Job Description

To provide holistic patient centered nursing care to oncology patients under the direct or indirect supervision of a registered nurse or Doctor in order to build capacity for the oncologist.

• To assess, develop, implement and evaluate and record patient care under guidance of the registered nurse and doctor.
• To perform history taking and a physical assessments of oncology patients that are accurate, complete, concise, relevant and appropriate for the clinical problem the patient presents with.
• 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
• To provide evidence based clinical advice, education and support to patients and relatives in person or telephonically.
• 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 a 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 assesed in isolation.
• To display the company values: C - Compassion, A - Accountability, R - Respect, E - Ethics (CARE)

Nursing Care

• Utilize the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing evaluating and recording the plan of care for oncology patients with acute, chronic and/or potential health problems within the scope of practice of an enrolled nurse.
• Perform history taking and a physical assessments of oncology patients that are accurate, complete, concise, relevant and appropriate for the clinical problem the patient presents with using the templates in EMR as guideline.
• Identify and report abnormal blood results and other investigations to the registered nurse/doctor and inform patient inconsultion with a register nurse or doctor
• Request appropriate investigations in consultation with the doctor
• Monitor, interpret and record patients vital data, including height and weight, reporting abnormalities to the registered nurse or doctor.
• Monitor the side effects of patients receiving treatment for their cancer and report any symptoms presented by patients, including pain to the doctor
• Provide telephone support for the management of symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment in consultation with the relevant registered nurse and doctor.
• Arranges for the patient to be seen by the doctor according to dr`s instructions
• Coordinate with dr`s regarding scripts needed to be faxed
• Demonstrate knowledge and competence in CVAD access and maintenance.
• Perform nursing procedures as prescribed by the dr, e.g. wound care, administration of injections, including assisting drs with procedures..
• To assist admin staff in obtaining relevant historical clinical info of new patients from the referring practice
• Attend ward rounds (if applicable)
• Educate patients and families on treatment plans.
• Record information and activities undertaken with patients and family in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Co-ordinate follow up of treatment plans by scheduling patients correctly.
• Following up of patients on completion of treatment.( e.g. Prostate)
• Co-ordinate new patient bookings as well as follow up of treatment plans by scheduling patients correctly including the correct booking of chemotherapy patients from the recall list
• Provide applicable discharge instructions and health education to patients and significant others.
• Collaborate with members of the inter professional team and service providers to ensure optimal patient care.
• Provide emotional support for patient and family during treatment and refer to Oncology Social Worker as necessary.
• Maintains accurate, complete, concise and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
• To ensure scientific nursing practice within the legal framework of nursing.
• To promptly react and report any abnormal blood results
• To identify and assess patient's condition.
• Effective patient manangement.
• Clinically prepared patient for consult
• Effective patient management.
• To ensure patency of the port
• 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
• To ensure that the emotional needs and health education needs of the patient is met
• Ensure up to date records

Quality Assurance

• Actively support and participate in ongoing Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
• Adhere to patient satisfaction program as per institutional program and protocol.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Refer patient complaints to the registered nurse/ubm/doctor.
• Replenish Doctors consultation rooms with the necessary equipment and consumables need.
• To ensure quality care rendered.

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.
• 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
• Check emergency trolley/oxygen cylinders
• Prevent and educate patients on the risk of falling as applicable
• To minimize the risk of infections
• To prevent sharps injuries.
• Compliance and adherence to legislation and policies
• To ensure staff and patient safety
• Ensure appropriate resources present to avoid treatment delay.
• To be Prepared for Medical emergency

Continued Professional Development

• Keep up to date with Cancer cares policies and procedures.
• Assume responsibility for own personal and professional development.
• Ensure personal competence in BLS.
• Participate in unit academics
• Personal and Professional development
• To enhance effectiveness

Billing/Stock control.

• Correct capturing of patient procedures e.g administration of neupogen.
• Understanding of billing codes
• Ordering of Consumables as necessary
• Confirm correct medical aid authorization of treatment.
• To ensure correct billing of patients.
• Fully equipped consulting rooms

Required minimum education:
Registered Enrolled Nurse
Required minimum experience:
Registered with SANC
3-5 years recent nursing experience
Oncology and/or ICU experience will be advantageous
Computer literacy (MS Word, excel, outlook)
Can function well under work pressure and can work independently