Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity to welcome a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Developmental clinical nurse specialist, to join our Community Nurse Specialist team, based in and working throughout Yeovil, focusing on the Mendip area.
You will join us on a full time, permanent basis and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £38,304 to £43,609 per annumplus 30% Unsocial Hours Enhancement on Saturday and 60% on Sunday & bank holidays
Regardless of whether you are a well-established clinical nurse specialist or willing to undertake a developmental clinical nurse specialist plan, we would welcome your application.
Main duties of the job
Working in the community, you will undertake the holistic assessment, planning and delivery of specialist palliative and supportive care for patients, with advanced, progressive life limiting disease.
Your day to day work will involve:
- Independently assessing patient needs, identifying their goals and work with the patientand their family towards achieving them.
- Makingappropriate referrals to the multi-disciplinary team and working collaboratively with a wide range of community-based services.
- Actively seeking and identifying areas where changes to routines and practices will result in improvements.
- Discussing sensitive and emotional information with patients and their families/carers, avoiding jargon, using familiar language, and at the patients own pace. Involving patients and carers in decision making, offering them informed choices and respecting their views.
- This role requires working weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis; therefore, flexibility and teamwork are crucial in providing this service.
About us
Be part of a welcoming, community minded charity. Our mission is to provide excellent specialist palliative care for patients and support to their families. Everyone here contributes and has a part to play towards our goal. If you speak to any of our staff or volunteers, they will tell you how the patient is at the heart of everything they do. So, if you're looking for a role where you can really make a difference, we could be a perfect match.
Holiday entitlement
- 33 days holiday including bank holidays rising to 35 days after 1 year, and increasing with length of service (pro-rata if part-time)
- Recognise continuous service for clinical staff paid at band 5+ who join directly from the NHS or another hospice
- Ability to buy and sell annual leave
Pension scheme
- NHS employees eligible to continue with their NHS pension scheme*
- Non-NHS employees will receive 5% employer and 5% employee contribution.
Award-winning Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family offering:
- Vitality & wellbeing health portal for non-emergency care
- Unlimited access to 24/7 online GP Consultations as well as Expert Case Management
- Confidential and free 24-hour Employee Assistance
- Counselling and support
- Legal, financial, and medical information and advice
And more
- Life assurance cover
- Health Cash Plans
- Blue Light Card
- Enhanced parental leave*
- Learning and development opportunities
- Free on-site parking in Yeovil and Taunton
- Volunteering and fundraising opportunities
*Eligibility criteria applies
Job description
Job responsibilities
Management and Quality
- Independently assess the patient needs, identify their goals and work with the patient and family towards achieving them.
- To collect and report accurate information relating to patients caseload and dependencies.
- To make appropriate referrals to the multi-disciplinary team and work collaboratively with a wide range of community-based services.
- To actively seek and identify areas where changes to routines and practices will result in improvements.
- Observe legal requirements regarding the security and administration of drugs in accordance with the NMC Standards for Medicines Management (2007).
- Prioritise and distribute referrals equitably amongst the team members ensuring patients are seen according to need.
- Effective caseload management within the locality team; this will include reviewing patients for discharge at three months or sooner.
- Record contemporaneous and accurate patient records according to NMC guidance.
- Work within The NMC Code of professional conduct: standards for conduct, performance and ethics.
- Contribute to the aims and objectives of improving health and wellbeing outcomes, including health promotion, widening access to services and reducing health inequalities by maintaining awareness of current trends and developments.
- Participate in the planning and undertaking of patient and carer satisfaction surveys contributing to action plans to address the identified outcomes.
- Actively participate in audit programmes and clinical governance initiatives for the organisation.
- Participate in, and where appropriate undertake, research as approved by St Margarets Research and Education Forum.
- Actively contribute to the implementations of hospice strategic and business objectives.
- Contribute to and participate in the review and development of policies, procedures and strategies in the interest of users, the team and the organisation.
Practice & Leadership- Record concisely, accurately and confidentially the appropriate elements of the history, examination, results of investigations differential diagnosis and management plan within the electronic health records. Navigate different IT systems to ensure holistic care for patients and families ie EMIS, Rio, Sider, SMH electronic health records.
- Present cases clearly, consistently and professionally to the multi professional team contributing effectively in patient management.
- Provide clinical expertise, and specialist advice and support to assess and analyse highly complex situations, including patients with multiple comorbidities, complex psychological or social issues.
- Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of the options for achieving control of symptoms and ability to advise the primary healthcare team.
- Plan and manage own caseload and prioritise response to referrals and urgent requests for advice.
- Participate in primary care Gold Standards Framework meeting, Primary care network meetings with GPs and in Care Homes.
