Nursing Officer Oncology at Tenwek Hospital

Job Purpose:

• To provide nursing services within the respective department, in order that the patient/client receives quality care for the honor and glory of God.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate patients for suitability of Chemotherapy and other treatments in the Oncology Unit e.g. their overall health status, to include vital signs etc. and work with multidisciplinary team to provide the necessary care to the Cancer patients.
• Set and provide Chemotherapy and other treatments to the Cancer patients in the Oncology Unit as per the set standard guidelines.
• Using the Nursing Process, organize, coordinate and participate in nursing care of patients in Oncology Unit by prioritising care using a care plan for the critically ill patients based his/her assessment data.
• Perform various nursing procedures on Cancer patients as outlined in the Nursing Council Procedure Manual
• Perform or ensure diagnostic tests on Oncology patients are done without delay, such as lab works, x-rays etc.
• Prepare patients for surgery preoperatively to include cleaning and disinfection of surgical sites, administration of pre-operative medications and other routine medications etc.
• Provide and ensure appropriate health teachings, emotional support is done to all Oncology patients, their families, and visitors, to include treatment options while maintaining confidentiality of patients’ information.
• Do accurate documentation and keep proper records of all patients in the Oncology Unit.
• Provide/participate in an effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation for crushed patients to try to bring them back life.
• Maintain infection prevention guidelines and practice at all times.
• Ensure safety in the work place by maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant environment
• Set and monitor medical equipment and devices such as cardiac monitors, drug pumps, mechanical ventilators, alarms, oxygen delivery equipment etc. to enable quick responds to the patients’ conditions at all times
• Support Charge Nurse in administrative roles as assigned
• Safe-guard hospital’s and patients’ confidential information and property at all times.
• Report all complaints and incidences to the In-charge as they occur.
• Provide mentorship to junior nurses and students
• Purposely, identify research topics, construct a research plan, and carry out surveys at the operational level.
• Promote effective interpersonal and public relations with his team.
• Display Christ like attitude and character both on and off duty
• Abide by the Tenwek Hospital moral code and Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) regulations.
• Maintain familiarity with the legal implications of nursing practice and ensure that legal requirements are met
• Perform any other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by Unit’s In-charge or his/her designate depending on the need and urgency.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a recognized institution; a Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing
• Post-basic Diploma or recognized specialist qualification in Oncology Nursing.
• Registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya as a Registered Oncology Nurse, where applicable.
• Valid annual practising licence from the Nursing Council of Kenya.
• At least three years’ post-registration nursing experience in a recognized healthcare facility.
• At least two years’ relevant experience in an oncology, haematology, chemotherapy, palliative-care, or cancer-treatment unit.
• Demonstrated experience in assessing and caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
• Experience in chemotherapy safety, patient education, symptom management, infection prevention, and supportive care.
• Experience in counselling patients and families and coordinating care through a multidisciplinary team.