Specialist Nurse - Radiation Oncology

Job Summary

The Specialist Nurse, Radiation Oncology, is a highly specialized role focused on delivering expert care to patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer treatment. This role involves managing patients' comprehensive needs before, during, and after radiation therapy.

Key responsibilities include conducting pre-treatment assessments to evaluate patient health, understanding of the treatment process, and any comorbidities that may affect therapy. The Specialist Nurse prepares patients for radiation therapy by explaining the procedure, potential side effects, and offering reassurance to alleviate anxiety.

During treatment, the Specialist Nurse monitors patients for reactions such as skin changes, fatigue, or discomfort, intervening as needed to manage symptoms. The role involves close collaboration with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists to ensure accurate treatment delivery and address patient-specific issues.

The Specialist Nurse is skilled in managing complex symptoms and side effects, including advanced wound care, mucositis, and supporting nutritional and hydration needs. They also provide psychological support to help patients and families cope with the emotional impact of cancer treatment.

In addition to direct care, the Specialist Nurse plays a key role in patient education, preparing individuals for treatment and guiding them on self-care strategies to mitigate side effects. The Specialist Nurse also contributes to the development of care protocols and participates in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the safety and effectiveness of radiation therapy services. As patient advocates, they ensure that patients' needs and preferences are incorporated into care plans, providing compassionate, patient-centred care throughout the radiation oncology process.

Key Responsibilitie

sClinical Responsibilitie

sPre-Treatment Assessment & Patient Preparation: Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate physical health, understanding of the treatment process, psychological readiness, and comorbidities. Provide education on radiation therapy, potential side effects, and necessary pre-treatment protocols

.Administration of Radiation Therapy: Oversee patient comfort during radiation sessions, manage side effects (e.g., fatigue, nausea, skin irritation), and administer symptom relief as needed. Assist with technical procedures and ensure proper radiation delivery in collaboration with the treatment team

.Ongoing Monitoring & Symptom Management: Monitor patient reactions to treatment and provide interventions for common side effects, including mucositis and skin irritation. Offer both pharmacological and non-pharmacological symptom relief

.Patient Education & Support: Educate patients on self-care strategies, including skin care, nutrition, and hydration. Provide psychological support to help patients manage emotional distress and offer coping strategies or referrals to counseling

.Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team

sCollaborate with radiation oncologists, physicists, and other professionals to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care. Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions and case reviews to adjust treatment plans and address challenges

.Coordinate with Other Healthcare Professionals: Work with nutritionists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, and social workers to address the broader needs of patients

.Post-Treatment Care & Follow-Up: Monitor for delayed side effects such as late skin reactions or organ damage. Conduct follow-up appointments and provide education on continued self-care and lifestyle changes

.Documentation & Complianc

eMaintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in line with legal and regulatory standards. Ensure adherence to clinical guidelines, hospital policies, and radiation safety protocols

.Clinical Audits & Quality Improvemen

tParticipate in clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives. Contribute to the development and review of nursing clinical protocols to ensure evidence-based practices are followed

.Additional Clinical Responsibilitie

sRadiation Safety: Follow radiation safety protocols to minimize risks to patients and staff. Ensure proper shielding and monitoring of radiation exposure

.Patient Advocacy: Ensure patient rights, preferences, and needs are respected, and informed consent is obtained. Provide culturally sensitive care and adjust practices for diverse patient backgrounds

.Leadership Responsibilitie

sHelp and mentor the radiation oncology junior nursing team, ensuring adherence to best practices and promoting continuous learning. Actively contribute to team discussions on treatment plans and service improvements

.Support the development of quality improvement initiatives

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Competitive salar

y.
This Job Description and Person Specification may be subject to change depending on the needs of the service, in consultation with the post hold

er.
Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to candidates who are not success

ful.