Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated nurse with breast/oncology experience or Clinical Nurse Specialist experience to join our team at West Hertfordshire NHS Teaching Hospitals.
The post is for 32.5 hours per week which includes Tuesdays. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You will also be required to work across sites.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated Clinical Nurse Specialist to provide support, information and advice to our breast cancer patients. This includes early breast cancer and secondary breast cancer patients. You should have sound knowledge of the surgical and oncological management of these patients.
You will be the key worker for patients diagnosed with breast cancer providing a link between patients and health care professionals across all health care settings to facilitate and improve the patient pathway.
Working for our organisation
There has never been a more exciting time to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust! Major redevelopment works are planned as part of the New Hospital Programme. These will be most dramatic at Watford General Hospital where up to 90% of buildings will be new.
The trust has recently gained ‘teaching hospital’ status which reflects the dedicated work of many teams and individuals who have set the standard for delivering high quality training, learning and education at all levels of the workforce.
We are a flexible working employer
At West Herts we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly. We are delighted to offer a variety of flexible working options for all staff. Please check out our web page for more information.
We encourage and welcome people with disabilities. If you need help, please ask.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will carry out assessments, give advice and implement patient care in an area which requires specific breast cancer clinical knowledge, skills and experience, so you will have significant post registration experience at Band 6/7 and evidence of post registration study in breast cancer.
You must have a passion for caring for patients with cancer and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
You should also be able to work using your own initiative as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
The ability to organise and dynamically prioritise your own workload in conjunction with the team is essential.
The post holder will be valued, well supported and will work closely with colleagues across the multidisciplinary and cancer/palliative care specialist nursing teams.
Person specification
Education and Qualification
Essential criteria
1. NMC level one registration
2. First Degree in relevant discipline or working towards one.
3. Continuing personal, professional and academic development.
Desirable criteria
4. Advanced Communication Course.
5. Psychological Training Level 2.
6. Breast Cancer BSc/MSc Module
Knowledge
Essential criteria
7. Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues.
8. Knowledge of cancer plan and supportive and palliative care guidance
Experience
Essential criteria
9. Experience in a relevant speciality
10. Experience of working both in inpatient and outpatient setting
11. Band 6 experience.
12. Experience of collaborating with other agencies Experience of patient advocacy.
Skills
Essential criteria
13. Ability to work autonomously and in team advanced clinical, managerial and leadership skills in speciality
14. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
15. Word-processing and presentation skills.
16. Ability to recognise own needs and ability to develop strategies to prevent burn out.
Desirable criteria
17. Proven listening/counselling skills