Exciting New Opportunity: Join Our Innovative Cancer Nursing Development Programmes at University Hospital Sussex

University Hospital Sussex (UHSx) is proud to announce the launch of this ground breaking workforce development programme aimed at up skilling nurses for specialised roles in cancer care. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a rotational programme for novice nurses with an interest in becoming cancer nurses to gain experience and training in caring for patients with cancer and gaining a Systemic Anti-cancer Treatment (SACT) administration qualification.

This 2 year fixed term post will include an induction and rotational experience structured around the Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development (ACCEND) competencies framework. This will include the completion of the United Kingdom Oncology Nurse society (UKONS) SACT passport and the Fundamentals of Cancer Care Course, and support those recruited to gain experience working in the Cancer Division Haematology & Oncology wards and day units across University Hospitals Sussex (UHSx) as well as placements across the cancer pathway to develop an understanding of all aspects of cancer management and care.

This role is perfect for passionate and dedicated nurses who are eager to make a significant impact in cancer care and advance their careers. If you are committed to providing exceptional patient care and eager to develop your expertise in oncology, we want to hear from you!

Patient Care:
When trained administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other cancer treatments.

Monitor patients for treatment side effects and manage adverse reactions.

Provide emotional support and education to patients and their families.

Clinical Practice:
Follow clinical protocols and guidelines to ensure high-quality care.
Participate in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient records.

ACCEND Framework:
Engage with the ACCEND framework to elevate standards of care.

Professional Development:
Engage in continuous professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in oncology nursing.

Engage in reflective practice and seek feedback to foster personal and professional growth.

Rotation and Flexibility:
Rotating through various cancer services units, such as outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, and specialist treatment centres, to gain a broad range of experience and skills.

Adapting to different clinical environments and working schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

This role offers a unique opportunity to rotate through various cancer service areas, gaining broad experience and developing specialised skills in oncology nursing. Join us to make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by cancer while advancing your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Work providing nursing care as part of the multi-disciplinary team to patients. Communicating with and referring to other healthcare professionals as necessary.

Administer Chemotherapy, Immunotherapies, IV drugs and blood products once trained. Have knowledge of the drugs given for the treatment of cancer and the potential complications and side-effects.

During administration of treatments provide nursing care to ensure patient safety. This includes the immediate management of acute reactions and potential complications during drug administration, for example the extravasation.

Deliver a high standard of individualised holistic patient care to promote and maintain all aspects of his/her physical, social, cultural and psychological well being.

Have a sound knowledge of general medicine and basic nursing care.

Maintain full awareness of current regimes, policies and protocols.

To gain the knowledge and expertise in cannulation, venepuncture and the management of central access devices (PICC, Groshong and portacaths) and become an expert in giving IV therapies.

Ensure patients are thoroughly informed prior to their treatment in order to provide informed consent, establishing in particular that they understand:

The rationale and aims for the proposed treatment

The procedure for their particular SACT regime

Potential side-effects and their management

Self care whilst on treatment and the use of complementary therapies.

Who to contact in the event of any oncological emergencies.

Issues relating to fertility and contraception including sperm banking where appropriate

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.