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 Summary

The Specialist Nurse – Acute Oncology provides expert, patient-centered care for individuals with cancer requiring acute medical intervention and support.This role involves managing patients with complex and urgent oncological needs, including the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer-related complications such as infection, pain, or side effects from chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

The Specialist Nurse will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, emergency and acute care specialists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care. In addition to direct patient care, the nurse will provide specialist advice and support to both patients and their families, educating them on cancer-related issues, treatment options, and symptom management strategies.

The Specialist Nurse will demonstrate advanced clinical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a compassionate approach to patient care. They should have significant experience in oncology nursing and be committed to delivering high standards of care in a fast-paced, dynamic clinical environment. This role offers opportunities for ongoing professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients undergoing cancer treatment

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities:

1. Patient Assessment and Care

• Specialist Focus: A specialist nurse is expected to have a high level of expertise in assessing the specific needs of oncology patients, especially in acute care settings where symptoms can be severe or rapidly changing.
• Advanced Skills: The role goes beyond routine nursing assessments, requiring the ability to identify complex issues like cancer-related infections or treatment-related side effects that require immediate attention and intervention.

1. Chemotherapy and Treatment Administration

• Specialization in Oncology: Administering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other oncological treatments is a core function of a Specialist Oncology Nurse. This involves knowledge of chemotherapy regimens, safe handling of cytotoxic drugs, and monitoring for adverse reactions—all of which require specialized training and expertise.
• Safety and Protocol Adherence: A specialist nurse must be proficient in chemotherapy protocols, understanding the risks associated with specific treatments, and knowing when and how to intervene in case of side effects or complications.

1. Symptom Management and Palliative Care

• Palliative and End-of-Life Care: One of the key roles of a specialist nurse in acute oncology is symptom management, particularly for patients experiencing advanced cancer. This includes not only managing acute symptoms but also providing palliative care when necessary, which is a highly specialized aspect of oncology nursing.
• Holistic Care: Specialist nurses are expected to provide comprehensive care, including addressing emotional and psychosocial aspects of the disease, which is essential for improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

1. Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Advanced Collaborative Skills: Specialist nurses in oncology are expected to work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, surgeons, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. This requires not only clinical expertise but also the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within a team to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Decision-Making: Given their expertise, specialist nurses often contribute to clinical decision-making in patient care, helping to shape treatment plans and interventions, particularly in acute settings where quick decisions are required.

1. Patient and Family Education

• Complex Education Needs: Patients and families in oncology often face complex treatment regimens and challenging decisions. The specialist nurse plays a crucial role in educating both patients and families, ensuring they understand the disease process, treatment options, side effects, and coping strategies. This requires specialized knowledge and communication skills.
• Supportive Role: In acute oncology, the nurse provides more than just basic education—they offer emotional support and act as a guide through the complexities of cancer treatment, which is a specialized skill.

1. Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping

• Comprehensive and Accurate Documentation: Specialist nurses are expected to maintain high standards in clinical documentation. This is crucial not only for legal and professional standards but also for continuity of care, especially when managing complex or changing treatment regimens. Accurate records ensure that all members of the multidisciplinary team are informed of the patient's condition and treatment progress.
• Advanced Critical Thinking: Specialist nurses document not only routine care but also their clinical observations, assessment of treatment effects, and the response to interventions, all of which require advanced critical thinking and clinical judgment.

7. Quality Improvement and Clinical Audits

• Leadership in Quality Improvement: Specialist nurses are often involved in driving quality improvements in patient care. In acute oncology, where patient conditions can change rapidly, the nurse’s role in identifying areas for improvement (e.g., care pathways, treatment protocols) is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Contribution to Research and Protocol Development: Specialist nurses are expected to engage in clinical research, contribute to evidence-based practice, and sometimes take leadership roles in developing or refining clinical guidelines for the oncology department.

8. Infection Control and Safety

• Expertise in Infection Control: Oncology patients are often immunocompromised, making infection control a critical aspect of care. A specialist oncology nurse has the expertise to monitor for infections, initiate timely interventions, and apply infection control protocols to minimize risks for patients undergoing aggressive cancer treatments.
• Advanced Infection Management: In the event of an infection, specialist nurses are expected to assess the severity, administer appropriate treatments (such as antibiotics or antifungals), and escalate care when necessary.

