I started my post-qualification carer initially in bone marrow transplantation and then moved to HIV and haematology before starting at The Royal Marsden as a Course Nurse in 1995. I then worked in a number of ward-based and practice education roles within the Trust. I have been a member of the Royal Marsden School since its inception in 2002. In this time, I have been both undergraduate and post-graduate programme leader before starting in the role of Deputy Director in 2021. My expertise is mainly in advances in cancer care, systemic anti-cancer therapy, research, clinical leadership and workforce development. I completed my master’s research in 2003: An Exploration on Newly Qualified Nurses Experience of Cancer Care, having established and set up the rotation programme for nurses new to cancer care at The Royal Marsden in 2002. My teaching portfolio ranges from advances in cancer care right across the spectrum, from biological to psychological and social aligned with patient pathways and the four pillars of advanced practice – clinical practice, education, leadership and research. I have designed and delivered clinical leadership education to a multi-professional audience and firmly believe leadership plays a vital role in delivering excellent cancer care.
Module Involvement
I am currently Deputy Director and post graduate programme leader and module leader and significantly contribute to a number of degree and post graduate modules:
• Developments in Cancer Care
• Leading in Cancer Care
• Principles of Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy
• Research Applied to Clinical Practice
• Applying Research to Clinical Cancer Practice
• BSc Dissertation
• Service Improvement Project
• Leading for Change
Committee Involvement
I am a member of the Trusts Multi Professional Clinical Practice Committee where all new and revised policies and sops are reviewed.
Publications
McCrea R & McNamara C (2017) Exploring the effects of an exercise programme on women with breast cancer. Cancer Nursing Practice. Vol. 16. No. 10, p 22-26.
Mc Namara, C. Sadler, C & Kelly, D (2007) Involving cancer patients in the education of healthcare professionals. Cancer Nursing Practice, Vol. 6, No 1, p 29-33.
Conference Presentations
Galligan, M & McNamara, C (2021) Developing e-learning to support the provision of cancer education during the covid-19 pandemic. NET Conference, UK.
McNamara, C (2004) ‘An Exploration of Newly Qualified Nurses’ Experience of Cancer Care. 13th International Conference on Cancer Nursing. International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care. Sydney.
McNamara, C (2000) ‘Introduction to chemotherapy, principles, treatments, administration, safety and side effects’ and ‘Nursing intervention for nausea and vomiting’. 11th International Conference on Cancer Nursing. International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care. Oslo
Contact details
020 7808 4844