WARD 32
ONCOLOGY UNIT
STUDENT NURSE
ORIENTATION PACK
Written by S.S.N. Angee Milne Contributed S.S.N. ASHLEY MacLeod
Updated by SCN A Inglis April 20170
Index
Welcome to ward 32 p.2
Objectives/expectations p.2
Introduction p.3
Activities to help meet your objectives p.4
Areas you may wish to visit p.5
Average length of stay p.6
Some homework! p.7& 8
Cancer glossary, personal dictionary p.9 &10
Oncology unit Consultants and cancer specialities p.11
Bipsychosocial cancer patient needs p.12
Appendix 1 – support process for student nurses p.13
Appendix 2 – student placement evaluation p.14
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WELCOME TO WARD 32!
The team in Ward 32 would like to welcome you to the Ward. We hope you enjoy your time with us and find it both an interesting and beneficial learning experience.
If you are unsure of anything, please do not hesitate to ask questions and if any problems arise, please discuss these as soon as possible with your mentor, associate or SCN Alison Inglis.
Visions of Oncology Unit
To be a centre of excellence that provides patient centred care to all patients with a diagnosis of cancer.
Aims
Promote excellent standard of care which are patient centred Promote multidisciplinary team working; Collate patient and carers feedback regarding care experiences and strive
to improve.
OBJECTIVES/EXPECTIONS
While we will all work with you to ensure you are aware of the learning opportunities available, staff are aware of how daunting it can be to arrive in such a busy environment. We are here to help facilitate your learning needs and help you to achieve your goals.
You will have been assigned a mentor and associate who will be on hand to meet with you and discuss expectations of the placement within the unit.
Mentor: Associate Mentor:
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INTRODUCTION
The Oncology Unit is divided into a number of specialised areas which cover all aspects of caring for patients living with cancer in Tayside, Fife, Perth and Angus.
These areas within the unit include:-
The Main Ward:-This has 26 beds total: 3 bays (6 beds per bay) and 8 side rooms. The ward provides care for patients receiving a range of oncology treatments, symptom control, palliative and end of life care.
5 Day Chemotherapy Unit:-Which has 6 overnight beds And 12 day case spaces. Nursing staff administer chemotherapy to cancer patients. These patients may require an overnight stay or longer depending on the regime they are receiving.
The Chemotherapy Day Area:-Is where patients come in from home to receive chemotherapy and supportive treatments within a friendly, relaxed environment and leave at the end of the day.
Out-Patient Clinic:-Where medics review outpatients and discuss future planned care and treatments within one of the 5 treatment rooms.
Simulator:-An area where radiotherapy treatment is planned.
Brachytherapy Suite/Selection:-A suite situated in the chemotherapy day area. Female patients receive radiotherapy treatment for gynaecological cancer via a sealed source of radiation (brachytherapy). Nurses on the ward care for these patients.
Iodine Isolation Room:-Again situated within the chemotherapy day area where there are two different types of treatment given. I131 Treatment for thyroid cancer and MIBG treatment for neuroendicrine cancer (hormonal). This is an unsealed source of radiation. Nurses on the ward care for these patients.
Radiotherapy Suite:-Situated on level 2. An exciting new building where radiotherapy is administered to both IPT ‘s and OPT’s.
Ugo Stefani Unit:-
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Clinical Trials Research Centre named after one of Professor Rankin’s patients who kindly donated funds to research and new treatments.
Princess Alexandra Unit:-Research offices located at entrance of 5 day chemotherapy unit.
Activities to Help Meet Your Objectives
Activity Date Completed
Introduction to your mentor/associate mentor.
Orientation to ward area
Fire points and evacuation procedures
Explain nurse call system/ emergency call and equipment used
Be aware of responsibilities in relation to the following TRUST policies:
Infection control (discuss and demonstrate) Health & Safety – Reporting Incidents / DATIX Manual Handling
Ward Routine / Daily planner
Introduction to patients
Overview of Nursing Records/ Documentation
Location of Trust/ Unit Policies
Off duty planning requests
Identify P.E.F.
Absence Policy
Participate in team meetings
Communicate with all members of M.D.T. on a daily basis
Patient information leaflets (BACUP)
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AREAS YOU MAY WISH TO VISITWHILE ON PLACEMENT IN THE ONCOLOGY UNIT
Date Achieved
The Chemotherapy Five Day Unit………………….
The Chemotherapy Day Area………………….
Out Patient Clinic………………….
Radiotherapy Suite…………………
Simulator (Radiotherapy Planning)………………….
Various Specialist Nurses (Hospital Palliative CareTeam, XRT Nurse Etc.)………………….
Clinical Trials Research Nurses/Stefani Unit………………….
The Maggie’s Centre for Cancer Care…………………
Your own specific objectives:-
AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY6
GUIDE FOR PREDICTING ESTIMATED DATES OF DISCHARGE (EDD)WARD 32
MAIN DIAGNOSIS RELATED SYMPTOM/TREATMENT
ESTIMATEDLENGTH OF
STAY
Malignant neoplasm of bronchus or lung
dyspnoeapleural effusion
infection spinal cord compression(SCC)
5 days5 days5 days
7-10 days
Malignant neoplasm of ovary
ascitespain control
infectionsub acute obstruction
4 days4 days5 days
7-10 days
Malignant neoplasm of breast
pleural effusionneutropaenic sepsis
spinal cord compression(SCC)
5 days5 days
7-10 days
Malignant neoplasm of prostate
hemi body irradiationspinal cord compression(SCC)
3 days7-10 days
Malignant neoplasm of oesophagus
dysphagia requiring stenting
post chemo side effectspost radiotherapy side effects
1 day after stent insertion5 days5 days
Malignant neoplasm of kidney
hypocalcaemia 5 days
Malignant neoplasm of colon
obstructionpost chemo side effects
7 days7 days
All tumour types nausea & vomiting 5 days
All tumour types anaemia 4 days
All tumour types planned radiotherapynumber of planned treatments
should be known
Number of days as per each
specific patient plan.
e.g. XRT 5# = 5 days
Some Homework!!!!!! Briefly what is?7
Dyspnoea
Pleural Effusion
Ascites
Sub acute Obstruction
Neutropaenic Sepsis
Hemi body Irradiation
SCC
Dysphagia
Palliative/ End of Life Care
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More Homework!!!!!! Briefly what is?
