Specialist Nurse - Radiation Oncology at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) - Deloitte Human Capital Consulting

Deloitte Human Capital Consulting - Our client, 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 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.

They are reruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Specialist Nurse - Radiation Oncology

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Specialist Nurse in Radiation Oncology provides expert care to patients undergoing radiation therapy as part of cancer treatment.
• This role is essential for the comprehensive management of patients before, during, and after their radiation therapy sessions.
• The Specialist Nurse works closely with the multidisciplinary oncology team to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate care, while also supporting patients in managing the physical and emotional impacts of treatment.
• The role involves patient education, symptom management, emotional support, and close monitoring of radiation therapy side effects.
• The Specialist Nurse Radiation Oncology also ensures the delivery of high-quality care, consistent with evidence-based practices, and participates in quality improvement initiatives within the department.

Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities:
Pre-Treatment Assessment and Patient Preparation:

• Conduct comprehensive pre-treatment assessments to evaluate the patient’s physical health, psychological readiness, and understanding of radiation therapy.
• Educate patients and their families about the radiation therapy process, including expected outcomes, potential side effects, and self-care strategies.
• Prepare patients for radiation therapy, ensuring they are informed, comfortable, and ready for the procedure.

Administration of Radiation Therapy:

• Provide patient support during radiation therapy sessions, ensuring their comfort and safety.
• Monitor patients for immediate side effects during treatment (e.g., nausea, skin irritation, fatigue), providing interventions to manage symptoms.
• Collaborate with radiation therapists and oncologists to ensure accurate delivery of radiation therapy, assisting with patient positioning and technical preparations

Symptom and Side Effect Management:

• Monitor and manage common radiation therapy side effects, such as fatigue, mucositis, skin changes, and pain.
• Administer appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to alleviate side effects and discomfort.
• Provide advanced wound care and help manage complex symptoms arising from radiation therapy.

Patient Education and Support:

• Educate patients about self-care techniques to manage side effects at home (e.g., skin care, hydration, nutrition).
• Offer psychological and emotional support to patients, addressing concerns related to treatment, anxiety, and the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
• Provide guidance on lifestyle changes and coping strategies to support overall well-being during and after treatment.

Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams:

• Collaborate with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and adjust treatment plans for individual patients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews to discuss patient progress, modify care plans, and address any emerging issues.
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals (e.g., nutritionists, pain management specialists, social workers) to address the comprehensive needs of patients.

Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up:

• Monitor patients after completing radiation therapy, assessing for delayed side effects such as skin reactions or organ damage.
• Provide follow-up care, educating patients on long-term management and signs of complications or recurrence.
• Ensure patients understand how to continue self-care and follow up with appropriate specialists when needed.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting assessments, treatments, and outcomes according to legal and institutional standards.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, radiation safety guidelines, and infection control policies.
• Participate in clinical audits and contribute to the review of treatment outcomes and best practices.

Quality Improvement and Clinical Protocols:

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing patient care and outcomes in radiation oncology.
• Contribute to the development and review of clinical protocols and guidelines to ensure evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate with the team to implement best practices in radiation therapy and patient safety.

Additional Key Responsibilities:

• Radiation Safety: Adhere to radiation safety protocols, ensuring minimal risk to patients and staff. Monitor exposure levels and ensure proper shielding.
• Patient Advocacy: Act as an advocate for patients, ensuring their preferences and needs are respected in the care plan.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Provide culturally competent care, understanding the diverse backgrounds of patients and adjusting communication and care accordingly.

Personal and Staff Development:

• Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development activities, keeping current with advances in radiation oncology and nursing.
• Training and Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior nursing staff, supporting their development in radiation oncology care.
• Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment within the oncology team to enhance patient care and service delivery.

Equality and Diversity:

• Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the Estates and Facilities department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy, set of policies, procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place.

Personal and Staff Development:

• Work with HR to undertake recruitment, retention, performance management and development of staff in the team.
• Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local, international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company.
• Responsible for development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.

Communications And Working Relationships:

•  Collaborate closely with radiation oncologists, radiologists, physicists, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families, providing clear explanations of treatments, procedures, and expected outcomes.
• Work with administrative and support staff to manage patient schedules, follow-ups, and referrals.
• Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and educational sessions to improve radiation oncology services.

Line Management:

• Support the Radiation Oncology Nurse Manager in managing staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation within the department.
• Supervise and provide guidance to junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and radiotherapy technicians.
• Assist in conducting performance appraisals, identifying training needs, and providing development opportunities for radiation nursing staff.
• Participate in the recruitment and induction of new nursing staff within the radiation department.

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Report to the Radiation Oncology Nurse Manager or Head of Oncology Services, contributing to the strategic planning and development of radiation therapy services.
• Represent the radiation oncology unit in hospital-wide committees related to patient safety, clinical governance, and quality improvement.
• Support the hospital’s accreditation and compliance processes by ensuring adherence to radiation therapy standards and protocols.
• Engage in initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care, safety, and efficiency within the radiation department.

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.
• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s in Nursing) or relevant certification in oncology nursing (e.g., Certified Oncology Nurse).
• Specialized training or certification in radiation oncology or related fields is highly desirable.
• Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid nursing license.
• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s in Nursing) or relevant specialty certification (e.g., Certified Oncology Nurse).
• Specialized training or certification relevant to the role (e.g., chemotherapy administration, ICU, or PACU).
• Masters in related subject
• Professional qualification in a relevant subject

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical experience in radiation oncology nursing or a related specialty.
• Experience in administering radiation therapy and managing radiation-induced side effects.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases and utilize specialized equipment and technologies related to radiation therapy.
• Significant clinical experience in the relevant specialty (typically 3-5 years).
• Experience with advanced procedures and patient care in the specific area of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases and manage specialized equipment.

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 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.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.