Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Senior Staff Nurse

The closing date is 31 August 2025

Job summary

Senior Staff Nurse - Inpatient Unit, Hospice of the Good Shepherd

37.5 hours - £38,682 to £40,823pa (1st and mid-point AFC Band 6)

Would you like to work in a setting where over 96% of service users rate their care as outstanding with minimum registered nurse to patient ratios of 1:5 throughout the 24-hour period and 1:4 for all staff?

If so, are you looking for an opportunity where you have the time to give patients the care they need and support families and friends, provide excellent individualized nursing care, implement your knowledge and skills, acquire specialist knowledge of symptom control, develop your communication skills and progress your career in specialist palliative care?

The Senior Staff Nurse will lead a small nursing team who provide pain and symptom control, complex psychological support and end of life care for patients and their families. Implementing your current knowledge and skills, the role will allow you to develop your specialist knowledge of symptom control, enhance your communication skills and progress your career in specialist palliative care. Most importantly, in addition to your knowledge and skills, your values must align to those of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Hours for the role will be 37.5 hours per week including all shift patterns across 7 days.

In addition to this there are great opportunities for professional development and career progression and we honour continuous service if you join us from the NHS.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

Be responsible for overseeing the planning and delivery of outstanding care for an identified group of patients.

Be responsible for providing initial and ongoing assessment of nursing needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of effective care plans and direct delivery of patient care on a daily basis.

Act as nurse in charge, leading a well-coordinated effective shift. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in emergency and unforeseen circumstances.

Proactively contribute to integrated MDT meetings, including assessing the needs of referred patients into Specialist Palliative Care Services across West Cheshire and Deeside.

Have line management responsibility for a group of health care assistants.

Respond to Out of Hours queries via the Hospice Advice Line once identified as competent.

and will be able to:

Demonstrate clear organisational, time management, personal and professional resilience and leadership skills.

Demonstrate their passion to promote comfort, dignity, independence and patient choice.

Use own initiative and work well under pressure.

Demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities which are integral to the delivery of holistic specialist palliative care.

About us

You will be joining a friendly and welcoming team with a collective aim of positively enhancing the lives of the individuals in their care. There will be support and guidance for the right individual through a specific induction programme in order to develop their knowledge and understanding of supporting patients with an advanced life limiting illness. You'll receive a raft of benefits and support, including:

Continuation of NHS annual leave and sickness benefitsif currently employed in the NHS. For those not currently employed in the NHS, annual leave and sickness benefits will be in line with Agenda For Change practice.

Continuation of the NHS Pension Scheme for existing membersor join the hospice pension scheme.

Excellent learning and development opportunities, including preceptorship, induction and development.

Broad range of in-house education and support to attend external training.

A staff support programme including clinical supervision, confidential counselling and occupational health services.

Please note we do not currently have a sponsorship licence, and the successful candidate will need to be able to provide evidence of right to work in the UK

Want some more information before making your decision? We would welcome the opportunity for informal discussion with you prior to your application, please contact Debbie Evans, Ward Manager on 01244 851091

Details

Date posted

13 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£38,682 to £40,823 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

HOS1129275

Job locations

Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Gordon Lane

Chester

Cheshire

CH2 4DG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities

To work as a senior team member providing support to the ward manager and deputy ward manager, with ward management responsibilities in their absence.

To regularly take charge of the unit, allocating work to ensure the delivery of a safe, organised and high-quality clinical service throughout the 24hour period.

Responsible for jointly leading a small team of nursing staff, including line management responsibilities for the health care assistants within the team

To take responsibility for overseeing the initial, and ongoing assessment, of nursing needs and the planning and delivery of effective plans of care.

To contribute to and engage with developments within the hospice which will enhance the quality and effectiveness of patient care

Lead an identified team of nursing staff (including Staff Nurses, Assistant Practitioners and Health Care Assistants) in their delivery of patient care

Have line management responsibilities for the health care assistants within their team including regular one to one meetings, absence management and performance appraisal

Act as nurse in charge following a probationary period, directly assisting in the delivery of a safe, organised and high-quality clinical service throughout the 24hour period. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in emergency and unforeseen circumstances.

