Chemotherapy Nurse

Position Title: Chemotherapy Nurse
Department: Oncology / Chemotherapy Services
Reports To: Nurse Unit Manager / Oncology Clinical

Position Purpose

To provide safe, specialised and compassionate nursing care to patients undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer-related treatments. The Chemotherapy Nurse is responsible for patient assessment, preparation and administration of prescribed treatment within their competency, monitoring for adverse reactions, patient education and coordination of care in accordance with NMC clinical protocols, medication safety standards and applicable professional requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments before, during and after chemotherapy treatment.
• Review prescribed chemotherapy orders and verify patient identity, treatment plans, dosage and relevant clinical parameters in accordance with approved protocols.
• Confirm that required laboratory results, medical reviews and treatment authorisations are available before commencing treatment.
• Administer chemotherapy and other prescribed oncology treatments only when appropriately trained, assessed as competent and authorised.
• Follow established procedures for the safe handling, preparation, administration and disposal of hazardous cytotoxic medicines.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow cytotoxic drug safety precautions.
• Monitor patients for adverse reactions, allergic responses, extravasation and other treatment-related complications.
• Recognise and respond promptly to medical emergencies and escalate concerns to the treating physician.
• Safely manage intravenous access devices, infusion equipment and vascular access sites within scope of practice.
• Administer supportive medications and treatments as prescribed.
• Educate patients and caregivers about treatment schedules, potential side effects, infection risks, nutrition, hydration and when to seek urgent medical attention.
• Provide emotional support and maintain patient dignity and confidentiality throughout treatment.
• Maintain accurate and timely chemotherapy administration records and nursing documentation.
• Ensure treatment areas are appropriately prepared, clean and equipped.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures, particularly for immunocompromised patients.
• Ensure cytotoxic waste, contaminated materials and sharps are disposed of according to approved procedures.
• Monitor chemotherapy supplies and report stock shortages, expired medicines and equipment concerns.
• Coordinate care with oncologists, pharmacists, laboratory staff and other healthcare professionals.
• Participate in clinical audits, incident reviews and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain current knowledge and competency in oncology nursing and chemotherapy safety.

Qualifications & Experience

• Registered Nurse with current professional registration/licence.
• Recognised nursing qualification.
• Relevant oncology or chemotherapy nursing training.
• Previous experience in oncology, infusion therapy or chemotherapy services preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support certification.
• Demonstrated competency in the safe handling and administration of cytotoxic medications before undertaking these duties independently.

Key Competencies

• Chemotherapy administration and medication safety.
• Patient assessment and clinical judgement.
• Recognition and management of adverse reactions.
• Safe handling of hazardous medicines.
• Infection prevention and control.
• IV therapy and vascular access management.
• Patient and family education.
• Accurate clinical documentation.
• Communication and multidisciplinary teamwork.
• Emotional resilience and compassionate care.

Key Performance Indicators

• Participation in relevant clinical audits and quality improvement activities.
• Compliance with chemotherapy administration and medication safety protocols.
• Completion of required pre-treatment checks and patient assessments.
• Accurate and timely treatment documentation.
• Compliance with cytotoxic drug handling and disposal procedures.
• Timely identification and escalation of adverse reactions.
• Completion of mandatory oncology nursing competencies.
• Patient education and communication compliance.
• Infection prevention compliance.