Job summary
Are you looking to use your clinical skills in a caring, supportive and
encouraging environment where you will make a real difference to patients and
those important to them at a crucial time in their lives? Would you like to
work in a supportive, friendly team and have the opportunity to develop
specialist practice skills? If so, we are seeking registered nurses to join our
inpatient unit team.
At Prospect Hospice we are passionate about providing our employees with
a supportive and engaging environment. In a recent staff survey 100% of staff
said they would be happy with the standard of care provided if a friend or
relative needed treatment and 98% find the work they do has meaning and
purpose.
Hours: 30 hours per week over 7 days (with flexibility to work days and nights)
Main duties of the job
Our nurses are responsible for coordinating and delivering end of life
care to patients with life limiting illnesses. It's all about giving our
patients the best possible quality of life.
You will monitor symptom control issues and support patients in
developing coping strategies for living with symptoms. Provide support for
those closest to the patient, as well as providing emotional and psychological
support alongside other disciplines to provide a fully holistic and
multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
You must be able to demonstrate the highest standards of nursing care,
be open to new ways of working, have a positive outlook, lots of initiative and
work well as part of a team. We have an excellent working environment with day
and night 1:4 RGN/patient staff ratios. Supported by an experienced team of
healthcare assistants and lots of opportunities for further degree/masters
level study and development programmes.
It's not essential to have any previous palliative care experience, as
you will receive a full induction and ongoing training and support.
There will be a requirement to work shifts in the community and work
flexibly across both teams as needed.
About us
Prospect Hospice is an independent hospice supporting a
community of 300,000 people in Swindon, Marlborough and North Wiltshire, and
the villages of Lechlade and Fairford in Gloucestershire.
It is the only dedicated provider of specialist end of life
care services within it's locality. The Hospices multi-professionals teams
support people in the community, in care homes, at the Great Western Hospital
and at the Hospice in Wroughton. Care is also extended to the families and
friends of patients.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Purpose & Scope
The registered nurse is responsible for providing planned nursing care for palliative care patients and their families, as part of the multi-disciplinary team on In-Patient Unit and out in the community.
The prime purpose is to deliver skilled and compassionate care to patients who have a life limiting condition, ensuring that care needs are met sensitively and appropriately, according to the wishes of the patient. A key element will be to care for patients at the end of life, supporting the philosophy of hospice nursing and planning and delivering care in accordance with principles of palliative care.
Another crucial aspect will be to engage with those closest to the patient, providing emotional and psychological support and referring to other teams within the Hospice for specialist advice and expertise.
The post holder is expected to carry out nursing care without direct supervision, and to make clinical decisions to support patients with changing specialist palliative care needs.
What is it like it to work here:
Since joining the IPU at Prospect Hospice, I have enjoyed being able to provide hands on, person centered care with lots of opportunities to learn with a knowledgeable, friendly and supportive team. Sarah, Registered Nurse.
Working here allows me more time with patients, to really focus on their needs and make their stay as pleasurable and comfortable as possible. We go out of our way to really personalise care for our patients to make them feel at home where nothing is rushed and they receive care at their own pace. I felt part of the team as soon as I joined and encouraged to develop my knowledge of palliative care, I feel that I make a difference every day. Sonia, Registered Nurse.
We offer a great range of benefits, including:
- 27 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
- Membership of the NHS pension scheme is available for existing members
- Generous contributory pension scheme for all other staff
- Discounts with local retailers, gyms and service providers including Blue Light Discount Card
- A commitment to supporting your professional development
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing team
- Supportive induction, and training and development
- Free parking on-site
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Purpose & Scope
The registered nurse is responsible for providing planned nursing care for palliative care patients and their families, as part of the multi-disciplinary team on In-Patient Unit and out in the community.
The prime purpose is to deliver skilled and compassionate care to patients who have a life limiting condition, ensuring that care needs are met sensitively and appropriately, according to the wishes of the patient. A key element will be to care for patients at the end of life, supporting the philosophy of hospice nursing and planning and delivering care in accordance with principles of palliative care.
Another crucial aspect will be to engage with those closest to the patient, providing emotional and psychological support and referring to other teams within the Hospice for specialist advice and expertise.
