Senior Specialist Nurse Oncology

About the role

The Senior Specialist Nurse Oncology provides expert, patient‑centred care for individuals with cancer requiring medical intervention and support. The role manages complex and urgent oncological needs, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment of cancer‑related complications.

Key responsibilities

• Assess and deliver specialised care for oncology patients, identifying and managing infections, pain and chemotherapy side‑effects.
• Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other oncological treatments safely, following strict protocols for cytotoxic drug handling.
• Provide symptom management and palliative care, addressing both physical and psychosocial aspects of advanced disease.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including oncologists, surgeons and pharmacists—to develop and adjust treatment plans.
• Educate patients and families on disease processes, treatment regimens, side‑effects and coping strategies.
• Maintain comprehensive clinical documentation to ensure continuity of care and legal compliance.
• Lead quality‑improvement initiatives and participate in clinical audits to enhance patient outcomes.
• Implement infection‑control measures and respond promptly to any infectious complications.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN); Master’s in Oncology Nursing is an advantage.
• Registered Nurse licence with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and oncology specialisation.
• Minimum 7 years post‑qualification experience, including at least 5 years in acute oncology.
• Certification in chemotherapy and biotherapy administration.
• Membership in a recognised nursing or oncology professional body.

Required skills

• Chemotherapy administration and safe handling of cytotoxic drugs.
• Immunotherapy administration.
• Palliative care and pain‑management techniques.
• Infection‑control practices for immunocompromised patients.
• Clinical documentation and quality‑improvement methodologies.