Department of Nursing

Philosophy of Nursing at St. Luke's Hospital

Each nurse working in St. Luke's Hospital is a specialist practitioner in Radiation Oncology Nursing who with training and experience has gained a sound knowledge base.

The needs of the cancer patient are very complex; therefore, the development of specialist communication skills is paramount which includes effectively working with the patient/family/friends. The specialist oncology nurse is an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team.

The nurse is an innovator of care using a research evidence based approach as well as common sense, while recognising his/her role as patient advocate.

In particular, the enhancement of both personal and professional growth is emphasized through development and ongoing education, which includes improving skills and communication. The promotion of competency based aptitudes, which offer high quality, individualised care, while using a nursing model of choice, incorporating a holistic approach is a core value.

The Oncology Nurse at St. Luke's Hospital has a optimistic approach towards cancer nursing, recognising cancer as a disease, which can be actively treated or palliatively controlled.

Advanced Nurse Practitioner

The Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) is an experienced oncology nurse who works as part of the interdisciplinary team to provide care for patients after radiotherapy.

Patients who are attending outpatients for follow-up may be seen by the ANP for their scheduled appointment. Nurse-led follow includes taking a history, physical examination, identifying the main issues/problems, formulating a plan in collaboration with the patient to resolve problems and referral if appropriate to other professionals e.g. Social Worker, Psycho-oncologist. Although you may be seen by the ANP she will liaise with your Consultant Radiation Oncologist and arrange an appointment for you if necessary.

The ANP is also involved in nurse education, research and audit.

 

Definition of a Clinical Nurse Specialist:

A Clinical Nurse Specialist is a nurse in clinical practice that has undertaken formal recognised post-registration education relevant to his/her area of specialist practice. This formal education is underpinned by vast experience in the relevant cancer area. The area of speciality is a defined area of nursing practice. It requires the combination of knowledge and skills, which are necessary to improve the quality of client/patient care.

The specialist practice includes a major clinical focus, which comprises assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of care given to patients/clients and their families in hospital, community and outpatient settings. The specialist nurse works closely with the medical team and multi-disciplinary team to ensure the best quality of care for each patient.

The specialist nurse participates in nursing research, audit and acts in an advisory and consultancy capacity for patients, their families. Education for nursing colleagues and the wider multi-disciplinary team is also an important aspect of the nurse's role. (National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery, 2001)

Here at St. Luke's Hospital there are Clinical Nurse Specialists in the following areas:

Breast Care x 2 nurses
Lymphoedema x 1 nurse
Palliative Care x 2 nurses
Gynaecological cancers x 1 nurse
Prostate cancer x 1 nurse
Colo-rectal cancers x 1 nurse
Head and Neck Cancers x 1 nurse
Neuro-Oncology (Brain tumours) x 1 nurse

The Clinical Nurse Specialists provide support for the patient and their family throughout treatment and after discharge from St. Lukes if required. They have up to date information regarding treatment, possible side effects and any other problems or issues that may arise.

How to access the Clinical Nurse Specialist Service:

If you would like to be seen by a Clinical Nurse Specialist please contact a member of either your medical or nursing team for referral.

Referrals will be prioritised on receipt based on the information provided.

Alternatively please contact St. Lukes Hospital reception on  01 4065000  and request to speak to the Clinical Nurse Specialist required.

Support Groups:

There are regular support groups held for Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer and Brain Tumour Patients.
For further information on when these take place please contact the relevant Clinical Nurse Specialist.