Senior Specialist Nurse Chemo Infusion

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in partnership with King's College Hospital London (KCH) is seeking talented individuals to fill the role of Senior Specialist Nurse Chemo Infusion.

The African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja), a multi-specialty medical institution developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King's College Hospital London (KCH) aims to revolutionize healthcare in Africa. Established to address critical gaps, the AMCE Abuja is committed to providing world-class care through innovative research, development, and education. The partnership with King's College Hospital ensures global expertise, world-class clinical training, research, and professional development. The Centre will offer comprehensive services in oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general healthcare across the continent, with plans for expansion. The construction phase, supported by global partners, precedes a phased rollout over six years, evolving into a 500-bed facility.

Set to commence operations in early 2025, this flagship facility in Abuja is a key part of Afreximbank’s network of healthcare facilities, actively countering brain drain, reducing medical tourism by offering advanced procedures such as stem cell transplantation and state-of-the-art treatments for various diseases, and fostering employment opportunities. The vision for the AMCE initiative is to shape a healthier and more educated future for Africa.

Job Purpose

The Senior Specialist Nurse Chemo Infusion is responsible for delivering specialized nursing care to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The role involves preparing and administering chemotherapy infusions, monitoring patients for adverse reactions, and providing comprehensive support and education to patients and their families. The Senior Specialist Nurse must possess advanced clinical knowledge and skills in oncology nursing, be capable of supervising junior staff and collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure the highest standard of patient care.

Core Responsibilities

Advanced Clinical Care and Chemotherapy Administration

• Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies following oncology treatment protocols and patient safety guidelines.
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments before, during, and after chemotherapy infusion to monitor for adverse reactions and treatment effectiveness.
• Manage chemotherapy side effects, including nausea, neutropenia, mucositis, and infusion-related reactions, using evidence-based interventions.
• Ensure proper handling, preparation, and disposal of cytotoxic drugs in compliance with hazardous drug safety protocols.
• Educate patients and families on chemotherapy regimens, expected side effects, and self-care strategies to improve treatment adherence.

Leadership and Mentorship in Oncology Nursing

• Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and training to junior oncology nurses, ensuring competency in chemotherapy administration.
• Lead orientation programs for new nursing staff in the chemotherapy infusion unit, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Participate in staff evaluations, providing constructive feedback to enhance nursing performance and patient care quality.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, professional integrity, and continuous learning within the oncology nursing team.
• Serve as a key resource and role model, guiding nurses in managing complex chemotherapy cases and critical patient care situations.

Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to chemotherapy administration guidelines, including double-checking protocols, safe infusion rates, and emergency preparedness.
• Conduct regular audits of chemotherapy administration practices to identify areas for improvement and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Monitor and report chemotherapy-related adverse events, medication errors, and patient safety incidents to hospital leadership.
• Implement infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of chemotherapy-related complications.
• Stay updated on oncology nursing guidelines, participating in hospital accreditation and regulatory inspections to ensure compliance.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Patient Advocacy

• Collaborate with oncologists, pharmacists, nutritionists, and social workers to provide holistic, patient-centered oncology care.
• Advocate for patients by ensuring they receive timely, effective, and compassionate chemotherapy treatment tailored to their needs.
• Participate in tumor boards, multidisciplinary case discussions, and care planning meetings to contribute nursing expertise to patient management.
• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams, ensuring informed decision-making and shared care planning.
• Support hospital initiatives aimed at improving the patient experience, including survivorship programs and palliative care integration.

Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Innovation

• Implement evidence-based chemotherapy nursing practices to enhance patient safety, treatment efficacy, and quality of life.
• Support and participate in oncology clinical trials and research projects to advance chemotherapy treatment options.
• Educate patients and families on available research studies, ensuring informed consent and ethical participation.
• Develop and update clinical guidelines, chemotherapy education materials, and patient safety protocols in line with the latest research.
• Present findings from quality improvement projects and case studies at oncology conferences and professional development workshops.

Psychological and Emotional Support for Patients and Families

• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients undergoing chemotherapy, addressing concerns about treatment, prognosis, and side effects.
• Identify and manage chemotherapy-related anxiety, depression, and distress by offering appropriate psychosocial interventions.
• Refer patients and caregivers to oncology social workers, support groups, and mental health professionals for additional support.
• Foster a compassionate and patient-centered care environment, ensuring dignity and respect in all patient interactions.
• Educate caregivers on their role in supporting chemotherapy patients, providing guidance on home care, symptom management, and emergency response.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent from a recognized institution

Professional Requirements

• 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

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years post registered nursing experience, with at least 5 years specializing in oncology or chemotherapy administration.
• Completion of post-basic training in oncology or hematology
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary oncology team and familiarity with various cancer treatment protocols.

Competency Requirements

1. Knowledge Requirements

• Comprehensive understanding of cancer treatment processes and chemotherapy drugs.
• Knowledge of pharmacology related to chemotherapy and management of side effects.
• Familiarity with infection control practices and safety guidelines in handling cytotoxic drugs.
• Understanding of patient education principles related to chemotherapy and cancer care.

2. Skill Requirements

• Strong clinical and technical skills in chemotherapy administration.
• Excellent assessment and critical-thinking abilities for monitoring patient responses.
• Compassionate communication and interpersonal skills for effective patient and family interaction.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to manage treatment schedules efficiently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in maintaining detailed and accurate patient records.
• Ability to provide mentorship and training to junior staff

3. Personal Abilities

• Professional attitude towards work
• Shares the AMCE’s vision.
• Proactive and organized.
• Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care.
• Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers. 
• Supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
• Commitment to caring for others.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• High levels of honesty and integrity
• Empathy and the ability to provide compassionate care

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.