- Explore the personal resources of families and carers in order to ensure patients are cared for in the place of their choice.
- Support carers at home in managing a relative whose condition is deteriorating.
- Recognise and manage palliative care emergencies.
- Demonstrate safe mobilisation and movement of patients in the community and how to obtain appropriate equipment.
- Initiative advance care planning discussions and documentation, visible on different IT systems.
Communication- Manage complex communication issues with patient and families as a lone worker in the community; using advanced level of knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills
- Anticipate potential problems, or barriers to communication, and take action to improve the communication skills and strategies of the team.
- To discuss sensitive and emotional information with patients and their families/carers Involve patients and carers in decision making, offering them informed choices and respecting their views.
- Work collaboratively with all relevant health and social care professionals and agencies
- Gather and provide information using appropriate questioning, avoiding jargon using familiar language, at the patients own pace.
- Remain professionalism and facilitate appropriate boundaries within the nurse-patient relationship.
Education and Training- Maintain expert clinical knowledge and skills, using evidence based practice.
- Develop and provide relevant education programmes internally and externally.
- Continually provide informal education in the clinical setting to meet these needs and ensure continuing promotion of excellence in palliative care.
- Maintain own continuing professional development, including a reflective portfolio of evidence, as required by the NMC for revalidation.
- Participate in the induction, training and mentorship of new staff, and the teaching of all staff up to and including post-graduate level
- Provide support, assessment and mentorship of student nurses with St Margarets on pre-registration nursing programmes.
- Participate in clinical supervision, significant event meetings within the hospice and within the locality setting.
- Provide learning opportunities for other health and social care workers via mentorship and supervision. This includes providing inter-professional support for staff of all disciplines and clinical placements.
- Undertake any necessary skills, training and mandatory training as appropriate to the post
- Maintain revalidation requirements according the NMC.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Management and Quality
- Independently assess the patient needs, identify their goals and work with the patient and family towards achieving them.
- To collect and report accurate information relating to patients caseload and dependencies.
- To make appropriate referrals to the multi-disciplinary team and work collaboratively with a wide range of community-based services.
- To actively seek and identify areas where changes to routines and practices will result in improvements.
- Observe legal requirements regarding the security and administration of drugs in accordance with the NMC Standards for Medicines Management (2007).
- Prioritise and distribute referrals equitably amongst the team members ensuring patients are seen according to need.
- Effective caseload management within the locality team; this will include reviewing patients for discharge at three months or sooner.
- Record contemporaneous and accurate patient records according to NMC guidance.
- Work within The NMC Code of professional conduct: standards for conduct, performance and ethics.
- Contribute to the aims and objectives of improving health and wellbeing outcomes, including health promotion, widening access to services and reducing health inequalities by maintaining awareness of current trends and developments.
- Participate in the planning and undertaking of patient and carer satisfaction surveys contributing to action plans to address the identified outcomes.
- Actively participate in audit programmes and clinical governance initiatives for the organisation.
- Participate in, and where appropriate undertake, research as approved by St Margarets Research and Education Forum.
- Actively contribute to the implementations of hospice strategic and business objectives.
- Contribute to and participate in the review and development of policies, procedures and strategies in the interest of users, the team and the organisation.
Practice & Leadership- Record concisely, accurately and confidentially the appropriate elements of the history, examination, results of investigations differential diagnosis and management plan within the electronic health records. Navigate different IT systems to ensure holistic care for patients and families ie EMIS, Rio, Sider, SMH electronic health records.
- Present cases clearly, consistently and professionally to the multi professional team contributing effectively in patient management.
- Provide clinical expertise, and specialist advice and support to assess and analyse highly complex situations, including patients with multiple comorbidities, complex psychological or social issues.
- Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of the options for achieving control of symptoms and ability to advise the primary healthcare team.
- Plan and manage own caseload and prioritise response to referrals and urgent requests for advice.
- Participate in primary care Gold Standards Framework meeting, Primary care network meetings with GPs and in Care Homes.
- Explore the personal resources of families and carers in order to ensure patients are cared for in the place of their choice.
- Support carers at home in managing a relative whose condition is deteriorating.
- Recognise and manage palliative care emergencies.
- Demonstrate safe mobilisation and movement of patients in the community and how to obtain appropriate equipment.
- Initiative advance care planning discussions and documentation, visible on different IT systems.
Communication- Manage complex communication issues with patient and families as a lone worker in the community; using advanced level of knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills
- Anticipate potential problems, or barriers to communication, and take action to improve the communication skills and strategies of the team.
