Head Nurse - Oncology/Haematology

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Head Nurse, Oncology/Haematology will lead the nursing operations across both departments, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care. The Head Nurse will work closely with the clinical teams to implement best practices, drive continuous improvements, and align nursing services with the strategic goals of AMCE. The Head Nurse, Oncology/Haematology will also be responsible for overseeing nursing operations, resource allocation, staff development, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Core Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Oversight

• Lead nursing services for Oncology and Haematology, ensuring the delivery of safe, compassionate, and effective care.
• Deputize for the Chief Nursing Officer when required.
• Ensure seamless integration of nursing services with clinical and operational goals.
• Manage the nursing budget, and ensure resources are allocated efficiently and expenses controlled.
• Develop and implement nursing strategies in line with organizational objectives, ensuring a focus on patient safety, quality care, and staff engagement.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement within the nursing team.

Operational Management

• Oversee the planning, delivery, and review of nursing services within the Oncology and Haematology departments, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and improve nursing operations.
• Lead initiatives to improve patient care, ensuring that all nursing staff are trained and equipped to meet the highest standards of practice.
• Ensure the timely and efficient management of patient care processes, from admission through discharge.
• Implement strategies for resource optimization while maintaining a focus on high-quality patient outcomes.

Clinical Governance and Quality Assurance

• Design and implement the nursing strategic plan in compliance with local regulatory standards and corporate policies.
• Lead clinical audits, risk assessments, and quality assessments to ensure nursing practices meet the highest safety and care standards.
• Ensure effective incident reporting, investigation, and follow-up, with a focus on patient safety and continuous learning.
• Participate in accreditation processes and maintain rigorous compliance with international and local healthcare standards.

Staff Management and Development

• Lead recruitment, retention, and performance management of nursing and allied health staff, ensuring that teams are well-supported and equipped to deliver high-quality care.
• Develop and implement a structured mentorship and professional development program to build nursing leadership capacity within the department.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, identifying areas for development and implementing strategies to enhance team performance.
• Champion a culture of inclusion, diversity, and respect in line with AMCE values, ensuring that all nursing staff have opportunities to succeed and grow.

Strategic Development and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with other Heads of Nursing to assist the Chief Nursing Officer in providing comprehensive professional leadership to nursing and allied health professionals.
• Collaborate with the Chief Nursing Officer and Clinical Directors to identify opportunities for service development and improvements in patient care delivery.
• Regularly review nursing services to ensure they are aligned with best practices and the evolving needs of patients.
• Lead and manage nursing initiatives that promote clinical excellence, patient safety, and operational efficiency.
• Analyze patient care data, conducting regular audits and reviews to identify trends and implement improvements.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in oncology and haematology nursing and integrate new knowledge and practices into AMCE’s services.
• In conjunction with the Chief Nursing Officer, participate in the Organisation's quality and Governance duties
• Participate in the organization's nurse on-call leadership rota in collaboration with the Chief Nursing Officer.
• Collaborate with the Chief Nursing Officer to uphold the code of conduct and professional standards within the nursing profession.

Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain effective communication with the Clinical Directors and senior leadership to ensure alignment on strategic objectives.
• Present regular updates on nursing operations to the Board of Directors, highlighting successes, challenges, and progress toward goals.
• Collaborate with other departments and external stakeholders, including King's College Hospital London, to ensure the integration of best practices and innovations into nursing services.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant local laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines governing nursing practice.
• Lead efforts to implement and maintain policies and procedures that support high-quality patient care and organizational standards.
• Work closely with the Chief Nursing Officer and Clinical Directors to ensure that the nursing strategy is executed effectively across both departments.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Registered Nurse with a BSc or higher-level nursing qualification.
• Management qualification is an added advantage
• Post-graduate qualification or specialist training in Haematology, Oncology, or related fields is desirable.

Professional Requirements

• Full registration with the Nigeria Nursing and Midwifery Council (or eligibility for registration).
• Ongoing professional development in nursing leadership and clinical practice.

Experience Requirements

• Extensive experience in senior nursing and managerial leadership roles, ideally within Oncology and Haematology or similar specialities.
• Minimum of 10 years of nursing experience, including 2 years in a senior clinical position.
• Proven track record in leading change and driving quality improvement initiatives in nursing practice.
• Experience managing clinical audits, clinical governance, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated success in resource management, budget oversight, and staffing.
• Experience working in an international or multi-cultural healthcare environment (desirable).
• Experience in managing a team of staff within a Critical Care environment with a track record of meeting objectives outlined
• Experience in leading on the development of Critical Care nursing services
• Experience in the management of risk within clinical teams, finding ways to manage this and provide solutions
• Inspirational and visible leader, with first-class communication skills, capable of engaging audiences at all levels

Knowledge Requirements

• Ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, innovative and creative solutions to the management of issues and complex problems
• Financially literate and commercially astute, with a sophisticated understanding of commercially orientated performance and financial management including contract management

Skill Requirements

• Ability to identify opportunities to improve business outcomes through partnership at all levels
• Energy and passion to deliver at pace and cut through obstacles
• Well-developed management skills, with the ability to build and lead teams across multiple locations
• 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
• Driven by change and business transformation particularly focused on optimising the benefits of digitization.

Personal Abilities

• Professional attitude towards work
• Shares the AMCE’s vision
• Proactive and organised
• Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
• Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleague’s peers
• Is supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
• Commitment to caring for others
• Ability to adapt to living in a new country and new culture accordingly
• High levels of honesty and integrity

Additional Information

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. We welcome applications from qualified applicants across Africa.