Implement timely admission and discharge planning.

To delegate work appropriately to team members considering individual knowledge base, skill mix and patient dependency

To contribute to delivery of direct patient care taking responsibility for assessment, care planning and ongoing evaluation of nursing needs

To use effective interpersonal skills to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients and those important to them

To ensure patient records are maintained and that documentation accurately reflects care provided

To work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure patients' needs are fully addressed within the hospice and on discharge

Answer and respond to Out of Hours queries via the Hospice Advice Line in line with their competencies, regional and local guidelines.

Act as a mentor and role model, lead by example and demonstrate consistent, fair and professional behaviour at all times, maintaining good personal time management and team working.

Complete organisational competencies within the first 6 months

Be accountable for their actions and omissions in practice and be able to justify decisions made

Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times by self and by others and complying with data protection regulations

To be involved in the delivery of formal and informal education to the multidisciplinary team

To deputise for the ward and deputy ward manager including dealing sensitively and appropriately with all patient and other service user feedback, liaising with the Ward Manager and Director of Clinical Services as appropriated and implementing the complaints or Incident management policy as needed

At all times work to hospice policies and procedures and ensure all mandatory training is completed as required

Knowledge and Experience

Passion and motivation to promote comfort, dignity, independence and choice

Cared for patients with advanced progressive disease and supported patients and families at end of life

Able to manage conflict and de-escalate effectively

Leading a small team

Current 1st level registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Evidence of recent professional development, ideally including palliative care

Skills and Attributes

Understanding of and ability to deliver a high standard of holistic nursing care in a palliative care setting

Ability to empathise, demonstrate compassion and treat people with dignity and respect

Able to communicate effectively with patients, carers and a variety of health and social care professionals regarding difficult and emotionally sensitive situations

Problem solving skills, and able to work with others to produce workable solutions

Motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team

Good organisational skills

Enthusiasm and desire to enhance skills

Work flexibly around the needs of the Hospice

Leadership qualities

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities

To work as a senior team member providing support to the ward manager and deputy ward manager, with ward management responsibilities in their absence.

To regularly take charge of the unit, allocating work to ensure the delivery of a safe, organised and high-quality clinical service throughout the 24hour period.

Responsible for jointly leading a small team of nursing staff, including line management responsibilities for the health care assistants within the team

To take responsibility for overseeing the initial, and ongoing assessment, of nursing needs and the planning and delivery of effective plans of care.

To contribute to and engage with developments within the hospice which will enhance the quality and effectiveness of patient care

Lead an identified team of nursing staff (including Staff Nurses, Assistant Practitioners and Health Care Assistants) in their delivery of patient care

Have line management responsibilities for the health care assistants within their team including regular one to one meetings, absence management and performance appraisal

Act as nurse in charge following a probationary period, directly assisting in the delivery of a safe, organised and high-quality clinical service throughout the 24hour period. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in emergency and unforeseen circumstances.

Implement timely admission and discharge planning.

To delegate work appropriately to team members considering individual knowledge base, skill mix and patient dependency

To contribute to delivery of direct patient care taking responsibility for assessment, care planning and ongoing evaluation of nursing needs

To use effective interpersonal skills to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients and those important to them

To ensure patient records are maintained and that documentation accurately reflects care provided

To work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure patients' needs are fully addressed within the hospice and on discharge

Answer and respond to Out of Hours queries via the Hospice Advice Line in line with their competencies, regional and local guidelines.

Act as a mentor and role model, lead by example and demonstrate consistent, fair and professional behaviour at all times, maintaining good personal time management and team working.