- To discuss sensitive and emotional information with patients and their families/carers Involve patients and carers in decision making, offering them informed choices and respecting their views.
- Work collaboratively with all relevant health and social care professionals and agencies
- Gather and provide information using appropriate questioning, avoiding jargon using familiar language, at the patients own pace.
- Remain professionalism and facilitate appropriate boundaries within the nurse-patient relationship.
Education and Training- Maintain expert clinical knowledge and skills, using evidence based practice.
- Develop and provide relevant education programmes internally and externally.
- Continually provide informal education in the clinical setting to meet these needs and ensure continuing promotion of excellence in palliative care.
- Maintain own continuing professional development, including a reflective portfolio of evidence, as required by the NMC for revalidation.
- Participate in the induction, training and mentorship of new staff, and the teaching of all staff up to and including post-graduate level
- Provide support, assessment and mentorship of student nurses with St Margarets on pre-registration nursing programmes.
- Participate in clinical supervision, significant event meetings within the hospice and within the locality setting.
- Provide learning opportunities for other health and social care workers via mentorship and supervision. This includes providing inter-professional support for staff of all disciplines and clinical placements.
- Undertake any necessary skills, training and mandatory training as appropriate to the post
- Maintain revalidation requirements according the NMC.
Person Specification
Self Awareness
Essential
- Recognises own limitations.
- Ability to work flexibly and respond to changing or conflicting priorities.
- Effectively manages multiple tasks and priorities
- Ability to meet deadlines.
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse 1 RN1
- Degree level or equivalent study in related subject, such as acute oncology, palliative care, chronic conditions management (or willing to work towards).
- Post registration qualification or experience in palliative care/oncology or related subject
- Recognised teaching qualification or prepared to work towards.
- A willingness to undertake further study at Masters level regardless of point of entry
- Commitment to continuing education and professional development at an advanced level
Desirable
- Non-medical prescribing qualification
- Advanced Communication skills including negotiation and diplomacy skills
- Physical assessment and clinical reasoning (PACR)
- Managing Qualification
Working with others
Essential
- Calm and objective.
- Is assertive not aggressive
- Treats confidential information sensitively and in line with policy
- Positive role model to the team and service
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to a diverse range of people
Outcome and Results
Essential
- Ability to work autonomously with minimum supervision, managing time, work commitments and priorities.
- Recognises and understands own roles and responsibilities
- Able to prioritise and manage caseload effectively.
- Shares and communicates information clearly and in a timely way.
Leading in your area
Essential
- Relevant post-registration experience in cancer, palliative care or relevant speciality.
- In-depth specialist experience in care of patients with complex needs.
- Recent leadership and management experience
- Experience of multi-professional working.
- Experience of mentorship and teaching
- Computer literate, able to use word documents, database and e-mail communication.
Desirable
- Experience of community nursing
- Understanding and commitment to audit and research.
- Excellent presentation and report writing skills.
- Knowledge of End of Life Care tools and their application in practice.
Person Specification
Self Awareness
Essential
- Recognises own limitations.
- Ability to work flexibly and respond to changing or conflicting priorities.
- Effectively manages multiple tasks and priorities
- Ability to meet deadlines.
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse 1 RN1
- Degree level or equivalent study in related subject, such as acute oncology, palliative care, chronic conditions management (or willing to work towards).
- Post registration qualification or experience in palliative care/oncology or related subject
- Recognised teaching qualification or prepared to work towards.
- A willingness to undertake further study at Masters level regardless of point of entry
- Commitment to continuing education and professional development at an advanced level
Desirable
- Non-medical prescribing qualification
- Advanced Communication skills including negotiation and diplomacy skills
- Physical assessment and clinical reasoning (PACR)
- Managing Qualification
Working with others
Essential
- Calm and objective.
- Is assertive not aggressive
- Treats confidential information sensitively and in line with policy
- Positive role model to the team and service
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to a diverse range of people
Outcome and Results
Essential
- Ability to work autonomously with minimum supervision, managing time, work commitments and priorities.
- Recognises and understands own roles and responsibilities
- Able to prioritise and manage caseload effectively.
- Shares and communicates information clearly and in a timely way.
Leading in your area
Essential
- Relevant post-registration experience in cancer, palliative care or relevant speciality.
- In-depth specialist experience in care of patients with complex needs.
- Recent leadership and management experience
- Experience of multi-professional working.
- Experience of mentorship and teaching
- Computer literate, able to use word documents, database and e-mail communication.
Desirable
- Experience of community nursing
- Understanding and commitment to audit and research.
- Excellent presentation and report writing skills.
- Knowledge of End of Life Care tools and their application in practice.
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).