The post holder is expected to carry out nursing care without direct supervision, and to make clinical decisions to support patients with changing specialist palliative care needs.
What is it like it to work here:
Since joining the IPU at Prospect Hospice, I have enjoyed being able to provide hands on, person centered care with lots of opportunities to learn with a knowledgeable, friendly and supportive team. Sarah, Registered Nurse.
Working here allows me more time with patients, to really focus on their needs and make their stay as pleasurable and comfortable as possible. We go out of our way to really personalise care for our patients to make them feel at home where nothing is rushed and they receive care at their own pace. I felt part of the team as soon as I joined and encouraged to develop my knowledge of palliative care, I feel that I make a difference every day. Sonia, Registered Nurse.
We offer a great range of benefits, including:
- 27 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
- Membership of the NHS pension scheme is available for existing members
- Generous contributory pension scheme for all other staff
- Discounts with local retailers, gyms and service providers including Blue Light Discount Card
- A commitment to supporting your professional development
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing team
- Supportive induction, and training and development
- Free parking on-site
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of reflective practice.
- Experience of working within more than one health care field.
- Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements, including clinical audit.
- Understanding of hospice nursing philosophy.
- Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection principles.
- Understanding and experience of multi-disciplinary working.
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of developing ways to sustain coping, including use of support and supervision.
Desirable
- General/specialist palliative care experience.
- Good knowledge of palliative care or relevant specialist field.
- Experience within a relevant specialist field of nursing.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Commitment to and ability to demonstrate Prospect Hospice values and behaviours at all times.
- Have a track record of working inclusively and a genuine appreciation of the value of diversity.
- Able to maintain the highest professional standards at all times, and act as a true ambassador for the Hospice and encourage others to do the same.
- To be authentic, open honest and transparent.
Desirable
- Emotionally able to work within the field of palliative care.
- Flexible approach to working.
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered General Nurse.
Desirable
- Diploma in palliative care.
- Care of the Dying Person Module (Level 2), and commitment to progressing relevant level 2 or 3 study.
- Evidence of continuing professional development within specialist palliative care.
Skills
Essential
- Good communication skills, including listening, negotiating skills, communication of ideas and ability to provide advice to other health professionals at all levels.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to provide non-judgmental and empathic emotional support to patients whilst maintaining safe and appropriate boundaries.
- Effective problem solving skills and judgment to know which decisions need to be referred on to a senior colleague or nurse on call.
- Able to recognise own limitations and initiate appropriate onward referral.
- Ability to manage time effectively.
- Good IT skills.
Desirable
- Audit and quality improvement abilities.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of reflective practice.
- Experience of working within more than one health care field.
- Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements, including clinical audit.
- Understanding of hospice nursing philosophy.
- Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection principles.
- Understanding and experience of multi-disciplinary working.
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of developing ways to sustain coping, including use of support and supervision.
Desirable
- General/specialist palliative care experience.
- Good knowledge of palliative care or relevant specialist field.
- Experience within a relevant specialist field of nursing.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Commitment to and ability to demonstrate Prospect Hospice values and behaviours at all times.
- Have a track record of working inclusively and a genuine appreciation of the value of diversity.
- Able to maintain the highest professional standards at all times, and act as a true ambassador for the Hospice and encourage others to do the same.
- To be authentic, open honest and transparent.
Desirable
- Emotionally able to work within the field of palliative care.
- Flexible approach to working.
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered General Nurse.
Desirable
- Diploma in palliative care.
- Care of the Dying Person Module (Level 2), and commitment to progressing relevant level 2 or 3 study.
- Evidence of continuing professional development within specialist palliative care.
Skills
Essential
- Good communication skills, including listening, negotiating skills, communication of ideas and ability to provide advice to other health professionals at all levels.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to provide non-judgmental and empathic emotional support to patients whilst maintaining safe and appropriate boundaries.
- Effective problem solving skills and judgment to know which decisions need to be referred on to a senior colleague or nurse on call.
- Able to recognise own limitations and initiate appropriate onward referral.
- Ability to manage time effectively.
- Good IT skills.
Desirable
- Audit and quality improvement abilities.
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).
