Alexandra Belchior
2-8 weeks
Visiting Residency and Visiting Observership
intermediate level of English is required for Observership, spoken Portuguese & intermediate level of English for Residency
To be a registered nurse working in an oncology care in Europe To be an EONS member, either through their National Society, or as an individual member. Evaluation For Fellowship is required to delivery/ provide a paper or research project.
Programme description
The Day Hospital offers state-of-the-art chemotherapy technology for patients with cancer, receiving chemotherapy and related treatments, including targeted therapy, endocrine therapy, immunotherapy and transfusion therapy. On a daily basis between fifty and seventy patients are treated. Also provides a supportive environment characterized not only by the therapeutic relationship developed in each contact between nurses and patients, but also by the direct view overlooking a surrounding garden which gives a sense of calm and beauty.
The Champalimaud Centre Day Hospital Unit works daily to reduce the impact of treatments on patients’ day to day life, and is committed to support patient throughout the treatment journey, striving to help achieving good quality of life. With the scientific knowledge, staff nurses administer treatments, safely with minimal discomfort.
Staff nurses provide a high level of care, based on each individual centred care by assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating the care according to the patients’ values, beliefs, preferences and knowledge. Nurses are part of the multidisciplinary team, supporting patients in choices about treatment and care, empowering them to self-manage their condition. Nurses are all actively involved in clinical trials, as well as in patient/family education, with a nursing meeting prior to the first treatment and continuity throughout the treatment. A 24hour telephone triage service for situations related to the treatment, and or underlying disease is provided.
Each year the team establishes a training plan with which all are committed. In this plan, improvement of care projects can be defined based on evidence and always in line with the high standards required by the institution.
Work structure Clinical: There are 7 nurses, three nurse assistants and one secretary, per day in the Day Unit. The unit treats patients from Monday to Friday. Half of the nursing team of the Unit are designated specialist nurses in oncology care.
Major investment areas:
– Administration of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, endocrine therapy, immunotherapy and transfusion therapy
– Patient/family education on symptoms and management of treatment toxicities
– Nurse consultation prior to the first treatment with chemotherapy or immunotherapy
– Follow-up after first chemotherapy/immunotherapy treatment
– 24hour phone triage situations related to the treatment, and/or underlying disease
– Collaboration in clinical trials
– Referral to others members of the multidisciplinary team
– The fellow will be under the direct supervision of Nurse Emilia Rito and will accompany one of the Day Hospital nurses in his/her daily work
