Oncology Nurse, Haematology-Oncology at Aga Khan University Hospital

Introduction

Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi is a private not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides tertiary and secondary level healthcare services. It is the first hospital in East Africa to be accredited by the Joint Commission International from the USA. The University Hospital has been providing high quality care for the people of East Africa and beyond for over 60 years.The position holder will report to the Manager, Oncology Department.

Responsibilities:

• Assess patients for chemotherapy to ensure their physical condition and blood parameters are satisfactory to safely receive treatment according to treatment protocols / regimes.
• Administer intravenous and oral chemotherapy, and safely dispose of Chemo contaminated material in accordance with Hospital Safety Guidelines
• Provide information regarding treatment and chemo side effects to ensure each patient is prepared for their specific treatment and elicit informed consent
• Provide one to one and telephone advice to patients and their families regarding treatment side effects and management of side effects to ensure each patient receives care which is specific and appropriate to their needs
• Assess patient’s readiness for radiotherapy, through history taking and physical examination.
• Closely monitor patients undergoing Chemotherapy and other treatments, be able to identify reactions/complications, communicate the reactions/ complications to the physician and participate in management of the same
• Recognize and provide psychological and emotional support to patients and their families, and be able to refer to counsellors when appropriate
• Observe infection control guidelines while caring for central venous lines, and be able to advise patients about care of those lines in the home setting   
• Be proficient in administration of other intravenous therapies i.e. Blood and blood products, bisphosphonates and IV fluids
• Utilize evidence based tools in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating individualized care to patients
• Provide a high standard of holistic care encompassing physical, psychological, spiritual and social care to patients and families.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines for staff and patients, reporting any accidents, incidents, hazards or equipment defects in accordance with laid down policies

Requirements:

• Registered Nurse from a recognized school of nursing or University
• Current licensure with the Nursing Council of Kenya
• Certificate in Chemotherapy Administration
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Minimum 3 years of clinical nursing experience in an acute care hospital
• Demonstrate evidence based knowledge of current practices in Oncology nursing.