The Specialist Palliative Care Team at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced nurse to join our well established and well supported hospital palliative care team.
We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated and enthusiastic nurse who has a good level of knowledge in palliative care, excellent communication skills and who is committed to improving the patient and carer experience across the acute Trust.
The Specialist Palliative Care Team helps to support over 1600 patients every year, and their expertise is well respected and valued across the Trust.
37.5 hrs per week (The team provides a 7 day service therefore some weekend working will be required).
Main duties of the job
The Specialist Palliative Care Team provide a seven day face-to-face service for patients with malignant and non-malignant conditions.
The post holder will work as part of a supportive team, assessing patients, creating management plans, planning discharges when appropriate and offering support to patients, families, carers and staff across the hospital.
There are opportunities to teach on a well-established education program, and to take part in improvement projects relating to end of life care and patient/carer experience within the Trust.
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to manage their own often complex caseload but will have full support from Palliative Care Consultants, the Palliative Care Deputy Lead Nurse, experienced CNSs, 2 Palliative Discharge Nurses and a HCSW.
The Specialist Palliative Care Team works collaboratively with teams across the Trust.
They are seen as role models and lead by example, helping to support and educate staff across the Trust on a daily basis.
They have strong links with local hospices and community palliative care services, working closely together to deliver an efficient, high-quality service to our patients and their families and carers.
Ongoing education and development is encouraged and supported as part of this role. The Specialist Palliative Care Team run a 7 day on site service between the hours of 9am-5pm.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
* NMC first level registration
* Degree in Nursing or equivalent / or working towards
* Post-registration qualification in relevant speciality
* Proven track record of supervising and teaching staff members
Desirable
* Higher degree in, palliative care or other relevant subject.
* Advanced Communication Skills Training
* Independent Non-Medical Prescribers Course.
* Nurse/Healthcare management course
* Advance Care planning training
* Psychological Skills Training Level 2
Knowledge
Essential
* Specialist palliative care knowledge specifically related to complex symptom management in both cancer and non-cancer patients.
* Knowledge and understanding of National Guidance relating to Palliative and End of Life Care.
Desirable
* Knowledge and experience of working at senior level in specialist palliative care
Experience
Essential
* Senior Nurse experience (Band 6 or above) in an area specialising in Palliative Care/ End of Life Care
* Evidence of changing practice and project management
* Evidence of teaching
Desirable
* Experience of working in an Acute Hospital Setting
* Experience of completing Advance Care Plans
Employer details
Employer name
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Watford General Hospital
Watford
WD18 0HB #J-18808-Ljbffr