Specialist Nurse Radiation Oncology

Job Summary

The Specialist Nurse in Radiation Oncology provides expert care to patients undergoing radiation therapy as part of cancer treatment. This role is essential for the comprehensive management of patients before during and after their radiation therapy sessions. The Specialist Nurse works closely with the multidisciplinary oncology team to ensure safe effective and compassionate care while also supporting patients in managing the physical and emotional impacts of treatment.

The role involves patient education symptom management emotional support and close monitoring of radiation therapy side effects. The Specialist Nurse Radiation Oncology also ensures the delivery of highquality care consistent with evidencebased practices and participates in quality improvement initiatives within the department.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

PreTreatment Assessment and Patient Preparation

• Conduct comprehensive pretreatment assessments to evaluate the patients physical health psychological readiness and understanding of radiation therapy.
• Educate patients and their families about the radiation therapy process including expected outcomes potential side effects and selfcare strategies.
• Prepare patients for radiation therapy ensuring they are informed comfortable and ready for the procedure.

Administration of Radiation Therapy

• Provide patient support during radiation therapy sessions ensuring their comfort and safety.
• Monitor patients for immediate side effects during treatment (e.g. nausea skin irritation fatigue) providing interventions to manage symptoms.
• Collaborate with radiation therapists and oncologists to ensure accurate delivery of radiation therapy assisting with patient positioning and technical preparations

Symptom and Side Effect Management

• Monitor and manage common radiation therapy side effects such as fatigue mucositis skin changes and pain.
• Administer appropriate pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions to alleviate side effects and discomfort.
• Provide advanced wound care and help manage complex symptoms arising from radiation therapy.

Patient Education and Support

• Educate patients about selfcare techniques to manage side effects at home (e.g. skin care hydration nutrition).
• Offer psychological and emotional support to patients addressing concerns related to treatment anxiety and the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
• Provide guidance on lifestyle changes and coping strategies to support overall wellbeing during and after treatment.

Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams

• Collaborate with radiation oncologists medical physicists radiotherapists and other healthcare professionals to develop and adjust treatment plans for individual patients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews to discuss patient progress modify care plans and address any emerging issues.
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals (e.g. nutritionists pain management specialists social workers) to address the comprehensive needs of patients.

PostTreatment Care and FollowUp

• Monitor patients after completing radiation therapy assessing for delayed side effects such as skin reactions or organ damage.
• Provide followup care educating patients on longterm management and signs of complications or recurrence.
• Ensure patients understand how to continue selfcare and follow up with appropriate specialists when needed.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and uptodate patient records documenting assessments treatments and outcomes according to legal and institutional standards.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols radiation safety guidelines and infection control policies.
• Participate in clinical audits and contribute to the review of treatment outcomes and best practices.

Quality Improvement and Clinical Protocols

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing patient care and outcomes in radiation oncology.
• Contribute to the development and review of clinical protocols and guidelines to ensure evidencebased practices.
• Collaborate with the team to implement best practices in radiation therapy and patient safety.

Additional Key Responsibilities

• Radiation Safety: Adhere to radiation safety protocols ensuring minimal risk to patients and staff. Monitor exposure levels and ensure proper shielding.
• Patient Advocacy: Act as an advocate for patients ensuring their preferences and needs are respected in the care plan.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Provide culturally competent care understanding the diverse backgrounds of patients and adjusting communication and care accordingly.

Personal and Staff Development

• Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development activities keeping current with advances in radiation oncology and nursing.
• Training and Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior nursing staff supporting their development in radiation oncology care.
• Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment within the oncology team to enhance patient care and service delivery.

Equality and Diversity

• Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the Estates and Facilities department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy set of policies procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place.

Personal and Staff Development

• Work with HR to undertake recruitment retention performance management and development of staff in the team.
• Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company.
• Responsible for development of high potential employees providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.

Communications And Working Relationships

•  Collaborate closely with radiation oncologists radiologists physicists and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families providing clear explanations of treatments procedures and expected outcomes.
• Work with administrative and support staff to manage patient schedules followups and referrals.
• Participate in team meetings case discussions and educational sessions to improve radiation oncology services.

Line Management

• Support the Radiation Oncology Nurse Manager in managing staffing scheduling and resource allocation within the department.
• Supervise and provide guidance to junior nurses healthcare assistants and radiotherapy technicians.
• Assist in conducting performance appraisals identifying training needs and providing development opportunities for radiation nursing staff.
• Participate in the recruitment and induction of new nursing staff within the radiation department.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Report to the Radiation Oncology Nurse Manager or Head of Oncology Services contributing to the strategic planning and development of radiation therapy services.
• Represent the radiation oncology unit in hospitalwide committees related to patient safety clinical governance and quality improvement.
• Support the hospitals accreditation and compliance processes by ensuring adherence to radiation therapy standards and protocols.
• Engage in initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care safety and efficiency within the radiation department.

Infection Control Statement

The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role. These requirements are set out in the AMCE Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.

Qualifications :

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid nursing license.
• Advanced degree (e.g. Masters in Nursing) or relevant certification in oncology nursing (e.g. Certified Oncology Nurse).
• Specialized training or certification in radiation oncology or related fields is highly desirable.
• Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid nursing license.
• Advanced degree (e.g. Masters in Nursing) or relevant specialty certification (e.g. Certified Oncology Nurse).
• Specialized training or certification relevant to the role (e.g. chemotherapy administration ICU or PACU).
• Masters in related subject
• Professional qualification in a relevant subject

Experience

• Minimum of 35 years of clinical experience in radiation oncology nursing or a related specialty.
• Experience in administering radiation therapy and managing radiationinduced side effects.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases and utilize specialized equipment and technologies related to radiation therapy.
• Significant clinical experience in the relevant specialty (typically 35 years).
• Experience with advanced procedures and patient care in the specific area of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases and manage specialized equipment.

Management and Leadership

• Inspirational and visible leader with first class communication skills capable of engaging audiences at all levels
• Ability to think and act strategically developing practical innovative and creative solutions to the management of issues and complex problems related to the department
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve business outcomes through partnership at all levels
• Welldeveloped management skills with the ability to build and lead large teams
• Highly effective influencing and negotiating skills with the ability to develop partnerships and alliances across a diverse range of stakeholders
• Politically astute and resilient with the ability to manage conflict and ambiguity
• Outcome focused with the capability and tenacity to drive the agenda forward
• Financially literate and commercially astute with a sophisticated understanding of commercially orientated performance and financial management including contract management
• Shares the AMCEs vision and values
• Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care

Personal attributes

• Professional attitude towards work
• Shares the AMCEs vision
• Proactive and organised
• Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
• Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues peers 
• Is supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
• Commitment to caring for others
• Ability to adapt to living in a new country and new culture accordingly
• High levels of honesty and integrity

Languages

• All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues
• Skills in languages other than English    

Additional Information :

African Medical Centre of Excellence Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background gender race and other protected characteristics.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime