Oncology Nurse

Job Objective / Purpose

Provide professional and compassionate nursing services and high quality care to patients. Ensure patient review and treatment are carried out according to hospital protocols and nursing standards and practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the clinical team to manage oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy. Evaluate patient conditions, monitor vital signs, interpret lab and diagnostic results, and create individualized nursing care plans. Undertake safe administration of cytotoxic agents per protocol. Provide treatment as planned, including educating patients and their families about treatment, potential side effects, and medication management.
• Continuously monitor and assess patients for chemotherapy and treatment-related side effects (e.g., neutropenia, mucositis, nausea, anaphylaxis). Titrate supportive medications within prescribed parameters and respond promptly to changes in condition.
• Assist with and manage oncology-specific procedures such as PICC line and central venous access care, intrathecal chemotherapy support, and bone marrow biopsy assistance. Ensure aseptic technique and safe patient handling.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date oncology documentation, including chemotherapy administration records, treatment charts, toxicity grading, and response-to-treatment notes. Ensure all nursing protocols have been administered according to set policies and guidelines. Record and report all sentinel incidents or events within 4 hours using the provided tools.
• Actively participate in patient admission and ward rounds. Receive handover reports from the outgoing nurse on shift. Ensure all relevant consultants have explained procedures and obtained consent.
• Manage end-of-life care with empathy and professionalism, including withdrawal of care, comfort measures, and supporting the family through difficult decisions.
• Maintain and enforce infection control standards per policy. Observe infection control bundles (SSI, VAP, CAUTI, CLABSI) where applicable.
• Ensure that Avenue Healthcare corporate governance policies are adhered to, including preventing, detecting, and reporting any fraud or criminal activities, and implementing audit recommendations.
• Ensure adequate knowledge of and compliance with all Avenue Healthcare policies, procedures, and systems, especially policies pertaining to the provision of medical services (e.g., admission and discharge, nurses' reports, equipment and supplies).
• Adhere to government and respective professional standards of care and treatment of patients as guided by the Nursing Council of Kenya.
• Supervise PAs as per their job description.

Person Specification

• Education and Training: Higher Diploma in Oncology Nursing or BSc Nursing with oncology post-basic training.
• Licensure and Certification: A valid Nursing License from NCK. Current BLS and ACLS certification; training in cytotoxic drug handling is an added advantage.
• Experience: 2+ years of experience working in a busy oncology setup.
• Core Competencies: Customer focus and results orientation. Strong interpersonal skills, team playing abilities, and communication skills. Highly responsive, ethical, and responsible.