex oncology patients.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills across multi-disciplinary teams (MDT).
• Ability to lead change management, design care pathways, and deliver staff education/training.
• Competence in analysing complex data and writing clinical policies or operational guidelines.

Desirable

• Budget management

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.