Clinical Nurse Consultant - Haematology Clinical Trials Unit

Epworth HealthCare is Victoria’s largest not-for-profit private health care group, renowned for excellence in diagnosis, treatment, care and rehabilitation. Epworth is an innovator in Australia’s health system, embracing the latest in evidence-based medicine to pioneer treatments and services for our patients. 

Our values and purpose define Epworth's approach and delivery. We pride ourselves on communicating and delivering them in a real and meaningful way. Every Patient Matters.

The Haematology Clinical Trials Unit Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) will demonstrate competence in domains identified by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The CNC will practice in accordance with the Epworth HealthCare nursing clinical practice guidelines and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.

This 24 month, fixed term position based at Precision Haematology is specifically aligned to the Haematology Clinical Trials Unit. The focus is on providing clinical expertise to manage complex blood cancer patients and advance cell and immune therapies in order to enhance service delivery and support the ongoing growth of the Haematology Clinical Trials Unit.

The CNC will be responsible for coordinating haematology patients in real time and provide assistance to the Director of Haematology Clinical Trials Unit and other investigators actively involved in haematology clinical trials. The CNC will collaborate and provide best practice, high quality nursing care and experience that is in accordance with the patient’s physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. In particular the CNC will need to utilise available resources, promote and participate in national standards and quality activities and provide outstanding customer service to ensure positive clinical outcomes.

The CNC practices independently and is the sole specialist nurse working within the Haematology Clinical Trials Unit and so requires an advanced scope of practice that is essential to maintaining the high standard of clinical care for blood cancer patients managed at Epworth. You will be part of the Haematology Clinical trials Unit and report to the Director of Haematology Clinical Trials Unit.

You will make an impact by:

• Performing comprehensive health assessment of patients during both routine visits and acute episodes requiring triage through the healthcare system.
• Mapping and streamlining care paths of patients during diagnosis treatment and follow-up, including creating and implementing treatment schedules as directed by VMOs.
• Coordinating chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments across multi centre departments for patients and clinical trials.
• Working collaboratively with haematology registrars/consultants, community GPs and Emergency Doctors to coordinate unplanned patient consults and admissions to hospital.
• Liaising with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, external health services and the Epworth Cellular Therapies Unit organising tissue typing and/or other needs of patients identified for allogeneic transplantation and other cell-based immunotherapies such as autologous stem cell transplantation and CAR-T therapy.
• Coordinating ambulatory care of infusion, transfusion and venesection-dependent patients.
• Educating patients in regards their diagnosis, investigations, treatments and supportive care.
• Facilitating the transfer of patient care extending across internal and external healthcare services.
• Provisioning of relevant educational materials to patients and assisting them with accessing paramedical support provided by Epworth, Precision Haematology and/or external services.
• Providing support to clinical trials staff and ECISL research staff and assisting in patient recruitment to research studies and coordination of patient treatments

To be successful in this role:

You will be a highly experienced, senior Registered Nurse with clinical experience in Haematology Oncology, with the ability to work effectively as a team member and is confident in working autonomously. Able to communicate effectively with our patients and families, Medical staff and VMO’s within the Haematology Clinical Trials Unit and Cancer Immunology (MOCI) staff and will have the following:

• Current Nursing Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA],
• Registered Nurse with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia [NMBA],
• Clinical skills at a level appropriate to a clinical nurse consultant role.
• Minimum of two years previous experience as a registered nurse practicing in Haematology.
• Maintain understanding of assessing and treating hematology patients and knowledge of medico-legal issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of current trends and their implications for nursing practice.
• Experience coordinating patient presentations at multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Ability to challenge current work practices and develop and promote new innovative systems and procedures.
• Ability to adapt to and foster technology to improve care delivery and outcomes.
• Demonstrated initiative and creative thinking with well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
• Establishes and maintains strong and trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work autonomously, but also be an active member of a larger team.
• Have a caring, supportive and empathetic approach, together with patience and the ability to listen to patients.
• Have excellent time management skills, are able to manage multiple priorities and have a keen eye for detail.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills.
• Demonstrates responsibility for own professional development.
• Post Graduate qualifications (desirable).

Position Description     Inherent Requirements  

About Freemasons

Located in East Melbourne, close to public transport and the CBD, Epworth Freemasons provides a range of world-class health services. As one of Victoria's leading maternity hospitals, Epworth Freemasons specialises in women’s and men’s health services including breast and gynaecological surgery, endoscopy and urology. Epworth Freemasons also offers comprehensive cancer care, and a full range of surgical services, including robotic assisted surgery, orthopaedics and ICU care.

Epworth Freemasons has recently upgraded and expanded its operating theatres and admissions facilities, along with major refurbishments of patient rooms and building infrastructure.

At Epworth, it’s a community

It’s the sense of belonging and being part of an organisation and a team that works to make sure that every patient matters. In addition to this, you will have access to:

• Salary package up to $15,900 pre-tax annually, leading to greater take home pay
• The largest educational scholarship program of its kind in Australia
• Ability to purchase up to four additional weeks of leave
• Reduced cost of health services for you and your family at Epworth

Enquire/ Apply

Sound interesting? To apply, click the “I’m Interested” button to attach your CV and cover letter, and complete the application form including your preferred location.

For more information, refer to the attached position description or contact [email protected] or phone (03) 9426 0606.

Please Note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled before the application closing date.

It is a condition of employment with Epworth HealthCare, subject to reasonable exemptions, that you have had an annual Influenza vaccination, where this is required under Epworth policy.

As a child safe organisation, all successful applicants are required to satisfactorily clear a National Police Check (conducted by Epworth) and may be required to hold a valid employee Working with Children Check (provided by you).

At Epworth, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential to our culture and values. We focus on fairness and opportunity for all – across race, ability, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, cultures and beliefs – that reflect the communities we work in. At Epworth, we care.