Specialist Nurse, Radiation Oncology - African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)

African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) was established in Abuja, Nigeria in October, 1993 by African Governments, African private and institutional investors as well as non-African financial institutions and private investors for the purpose of financing, promoting and expanding intra-African and extra-African trade.

The Bank, headquartered in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, commenced operations on 30 September, 1994, following the signature of a Headquarters Agreement with the host Government in August, 1994. It has branch offices in Harare, Abuja and Abidjan and will open an East Africa branch office shortly.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Specialist Nurse, Radiation Oncology - African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Location: Abuja (FCT)

Background

• African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the commencement of its African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) project in Abuja, Nigeria. It will provide world-class care to both low and high-income patient groups across the continent.
• The AMCE in Partnership with King's College Hospital London will be located in Abuja, which is a hub for travel in Nigeria and West Africa, enabling it to attract patients across the region.
• The African Medical Centre of Excellence will be implemented in four phases over a six-year period, starting with a 170-bed specialist hospital before expanding to a 500-bed facility.
• The centre will have the potential to provide services to over 200,000 patients in Nigeria and a further 150,000 patients from neighbouring West African countries within its first five years of operation.
• The clinical areas the centre will specialise in are: Cardiology, Haematology and Oncology. A range of businesses providing relevant health support will support this facility and provide commercial services to its patients and staff, thus creating a healthcare ecosystem sustainably designed to deliver long-term value to its community and region.
• This is an outstanding initiative and creates a unique opportunity to be involved in the opening chapter of this exciting project that is set to make a decisive impact on non-communicable disease care across Nigeria and West Africa. The AMCE will benefit millions of people in Abuja and over the wider regions of West Africa.
• The institution will act as a beacon of healthcare in Africa and will be the employer and healthcare provider of choice across the region. What makes this facility even more special is its very close partnership with King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

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 Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities:

• Pre-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 Teams:
  • Collaborate 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 & Compliance:
  • Maintain 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 Improvement:
  • Participate 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 Responsibilities:
  • Radiation 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 Responsibilities:
  • Help 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.
• Governance & Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with hospital policies and national standards for radiation therapy. Participate in clinical audits, incident reporting, and risk management activities to enhance patient safety.
• Other Responsibilities:
  • May assist with recruitment, staff development, and performance management within the radiation oncology unit.
  • Ensuring clinical practice is based on validated research, and participating in quality assessment, research and clinical audits.
  • In collaboration Head of Nursing and the Chief Nursing Officer, upholds the code of conduct and professional scope of practice of the nursing profession
• Communications & Working Relationships:
  • Collaborate with radiation oncologists, radiologists, physicists, and support staff to ensure seamless patient care. Communicate effectively with patients and families to explain treatments, procedures, and outcomes.
• Line Management:
  • Support the Radiation Oncology Nurse Manager / Head nurse oncology and hematology in staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Organizational Responsibilities:
  • Report to the Radiation Oncology Nurse Manager / Head nurse oncology hematology. Represent the department in hospital committees related to safety, governance, and quality improvement.

Confidentiality:

• The post holder must be aware that Confidential Information and data to which the post holder will have knowledge and access to in the course of their employment with the AMCE is to be kept confidential, and this confidentiality is a condition of employment. The duty to maintain confidentiality continues even when the post holder is no longer employed.
• This information is not to be shared with anyone outside of the AMCE under any circumstances, except to the extent necessary to fulfil any duties and responsibilities required within the role. Furthermore, upon termination with the AMCE Abuja, the post holder will return to the AMCE all confidential information held.

General:

• The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
• To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of AMCE together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
• To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients, staff and visitors.
• To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
• This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
• All employees must hold an AMCE email account, which will be the AMCE's formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication promptly.

Infection Control Statement:

• The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role. These requirements are set out in the AMCE Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures, which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.

Qualifications

• 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
• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s in Nursing) or
• Professional qualification in a relevant subject

Experience:
Essential Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in radiation oncology nursing or a related specialty.
• Experience in radiation therapy processes and managing radiation-induced side effects.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases and utilize specialized equipment and technologies related to radiation therapy.

Management and Leadership:

• Inspirational and visible leader, with first class communication skills, capable of engaging audiences at all levels
• Ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, innovative and creative solutions to the management of issues and complex problems related to the department
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve business outcomes through partnership at all levels
• Well-developed management skills, with the ability to build and lead large teams
• Highly effective influencing and negotiating skills, with the ability to develop partnerships and alliances across a diverse range of stakeholders
• Politically astute and resilient, with the ability to manage conflict and ambiguity
• Outcome focused, with the capability and tenacity to drive the agenda forward
• Financially literate and commercially astute, with a sophisticated understanding of commercially orientated performance and financial management including contract management
• Shares the AMCE’s vision and values
• Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care

Personal attributes:

• Professional attitude towards work
• Shares the AMCE’s vision

Proactive and organised:

• Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
• Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers
• Is supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
• Commitment to caring for others
• Ability to adapt to living in a new country and new culture accordingly
• High levels of honesty and integrity
• Reliable, Adaptable and Dependable
• Flexible to working hours to ensure adequate cover for the 24/7 service

Languages:

• All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues
• Skills in languages other than English

AMCE Values:

• Able to demonstrate an understanding of the AMCE’s values
• Commitment to uphold the AMCE’s values.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV / Covering Letter to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.