Senior Specialist Nurse Chemo Infusion
- Abuja, FCT
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies following oncology treatment protocols and patient safety guidelines.
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments before, during, and after chemotherapy infusion to monitor for adverse reactions and treatment effectiveness.
- Manage chemotherapy side effects, including nausea, neutropenia, mucositis, and infusion-related reactions, using evidence-based interventions.
- Ensure proper handling, preparation, and disposal of cytotoxic drugs in compliance with hazardous drug safety protocols.
- Educate patients and families on chemotherapy regimens, expected side effects, and self-care strategies to improve treatment adherence.
- Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and training to junior oncology nurses, ensuring competency in chemotherapy administration.
- Lead orientation programs for new nursing staff in the chemotherapy infusion unit, ensuring adherence to best practices.
- Participate in staff evaluations, providing constructive feedback to enhance nursing performance and patient care quality.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, professional integrity, and continuous learning within the oncology nursing team.
- Serve as a key resource and role model, guiding nurses in managing complex chemotherapy cases and critical patient care situations.
- Ensure adherence to chemotherapy administration guidelines, including double-checking protocols, safe infusion rates, and emergency preparedness.
- Conduct regular audits of chemotherapy administration practices to identify areas for improvement and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
- Monitor and report chemotherapy-related adverse events, medication errors, and patient safety incidents to hospital leadership.
- Implement infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of chemotherapy-related complications.
- Stay updated on oncology nursing guidelines, participating in hospital accreditation and regulatory inspections to ensure compliance.
- Collaborate with oncologists, pharmacists, nutritionists, and social workers to provide holistic, patient-centered oncology care.
- Advocate for patients by ensuring they receive timely, effective, and compassionate chemotherapy treatment tailored to their needs.
- Participate in tumor boards, multidisciplinary case discussions, and care planning meetings to contribute nursing expertise to patient management.
- Facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams, ensuring informed decision-making and shared care planning.
- Support hospital initiatives aimed at improving the patient experience, including survivorship programs and palliative care integration.
- Implement evidence-based chemotherapy nursing practices to enhance patient safety, treatment efficacy, and quality of life.
- Support and participate in oncology clinical trials and research projects to advance chemotherapy treatment options.
- Educate patients and families on available research studies, ensuring informed consent and ethical participation.
- Develop and update clinical guidelines, chemotherapy education materials, and patient safety protocols in line with the latest research.
- Present findings from quality improvement projects and case studies at oncology conferences and professional development workshops.
- Provide emotional support and counseling to patients undergoing chemotherapy, addressing concerns about treatment, prognosis, and side effects.
- Identify and manage chemotherapy-related anxiety, depression, and distress by offering appropriate psychosocial interventions.
- Refer patients and caregivers to oncology social workers, support groups, and mental health professionals for additional support.
- Foster a compassionate and patient-centered care environment, ensuring dignity and respect in all patient interactions.
- Educate caregivers on their role in supporting chemotherapy patients, providing guidance on home care, symptom management, and emergency response.
- Bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalent from a recognized institution
- Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid nursing license.
- Relevant certification in oncology nursing (e.g., Bsc, Certified Oncology Nurse).
- Specialized training or certification in radiation oncology or related fields is highly desirable.
- Meet all requirement to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
- Minimum of 10 years post registered nursing experience, with at least 5 years specializing in oncology or chemotherapy administration.
- Completion of post-basic training in oncology or hematology
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary oncology team and familiarity with various cancer treatment protocols.
- Comprehensive understanding of cancer treatment processes and chemotherapy drugs.
- Knowledge of pharmacology related to chemotherapy and management of side effects.
- Familiarity with infection control practices and safety guidelines in handling cytotoxic drugs.
- Understanding of patient education principles related to chemotherapy and cancer care.
- Strong clinical and technical skills in chemotherapy administration.
- Excellent assessment and critical-thinking abilities for monitoring patient responses.
- Compassionate communication and interpersonal skills for effective patient and family interaction.
- Strong organizational and time management skills to manage treatment schedules efficiently.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in maintaining detailed and accurate patient records.
- Ability to provide mentorship and training to junior staff
- Professional attitude towards work
- Shares the AMCE's vision.
- Proactive and organized.
- Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care.
- Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers.
- Supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
- Commitment to caring for others.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- High levels of honesty and integrity
- Empathy and the ability to provide compassionate care