Basic Cell Structure
Carcinogens, what are they?
Basic abnormalities within the cancer cell
Metastasis
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CANCER GLOSSARY – www.meds.com/glossary.html
AAdenocarcinoma See Carcinoma. A malignant tumour arising from
glandular tissue
A.F.P. (Alpha-fetoprotein)
A tumour maker in the blood
Antigen Any substance that causes the body to produce normal antibodies
Antineoplastic agent A drug that prevents, kills and blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells
BBenign Growth A swelling or growth that is not cancerousCCancer A group of diseases in which malignant cells grow out of
control and spread to other parts of the bodyCarcinogen A substance that causes cancer e.g. nicotine – lung
cancerCarcinoma A type of cancer that skirts in the skin or lining of organs.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – Skin cancer (most common)Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – Arising from the skin or surfaces of other structures, e.g. mouth/cervix/lungs
CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen)
A blood tumour marker
Chemotherapy The treatment of cancer with drugs (oral or intravenously)Adjuvant Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy given to kill any remaining cancer cells usually post tumour removal by surgery or radiotherapy
EEffusion A collection of fluid in a body cavity e.g. Pleural Effusion
– lungsExtravasation The leaking of I.V. fluids or medication into the
surrounding tissuesHHickman (line) Catheter/Central Line
Aseptic surgically inserted catheter for I.V. medication/close patient monitoring e.g. CVP, antibiotics long term
Hodgkin’s Disease Cancer that affects the lymph nodes = lymphoma
IImmunosuppression Weakening of the immune system, reduced ability to fight
infection
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LLesion A lump or abscess maybe caused by injury or disease
such as cancerLeukaemia Cancer of the blood. WBC present in blood excessively
thus body unable to function correctlyLeucopoenia Reduction of white blood cells (WBC)Lymphocytes WBC that kill viruses and acts as a defenceLymph Nodes Small oval bodies that contain lymph. First line of
defence against infectionsMMalignant Tumours A tumour made up of cancerous cells of the type that can
spread to other parts of the bodyMelanoma A cancer of the pigment forming cells of the skin or retina
of the eyeMetastasize A spread from the first cancer site e.g. breast to boneMyeloma A malignant tumour of the bone marrow associated with
the production of abnormal proteinsMyelosuppression A decrease in the production of RBC, platelets and some
WBC by the bone marrowNNeoplasm A new growth of tissue or cells, a tumour that is generally
malignantNeutropaenia A decreased number of WBC (neutrophils)Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
A cancer of the lymphatic system. Relate to Hodgkin’s disease but is made up of different cell types
PPalliative Treatment Treatment aimed at the relief of pain and symptoms of
disease but not intended to curePathological Fracture
(#) Caused by a cancer or some other disease process
RRegression The shrinkage of a cancer growthSSarcoma A malignant tumour of muscles or connective tissue
Personal Oncology DictionaryWord Definition
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Personal note of common cancer treatment drugsDrug Name Drug Desired Effect Drug Side Effect
Use overleaf if required
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ONCOLOGY UNIT CONSULTANTS AND CANCER SPECIALITIES
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Head and NeckDr Casasola (RJC) &MelanomaDr Niblock (PGN)
ColorectalDr Sanders (IS)Dr Armstrong (SA)
Gynaelogical/TestesDr Casasola (RJC)Dr Ferguson (MF)
G.U. Dr Polunsamy (SP)Dr Niblock (PGN)Dr Brown (EB)
LungDr Scott (AS)Dr Lord (HKL) & XRT PlanningDr Mahanamurali (MM)
BreastDr Adamson (DJA)Dr Mohanamurali (MM)
SarcomaDr Ferguson (MF)
Upper G.I.Dr Adamson (DJA)Dr Niblock (PGN)
BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL CANCER PATIENT NEEDS
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Translators
Maggie’s Centre
Dietician / Diabetes
Ψ Review
Support – NurseSpecialists
P.E.G. (ParenteralNutrition)
PodiatryPhysio / OT S.W.D. Carers
McMillan NursesD.N.’sDay Centre Roxburgh HouseMarie CurieChemotherapy NursesX RoadsSpiritual CareHospital Palliative CareOncology Support Team
S.A.L.T
Dermatology
APPENDIX 2 – STUDENT PLACEMENT EVALUATION
Please take a moment of your time to complete this form, as this highlights to us improvements needed to make appropriate changes if necessary. Please be honest and explain your answers. Complete and return prior to end of placement.
QUESTION CIRCLE ANSWER
COMMENTS
Were you rostered to work with your mentor in week 1?
YES/NO
Was your mentor allocated to you on your first day?
YES/NO
Were you orientated to the ward on your first day?
YES/NO
Was the ward routine explained?
YES/NO
Were you shown and informed about everything in the orientation checklist?
YES/NO
Did you set objectives and develop a learning contract in the first week?
YES/NO
Did you feel your mentor fulfilled their role?
YES/NO
Did you achieve all your personal objectives, if not, why?
YES/NO
Did you enjoy your placement? Please try to explain.
YES/NO
Do you feel anything can be done to improve the learning experience?
YES/NO
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