Macmillan Colorectal Nurse

NHS; Northampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Northampton is seeking an experienced cancer nurse to join their team. The successful candidate will provide high-quality patient-centred care to those living with colorectal cancer, manage a caseload, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. A degree in cancer or palliative care, RN Level 1 registration, and relevant experience are essential for this role. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in patient care.

Qualifications

• RN Level 1 registration required.
• Evidence of continued professional development needed.
• Experience managing a caseload and working in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Work as a core team member providing patient-centred care.
• Manage a caseload and provide specialist information and support.
• Implement Holistic Needs Assessment and Care Planning.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Symptom management

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in cancer or palliative care or equivalent

Fundamentals of Cancer Care module

Recognised communication skills training

Edward Jenner Leadership programme

Job description

Overview

Job summary: An exciting opportunity for an experienced cancer nurse to join the Macmillan Team, providing high quality patient centred care to those living with colorectal cancer. The team aims to improve the patient/carer experience by driving forward change in response to the needs of this complex patient group. The role involves a comprehensive Holistic Needs Assessment and Care Planning at key stages, acting as the patient’s main point of contact, and coordinating their pathway from referral to oncology. The post holder will manage a caseload, planning, implementing and evaluating programmes of care to address individual needs. The post holder will review patients in outpatient and inpatient settings and respond to electronic alerts for emergency admissions, demonstrating the ability to manage presenting symptoms.

Location and service: Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust (part of the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire). Depending on service needs, there may be a requirement to work across both Kettering and Northampton hospital sites.

Responsibilities

• Work as a core member of the colorectal cancer multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality, patient-centred care from referral to oncology or diagnosis of metastatic disease.
• Act as the main point of contact, manage a caseload, provide specialist information and support, and liaise with MDT, primary and secondary care to ensure a seamless service for patients and families.
• Support the Macmillan Advanced Nurse Practitioner in delivering an innovative, high-quality service for colorectal cancer.
• Implement the key elements of Personalised Care, offering Holistic Needs Assessment/Care Planning at key pathway stages, with access to an End of Treatment Summary and Health and Wellbeing opportunities.
• Undertake a Holistic Needs Assessment and develop plans of care addressing physical, emotional, social, financial and spiritual needs; review and adapt plans as clinical situations change.
• Attend and contribute to weekly MDT meetings; coordinate actions from MDT discussions.
• Review patients admitted as emergencies and collaborate with admitting teams to agree and implement a management plan; provide symptom management advice and refer complex cases to the Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Team.
• Provide Level 2 psychological support and refer to Macmillan Clinical Psychologist when needed.
• Ensure patients receive appropriate information and guidance, signposting to Macmillan Information Centre and Maggies; maintain knowledge of local/regional care pathways and referral points.
• Record nursing interventions on the Somerset Cancer Register and contribute to data demonstrating the effectiveness of Macmillan Nursing Services.
• Promote self-management, professional development, and evidence-based practice; contribute to service improvements and policy development where appropriate.

Qualifications and Experience

• RN Level 1
• Educated to degree level in cancer or palliative care or equivalent
• Fundamentals of Cancer Care module (postgraduate level) or equivalent
• Recognised communication skills training
• Edward Jenner Leadership programme or equivalent
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Recent experience in caring for patients with colorectal cancer; palliative care experience; experience of multidisciplinary working and managing a caseload
• Knowledge of national frameworks related to cancer; understanding of Personalised Care & Support

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication and assessment skills; ability to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Symptom management, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Effective time management, initiative, and ability to work under pressure
• Diplomatic, calm, and compassionate with a flexible approach

Other Information

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a DBS submission may be required.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

Employer: Northampton General Hospital

Address: University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5BD