An exciting opportunity has arisen for motivated and compassionate Registered Nurses to join the Oncology Critical Care Unit (OCCU) at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
The Oncology Critical Care Unit is a specialist 8-bed unit providing Level 2 (high dependency) and Level 3 (intensive care) support for patients with complex cancer-related conditions. Caring for patients recovering from major oncological surgery and those experiencing acute complications of cancer or cancer treatment, OCCU offers a unique and rewarding environment in which to develop advanced clinical skills and critical care expertise.
As a Staff Nurse, you will work as part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team delivering safe, effective and compassionate care to critically ill patients and their families. You will be supported through structured development opportunities, preceptorship and ongoing education, enabling you to build confidence and competence within specialist oncology critical care.
This role would suit both experienced nurses and those looking to develop a career in critical care within a world-leading cancer centre. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are committed to delivering excellent patient care and contributing to a positive team culture.
Both part time and full time positions available. Newly created positions due to expansion of the critical care team.
As a Staff Nurse within OCCU, you will be responsible for assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating high-quality nursing care for critically ill patients with complex cancer-related needs. You will care for patients requiring advanced monitoring and organ support, ensuring care is delivered safely and in accordance with evidence-based practice.
You will work closely with patients, families and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide compassionate, patient-centred care, supporting individuals through some of the most challenging stages of their treatment journey. The role includes participating in patient transfers, discharge planning, pre-operative assessments and ongoing evaluation of patient needs.
You will contribute to maintaining a safe clinical environment, support the supervision and development of learners and colleagues, and participate in ongoing education and professional development. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, a commitment to continuous learning and a passion for delivering exceptional care.
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, looking after more than 64,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 25% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We are the largest radiotherapy provider in the NHS with one in 20 treatments delivered at The Christie. We have up to 15 linear accelerators operating across our network of sites. We operate the largest chemotherapy unit in the UK on our main site and treatments are also provided at 13 other networked sites, and in patients homes. And as a specialist tertiary surgical centre, we focus on rare cancers, complex procedures, and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer surgery, specialising in colorectal, peritoneal, gynaecological, urological and plastic surgery.
We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We have been named by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), as one of the best hospitals providing opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research studies, with more than 800 studies open at any time, caring for over 3,000 patients.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
PROFESSIONAL
1. Assessment and prioritization of the needs of the critically ill patient and their family, specifically tasks such as patients requiring respiratory support, cardiovascular support, cardiac/invasive monitoring, inotropic support. Ensuring provision of client centered care which focuses on the promotion of health as well as illness.
2. Ensure accurate documentation of patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards. Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult matters and/or in difficult situations.
3. Assess educational and informational needs of patient and family, providing up to date information enabling them to participate in the planning of care.
4. Enhance care within the clinical area by using relevant research outcomes when planning and delivering nursing care.
5. Evaluate nursing care — inform nurse in charge/unit Sister and medical staff of patient's changing healthcare needs.
6. To be a role model for potential post holders by demonstrating competent skills that have been determined in accordance with the needs of the unit.
7. Maintain safe practice according to Hospital Policies and Standards.
8. Ensure all prescribed drugs and treatments are given in accordance with Hospital Policy.
9. Participate in internal rotation to night duty as required.
10. Prepare patients for safe transfer to other critical care areas and liase with relevant nursing, medical and para-medical personnel and relatives.
1 1 . Carry out patient transfer to other critical care areas in absence of transfer team.
12. Prepare patients for safe and timely transfer to ward areas.
13. Carry out and facilitate preoperative visits.
14. When appropriate/necessary, in rotation with other Staff Nurses, take charge of the unit in the absence of the band 6/unit Sister, ensuring that standards of care and unit management are maintained.
15. Help foster a supportive working environment and maintenance of staff morale, promoting a culture in which staff feel valued and able to reach their potential.
16. Act as a preceptor/mentor to new unit staff and Pre and Post Registered Nurses.
17. Be aware of responsibilities with regard to Health and Safety At Work Act. Maintain and develop an environment and culture that improves health, safety and security.
EDUCATION:
1. The staff nurse is responsible for their own personal development and maintaining a personal development plan Maintain own awareness of current nursing practice. Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the highest standards and up to date care offered to the patient with cancer.
2. Supervise clinical staff and disseminate knowledge and current developments. Develop oneself and others in areas of practice.
3. Participate in planned programmes of appraisal with the band 6 Team leader/ unit Sister.
4. Liaise with the School of Nursing, participating in the teaching of basic and post basic learners and training assessments.
5. Ensure own learning and development needs are met. Complete unit preceptorship/induction pack.
6. Attend annual updates in: Fire safety, BLS, Moving and Handling and Radiation Protection.
7. Undertake necessary education and learning relevant to Critical care.
PERSONAL
1 Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote a good working relationship.
2. Show professional and courteous manner when answering the telephone and other enquires.
3. Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information both at work and outside of working hours.
4. To be aware of and adhere to all policies including; sickness and absence, confidentiality, uniform and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work act and be familiar with all risk assessments pertinent to CCU.
5. Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy.
6. To be aware of limitations and utilise the preceptor system for any issues that arise.
7. To show respect for members of the team and endorse ward 10 philosophy of giving mutual support.