Complete organisational competencies within the first 6 months

Be accountable for their actions and omissions in practice and be able to justify decisions made

Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times by self and by others and complying with data protection regulations

To be involved in the delivery of formal and informal education to the multidisciplinary team

To deputise for the ward and deputy ward manager including dealing sensitively and appropriately with all patient and other service user feedback, liaising with the Ward Manager and Director of Clinical Services as appropriated and implementing the complaints or Incident management policy as needed

At all times work to hospice policies and procedures and ensure all mandatory training is completed as required

Knowledge and Experience

Passion and motivation to promote comfort, dignity, independence and choice

Cared for patients with advanced progressive disease and supported patients and families at end of life

Able to manage conflict and de-escalate effectively

Leading a small team

Current 1st level registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Evidence of recent professional development, ideally including palliative care

Skills and Attributes

Understanding of and ability to deliver a high standard of holistic nursing care in a palliative care setting

Ability to empathise, demonstrate compassion and treat people with dignity and respect

Able to communicate effectively with patients, carers and a variety of health and social care professionals regarding difficult and emotionally sensitive situations

Problem solving skills, and able to work with others to produce workable solutions

Motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team

Good organisational skills

Enthusiasm and desire to enhance skills

Work flexibly around the needs of the Hospice

Leadership qualities

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Current 1st level Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Evidence of recent professional development, ideally including specialist palliative care
  • Advance communication skills training or willingness to undertake

Desirable

  • Specialist Palliative Care training or qualification
  • Leadership or Management Training

Experience

Essential

  • Passion and motivation to promote comfort, dignity, independence and choice
  • Cared for patients with advanced progressive disease and supported patients and families at end of life
  • Able to work on own initiative, with effective time management, whilst also working as part of a team Leading a small team / coordinating shifts

Desirable

  • Policy development and implementation
  • Implementing Change
  • Clinical Audit
  • Working knowledge of neurology or dementia
  • Teaching and presenting in clinical practice

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Can plan and organise the work of others
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Empathy, compassion and desire to always treat people with dignity and respect
  • Team leadership skills
  • Enthusiasm, resourcefulness and desire to enhance their practice and skills Can work flexibly around the needs of the service

Desirable

  • Intravenous Medication administration
  • Cannulation and Venipuncture competency
  • Effective use of clinical supervision and reflective practice

Knowledge

Essential

  • Evidence of competency in a variety of clinical skills
  • Able to analyse and respond to complex situations under pressure
  • Able to manage conflict and de-escalate effectively
  • Proven IT skills
  • Understanding of the Clinical Governance Framework

Desirable

  • Change Management
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Current 1st level Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Evidence of recent professional development, ideally including specialist palliative care
  • Advance communication skills training or willingness to undertake

Desirable

  • Specialist Palliative Care training or qualification
  • Leadership or Management Training

Experience

Essential

  • Passion and motivation to promote comfort, dignity, independence and choice
  • Cared for patients with advanced progressive disease and supported patients and families at end of life
  • Able to work on own initiative, with effective time management, whilst also working as part of a team Leading a small team / coordinating shifts

Desirable

  • Policy development and implementation
  • Implementing Change
  • Clinical Audit
  • Working knowledge of neurology or dementia
  • Teaching and presenting in clinical practice

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Can plan and organise the work of others
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Empathy, compassion and desire to always treat people with dignity and respect
  • Team leadership skills
  • Enthusiasm, resourcefulness and desire to enhance their practice and skills Can work flexibly around the needs of the service

Desirable

  • Intravenous Medication administration
  • Cannulation and Venipuncture competency
  • Effective use of clinical supervision and reflective practice

Knowledge

Essential

  • Evidence of competency in a variety of clinical skills
  • Able to analyse and respond to complex situations under pressure
  • Able to manage conflict and de-escalate effectively
  • Proven IT skills
  • Understanding of the Clinical Governance Framework

Desirable

  • Change Management

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Address

Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Gordon Lane

Chester

Cheshire

CH2 4DG


Employer's website

https://hospiceofthegoodshepherd.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Address

Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Gordon Lane

Chester

Cheshire

CH2 4DG


Employer's website

https://hospiceofthegoodshepherd.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Debbie Evans

debbie.evans@hospicegs.com

01244851091

Details

Date posted

13 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£38,682 to £40,823 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

HOS1129275

Job locations

Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Gordon Lane

Chester

Cheshire

CH2 4DG


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