Leadership:

• Provide leadership in the acute oncology unit, mentoring junior nurses and supporting the development of clinical staff.Lead by example, promoting a culture of compassion, patient-centered care, and clinical excellence.
• Participate in the orientation and training of new staff, fostering an environment of continuous learning and development.
•  Facilitates multidisciplinary care process to discuss patient care plans, outcomes, and improvements.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to the development and implementation of care pathways and guidelines specific to acute oncology patients.
• Support initiatives to improve patient outcomes, including reducing hospital admissions and length of stay, and managing oncological emergencies effectively.
• Engage in quality improvement projects and clinical research to advance oncology nursing practices.
• Collaborate with oncology teams to identify and integrate new treatment modalities, technologies, and approaches to patient care.

Governance

• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and national guidelines for oncology care, including medication safety, infection control, and patient monitoring.Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of patient care, treatment plans, and interventions in accordance with professional and legal standards.
• Participate in clinical audits, incident reporting, and risk management activities to enhance patient safety and care quality.
• Implement changes in practice based on audit findings, updated oncology guidelines, or safety alerts.

Other Responsibilities

• Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other oncology treatments in line with established protocols, ensuring effective monitoring for adverse effects and complications.Provide holistic care, including pain management, symptom control, and emotional support to patients and their families.
• Educate patients and their families about their condition, treatment options, and self-care strategies.
• Coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to plan and deliver comprehensive care, including end-of-life care where appropriate.

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 oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care.
•  Communicate effectively with patients and their families, providing clear information, support, and guidance on treatment and care plans.
• Work with community health teams and external agencies to facilitate continuity of care and support for patients after discharge.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case discussions, and family conferences to optimize patient outcomes and experience.

Line Management

• Support the Oncology Ward Manager in managing staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation within the ward.
• Supervise and provide guidance to junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and other staff, promoting best practices and high standards of care.
• Assist in conducting performance appraisals, identifying professional development needs, and providing training opportunities for ward staff.
• Participate in the recruitment and induction of new nursing staff within the oncology ward.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Report to the head of nurse oncology & heamatology, contributing to the strategic planning and development of acute oncology care.
• Represent the acute oncology ward in hospital committees related to patient safety, clinical governance, and quality improvement.
• Support the hospital’s accreditation processes by ensuring compliance with oncology care standards and protocols.
• Engage in initiatives aimed at improving patient care, safety, and staff well-being within the oncology ward.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities:

Patient Assessment and Care

• Specialist Focus: A specialist nurse is expected to have a high level of expertise in assessing the specific needs of oncology patients, especially in acute care settings where symptoms can be severe or rapidly changing.
• Advanced Skills: The role goes beyond routine nursing assessments, requiring the ability to identify complex issues like cancer-related infections or treatment-related side effects that require immediate attention and intervention.

Chemotherapy and Treatment Administration

• Specialization in Oncology: Administering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other oncological treatments is a core function of a Specialist Oncology Nurse. This involves knowledge of chemotherapy regimens, safe handling of cytotoxic drugs, and monitoring for adverse reactions—all of which require specialized training and expertise.
• Safety and Protocol Adherence: A specialist nurse must be proficient in chemotherapy protocols, understanding the risks associated with specific treatments, and knowing when and how to intervene in case of side effects or complications.

Symptom Management and Palliative Care

• Palliative and End-of-Life Care: One of the key roles of a specialist nurse in acute oncology is symptom management, particularly for patients experiencing advanced cancer. This includes not only managing acute symptoms but also providing palliative care when necessary, which is a highly specialized aspect of oncology nursing.
• Holistic Care: Specialist nurses are expected to provide comprehensive care, including addressing emotional and psychosocial aspects of the disease, which is essential for improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Advanced Collaborative Skills: Specialist nurses in oncology are expected to work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, surgeons, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. This requires not only clinical expertise but also the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within a team to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Decision-Making: Given their expertise, specialist nurses often contribute to clinical decision-making in patient care, helping to shape treatment plans and interventions, particularly in acute settings where quick decisions are required.

Patient and Family Education

• Complex Education Needs: Patients and families in oncology often face complex treatment regimens and challenging decisions. The specialist nurse plays a crucial role in educating both patients and families, ensuring they understand the disease process, treatment options, side effects, and coping strategies. This requires specialized knowledge and communication skills.
• Supportive Role: In acute oncology, the nurse provides more than just basic education—they offer emotional support and act as a guide through the complexities of cancer treatment, which is a specialized skill.

Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping

• Comprehensive and Accurate Documentation: Specialist nurses are expected to maintain high standards in clinical documentation. This is crucial not only for legal and professional standards but also for continuity of care, especially when managing complex or changing treatment regimens. Accurate records ensure that all members of the multidisciplinary team are informed of the patient's condition and treatment progress.
• Advanced Critical Thinking: Specialist nurses document not only routine care but also their clinical observations, assessment of treatment effects, and the response to interventions, all of which require advanced critical thinking and clinical judgment.

 Quality Improvement and Clinical Audits

• Leadership in Quality Improvement: Specialist nurses are often involved in driving quality improvements in patient care. In acute oncology, where patient conditions can change rapidly, the nurse’s role in identifying areas for improvement (e.g., care pathways, treatment protocols) is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Contribution to Research and Protocol Development: Specialist nurses are expected to engage in clinical research, contribute to evidence-based practice, and sometimes take leadership roles in developing or refining clinical guidelines for the oncology department.

 Infection Control and Safety

• Expertise in Infection Control: Oncology patients are often immunocompromised, making infection control a critical aspect of care. A specialist oncology nurse has the expertise to monitor for infections, initiate timely interventions, and apply infection control protocols to minimize risks for patients undergoing aggressive cancer treatments.
• Advanced Infection Management: In the event of an infection, specialist nurses are expected to assess the severity, administer appropriate treatments (such as antibiotics or antifungals), and escalate care when necessary

Leadership

• Provide leadership in the acute oncology unit, mentoring junior nurses and supporting the development of clinical staff.Lead by example, promoting a culture of compassion, patient-centered care, and clinical excellence.
• Participate in the orientation and training of new staff, fostering an environment of continuous learning and development.
•  Facilitates multidisciplinary care process to discuss patient care plans, outcomes, and improvements.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to the development and implementation of care pathways and guidelines specific to acute oncology patients.
• Support initiatives to improve patient outcomes, including reducing hospital admissions and length of stay, and managing oncological emergencies effectively.
• Engage in quality improvement projects and clinical research to advance oncology nursing practices.
• Collaborate with oncology teams to identify and integrate new treatment modalities, technologies, and approaches to patient care.

Governance

• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and national guidelines for oncology care, including medication safety, infection control, and patient monitoring.Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of patient care, treatment plans, and interventions in accordance with professional and legal standards.
• Participate in clinical audits, incident reporting, and risk management activities to enhance patient safety and care quality.
• Implement changes in practice based on audit findings, updated oncology guidelines, or safety alerts.

Other Responsibilities

• Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other oncology treatments in line with established protocols, ensuring effective monitoring for adverse effects and complications.Provide holistic care, including pain management, symptom control, and emotional support to patients and their families.
• Educate patients and their families about their condition, treatment options, and self-care strategies.
• Coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to plan and deliver comprehensive care, including end-of-life care where appropriate.

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 oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care.
•  Communicate effectively with patients and their families, providing clear information, support, and guidance on treatment and care plans.
• Work with community health teams and external agencies to facilitate continuity of care and support for patients after discharge.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case discussions, and family conferences to optimize patient outcomes and experience.

Line Management

• Support the Oncology Ward Manager in managing staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation within the ward.
• Supervise and provide guidance to junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and other staff, promoting best practices and high standards of care.
• Assist in conducting performance appraisals, identifying professional development needs, and providing training opportunities for ward staff.
• Participate in the recruitment and induction of new nursing staff within the oncology ward.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Report to the head of nurse oncology & heamatology, contributing to the strategic planning and development of acute oncology care.
• Represent the acute oncology ward in hospital committees related to patient safety, clinical governance, and quality improvement.
• Support the hospital’s accreditation processes by ensuring compliance with oncology care standards and protocols.
• Engage in initiatives aimed at improving patient care, safety, and staff well-being within the oncology ward.

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.

Experience Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a current, 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).
• At least 3-5 years of clinical experience in acute oncology or a related specialty.
• Experience with advanced procedures and patient care in the specific area of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases and manage specialized equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with excellent communication skills and the ability to engage and motivate teams at all levels.

Personal Attributes

• 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

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.