Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative care

Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative care

Due to a member retiring, we have a 0.6 WTE (22.5 hrs/wk) vacancy for a Band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialist in palliative care. This is an exciting opportunity to join our small but highly regarded multidisciplinary team based within Whittington Hospital, part of Whittington Health. The team covers in-hospital palliative care needs, working closely with Islington and Haringey palliative care teams to ensure seamless care before, during, and after hospital admissions. We have a strong presence across all hospital areas and lead on education in palliative and end-of-life care. We received a "good" rating from the CQC for End of Life Care in April 2016.

Main duties of the job

1. Provide an autonomous nursing service using advanced clinical judgment and knowledge of palliative care.
2. Take responsibility for evidence-based practice and contribute to the body of knowledge supporting nursing in palliative care.
3. Lead and innovate in nursing practice within the Trust and through local networks.
4. Develop all staff within the multidisciplinary team, offering support, advice, and education.

About us

Whittington Health serves a diverse population and strives to ensure all services are fair and accessible. We value differences in age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. We are committed to inclusive recruitment, training, and employment policies to better serve our patients and create a supportive workplace.

Job responsibilities

1. Provide palliative care nursing services via referrals and assessments based on specialist needs.
2. Use advanced clinical judgment to plan, implement, and evaluate care for patients with complex physical and psychological issues.
3. Manage an agreed caseload under supervision, acting as a key worker when appropriate.
4. Offer advisory and psychological support to patients referred to the team.
5. Document all care according to Trust and community palliative care guidelines.
6. Serve as an expert role model in nursing care to the extended team.
7. Contribute to the development of nursing guidelines and protocols at local and network levels.
8. Foster communication between patients, families, carers, and health professionals, providing support, information, education, and counseling as needed.
9. Work flexibly to meet patient and client needs.
10. For full responsibilities, see the detailed job description.

Person Specification

Essential and desirable criteria

• Ability to work autonomously and manage time effectively.
• Experience caring for patients with advanced progressive diseases.
• Physical assessment skills.
• Independent prescribing qualification.
• Advanced communication skills training.
• Experience with audit and quality improvement.
• Knowledge of recent strategic developments in palliative care.

Experience

• RGN with at least 5 years post-registration.
• Minimum of 2 years at band 6 or above.
• First or second degree in a relevant nursing subject.
• Experience in teaching.
• Use of clinical reflection or reflective practice in nursing.

Knowledge

• Understanding of symptom control assessments, medications, and dosages.
• Post-registration qualification in palliative/cancer/medical specialty at Level 6.
• Knowledge of opioid conversions.
• Understanding of grief models.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required to ensure suitability for the role.

Salary: £42,939 to £58,544 per annum, inclusive of HCA allowances, depending on experience.