Nursing Services
About Nursing Services
The Nursing division is responsible for the safety, recovery, symptom control and rehabilitation of the patients in wards, day care chemotherapy units, OPDs, high dependency units, operation theatres and specialty clinics. The division is led by Chief Nursing Officer and includes Nursing Superintendent, Nursing Supervisors, Head Nurses, Staff Nurses, Nursing Assistants and Cleaners.
Induction training
All novice nurses joining RCC participate in a well-structured induction training programme designed to give a basic foundation in Oncology Nursing as well as an overview of the policies of the hospital.
In-service education
For the professional development and updating knowledge, the Division offers monthly in-service educational sessions with skill training to staff members. Nurses are also given opportunity to attend conferences / workshops across the country. Two nurses are given opportunity to attend one year Post Basic Diploma in Oncology Nursing course offered by the institution. Nurses on regular services are also provided with extra ordinary leave for higher education in Nursing. Nurses are also sponsored by the organization to undergo specialized training in the care and rehabilitation of cancer patient.
Academic activities
- In order to create a cadre of Nurses trained in Oncology Nursing, the Division has started a one year Post Basic Diploma in Oncology Nursing course in 2011 affiliated to Indian Nursing Council and Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council with an annual intake of 20 students.
- Provides observer ship training for graduate and post graduate nursing students from various institutions.
- Conducts two week training in Stoma care on request
- Conducts two weeks Certification Course in Cancer Chemotherapy on request
- Conducts two weeks training in Central Venous Access Device insertion and care on request
- Conducts training in Palliative care on request
- Offers two year Nursing Assistant training course
- Organizes and conducts DGHS aided training programmes.
Specialty Clinics
The various Nurse led clinics in RCC include
-
Stoma care clinic
Key activities
- Pre-operative counseling
- Stoma site marking
- Post-operative stoma care
- Selection of suitable appliances
- Training on Pouching technique
- Nutritional guidance
- Skill training on colostomy irrigation
- Management of complications of colostomy
- Appropriate referrals for mobilization of resources
- Conducting support group meetings
-
Lymphoedema clinic
Key activities
- Pre-operative counseling
- Demonstration of post mastectomy exercises to patients and care givers
- Assessment of lymphedema and follow up care
- Management of Lymphedema
- Providing appropriate breast prosthesis
-
Central Venous Access Devices (CVAD) clinic
Key activities
- Pre insertion counseling
- Insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter (PICC)
- Ultra Sound Scan guided PICC insertion
- Monitoring patient for complications
- Maintenance and care of CVAD including subcutaneous port
-
Head and Neck rehabilitation services
Key activities
- Pre-operative teaching regarding head and neck, shoulder, lip and tongue exercises
- Swallowing rehabilitation
- Speech rehabilitation
- Assessment and care of patients undergoing Radiation therapy
Professional Associations
RCC holds the office of Oncology Nurses Association of India (ONAI) Thiruvananthapuram Chapter. The motto behind the establishment of the Chapter in 2010 was to uphold in every way the dignity and honour of Oncology Nursing profession and to promote team spirit and high standards of health care. Educational conferences, Publications and Research initiatives are just a few of the concentrated areas of effort made by the Association.
Patient care services
Standard Operating Procedure clearly guides the nurses to maintain the standard of nursing care. The Division strictly adheres to NABH guidelines and also capture data required for maintaining quality indicators in order to assess the rate of infection, falls, adverse events and sentinel events. Documentation is emphasized to ensure the continuity of care. The Division imparts training to patient’s care givers on various aspects of home care. Patients who receive chemotherapy, external radiation therapy, radioiodine therapy, CVAD care and on lymphoedema care are provided with informative leaflets.
Infection Control Team
The Division has specially trained Infection Control Nurses. The Infection Control Convener coordinates and facilitates Infection Control activities of the hospital. They also conduct educational session for Nursing Staff to empower and motivate adherence to infection control practices in order to prevent and control hospital acquired infections.
