The Symptom and Urgent Review Clinic (SURC) is a nurse-led model of care that is currently embedded into over 20 healthcare organisations across Victoria. The aim of the SURC is to provide patients who are receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) in the outpatient setting with access to specialist cancer advice and care and subsequently reduce unplanned emergency department (ED) presentations in this population.

The Symptom Urgent Review Clinic (SURC) aims to improve the care and support of people with cancer throughout their treatment journey This clinic provides a convenient option for any patient or caregiver to contact a specialist cancer nurse to discuss any concerns related to their diagnosis, treatment or side effects. Contact can be made via text message, phone call, e-mail or clinic. Services provided will include education, assessments, symptom management, referrals and medical and allied health review.

Role Specific

Professional Practice:

• Practices within own scope of practice in accordance with legislation affecting nursing practice and healthcare
• Fulfils the duty of care
• Practices within a professional and ethical nursing framework in accordance with the policies of the organisation
• Practises in a way that acknowledges the dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights of individuals/groups and aligning to Western Health’s organisational values.
• Acts as an advocate for patients within organisational and management structures of Western Health.
• Recognises and responds appropriately to unsafe or unprofessional practice

Critical Thinking & Analysis:

• Uses best available evidence and nursing expertise to improve current practice
• Identifies and supports the relevance of nursing and health research to improve patients’ health outcomes
• Participates in the cycle of continuous quality improvement and service redesign activities
• Participates in the ongoing professional development of self and others accepting responsibility for own learning

Collaborative & Therapeutic Practice:

• Establishes, maintains and appropriately concludes therapeutic relationships recognising professional boundaries
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with others to facilitate the provision of care
• Demonstrates respect for cultural, psychosocial, spirituality of individuals
• Utilises the resources of the organisation responsibly in a cost effective manner
• Prioritises safety by Identifying or preventing environmental hazards where possible
• Maintains standards for infection control
• Participates in annual mandatory competencies required by the organisation

Selection Criteria

• Previous experience in SURC 
• Knowledge and/or experience in cancer nursing
• Post graduate qualification in Cancer Nursing
• Advanced communication skills
• A commitment to Western Health values: Integrity, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
• A patient focused approach to care
• A positive approach to ongoing self-education and skill development
• A flexible, innovative team oriented approach to service delivery
• A positive approach to change and diversity
• Sound knowledge of using a MS windows environment; email, internet and file management
• Ability to work in a high functioning team environment
• Advanced Microsoft excel skills including data input, export and analysis (desirable, but not essential)

If you are interested in this role, please apply by close of business Monday 3rd May, 2024. If you wish to discuss your application further, please do not hesitate to call Paola Ortiz Barillas, Nurse Unit Manager, on 0481 912 000 or email paola.ortizbarillas@wh.org.au.

About Us

Our workforce of over 13,000 employees are driven by our values of ‘Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Safety’ (CARES). We value our people and provide them the opportunity to grow and develop.  Our teams are friendly and supportive, ensuring we deliver a safe, person-centred and connected patient experience.

Western Health is in a period of rapid growth. Our services comprise of four acute public hospitals: Footscray Hospital, Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women's and Children's), Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh & Melton Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Day Hospital, Hazeldean, Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care, as well as community health centres in Melton, Caroline Springs and Bacchus Marsh and a range of community-based services. We care for a diverse community of more than 1 million people with complex care needs ranging from Neonates to Geriatrics.

Our employees enjoy a wide range of benefits such as:

• Professional development support
• Career advancement opportunities
• Salary packaging including novated vehicle leasing
• Work-life balance

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation status clearance (including evidence of COVID 19 vaccination) and (if applicable) a Working with Children’s Check.