Job summary Working as part of the Macmillan Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist team, you will provide high-quality, specialist oncology nursing care to Head and Neck Cancer patients. The role provides support to patients and their family members from the time of diagnosis and beyond, through nurse led clinics, face to face and telephone advice and by working closely with the multi-disciplinary team. Main duties of the job To work alongside the Head & Neck Cancer CNS Team, cancer services, consultants (ENT, OMF and Oncology) and wider team to determine and deliver on service strategic objectives and to promote the overarching vision for the service To work with the Lead Head & Neck CNS to ensure the safe and effective delivery of care for patients within the defined clinical area To lead in providing high-quality specialist oncology nursing care to Head and Neck cancer patients receiving treatment, including developing patient pathways To provide expert knowledge and advice in own specialist area, ensuring maintenance of clinical excellence underpinned by evidence-based practice To work autonomously and collaboratively with other cancer nurse specialists within the cancer network To work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families To maintain high visibility and clinical expertise, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership within UK law, Nursing and Midwifery Council and Trust policies and guidelines To take an active role within clinical governance and quality framework, helping to embed the culture of continuous improvement About us Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust operates hospitals on our two main sites in Cheltenham and Gloucester, and we're one of the largest NHS trusts in the country. Our workforce of over 9,000 staff provides high quality emergency, elective and specialist care across a range of clinical areas It is expected that all employees uphold the values of the organisation as our values underpin everything we do and describe the way we expect our staff to behave towards our patients, families and carers and between each other. We have the following three values: Caring Patients said: "Show me that you care about me as an individual. Talk to me, not about me.Look at me when you talk to me." ListeningPatients said: "Please acknowledge me, even if you can't help me right now. Show me that you know that I'm here." Excelling Patients said: "Don't just do what you have to, take the next step and go the extra mile." Date posted 10 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year (pro rata if part time) Contract Fixed term Duration 10 months Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 318-25-T0204 Job locations Gloucester Royal Hospital Great Western Road Gloucester GL1 3NN Job description Job responsibilities Clinical Provide high-quality specialist oncology nursing care to Head and Neck Cancer patients by delivering evidence-based, individualised patient care according to patients changing health care needs Undertake nurse led assessment of patients needs within the Head and Neck speciality, co-ordinating the patients journey from point of referral at time of diagnosis and beyond, including participating in nurse led clinics Directly deliver, coordinate and supervise patient care, ensuring that the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care is of high standard, encompassing the Trust vision of best care for everyone Deliver, demonstrate and supervise safe and appropriate care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using highly specialised equipment and resources Uses advanced communication skills in all aspects of patient assessment, care and support Provide emotional and psychological support to Head and Neck Cancer patients and their carers Maintain visibility within the clinical area, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership Work alongside the Head and Neck CNS team as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce Work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families and provide high standards of care Participate in the implementation of any clinical initiative Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff Provide links between patients and other support networks through referrals Management Work alongside the Lead Head &Neck CNS, matron, consultants and wider Head and Neck team to determine and deliver on strategic service objectives Provide advice, support and leadership within clinical teams ensuring high standards of patient care Act as a resource for all staff, disseminating clinical skills and knowledge both to trust staff and within the primary care setting through verbal and written communication Act within the agreed standard operational procedures and support the development of new working practices as appropriate Work alongside the Lead Head &Neck CNS to develop and implement action plans to achieve key performance indicators and ensure high standards of care Escalate concerns through appropriate channels, ensuring patient safety and care standards are maintained Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients, relatives and staff and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective Leadership Jointly lead on maximising the opportunities to develop a highly skilled, motivated and engaged workforce which continually strives to improve patient, relative and staff experience Demonstrate a positive and pro-active approach to the on-going support and development of registered nurses and registered dental nurses and other staff members Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow Maintain a creative, yet measured approach to service developments and use effective leadership skills to ensure effective change Encourage and promote a shared leadership model, enabling and empowering others, of all grades, to take the lead with various initiatives within Head and Neck services and the wider Trust whilst clearly demonstrating the Trust leadership values and behaviours Actively support all agreed quality improvements within Head and Neck services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust. Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within head and neck services Actively participates in multidisciplinary meetings, acting as the patient advocate and providing clinical nurse specialist input Actively engages with the cancer management team, Macmillan, the Southwest Cancer Alliance and other partners as appropriate to continuously raise the profile of cancer nursing and promote patient centred services for patients affected by cancer Work collaboratively with the other Clinical Nurse Specialists within Cancer Services Communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism and personal qualities Deliver complex and contentious information to large and small groups sometimes in clinical areas where staff may be reluctant to be involved. Demonstrate an ability to work cohesively with all members of the Head and Neck team Communicates sensitive, confidential information to patients, taking in to account the need for empathy, reassurance and compassion Communicate sensitively with staff members, particularly when needing to lead difficult conversations or manage underperformance Demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in providing compassionate care for patients, visitors, relatives and colleagues. Demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and to agreed timescales Take initiative and demonstrate a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach Act as a good role model for others to follow to include personal appearance and adherence to Trust uniform policy Work in a manner to promote the Trust values and core objectives Work within the Nursing and Midwifery Council code at all times Maintain own professional development, mandatory training and Nursing and Midwifery Council l revalidation requirements Always seek advice and support when required and encourage others to do the same Research and audit Work in a manner that promotes any audits or research taking place within Head and Neck services, cancer services or the wider Trust as appropriate Promote and demonstrate the use of evidence-based practice and related policy, procedure and guidelines Assist in the collection and reporting of data as appropriate to maintain key performance indicators Support with offering information to patients regarding trial eligibility Education and training In conjunction with the Lead Head and Neck CNS, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process Maintain and continually develop knowledge, competence and skills required to perform the role effectively Undertake all mandatory training appropriate to role Be actively involved in and support departmental education programmes Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non-registered staff in the clinical practice setting Improving safety, quality and developing practice Work with staff undertaking audit and research projects. To be involved in making recommendations for changes to management practice and procedures and the implementation of those changes as appropriate. Contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management Take joint responsibility for ensuring safe and effective infection, prevention and control measures Develop and share own knowledge with other members of the wider team both locally and nationally Identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations. Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources Understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standard operational procedures, policies, protocols and guidelines relevant to the defined service Openly question and challenge strategic and operational practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved. Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working Conditions Comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times Required to utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines Will be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients / objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids Will have exposure to, and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to, infestations, bodily fluids, infection control, radiation and substances hazardous to health. Will have regular exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving staff, patients and relatives Will have regular exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse Will be required to concentrate for long periods of time There will be an on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment Ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff Job description Job responsibilities Clinical Provide high-quality specialist oncology nursing care to Head and Neck Cancer patients by delivering evidence-based, individualised patient care according to patients changing health care needs Undertake nurse led assessment of patients needs within the Head and Neck speciality, co-ordinating the patients journey from point of referral at time of diagnosis and beyond, including participating in nurse led clinics Directly deliver, coordinate and supervise patient care, ensuring that the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care is of high standard, encompassing the Trust vision of best care for everyone Deliver, demonstrate and supervise safe and appropriate care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using highly specialised equipment and resources Uses advanced communication skills in all aspects of patient assessment, care and support Provide emotional and psychological support to Head and Neck Cancer patients and their carers Maintain visibility within the clinical area, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership Work alongside the Head and Neck CNS team as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce Work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families and provide high standards of care Participate in the implementation of any clinical initiative Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff Provide links between patients and other support networks through referrals Management Work alongside the Lead Head &Neck CNS, matron, consultants and wider Head and Neck team to determine and deliver on strategic service objectives Provide advice, support and leadership within clinical teams ensuring high standards of patient care Act as a resource for all staff, disseminating clinical skills and knowledge both to trust staff and within the primary care setting through verbal and written communication Act within the agreed standard operational procedures and support the development of new working practices as appropriate Work alongside the Lead Head &Neck CNS to develop and implement action plans to achieve key performance indicators and ensure high standards of care Escalate concerns through appropriate channels, ensuring patient safety and care standards are maintained Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients, relatives and staff and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective Leadership Jointly lead on maximising the opportunities to develop a highly skilled, motivated and engaged workforce which continually strives to improve patient, relative and staff experience Demonstrate a positive and pro-active approach to the on-going support and development of registered nurses and registered dental nurses and other staff members Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow Maintain a creative, yet measured approach to service developments and use effective leadership skills to ensure effective change Encourage and promote a shared leadership model, enabling and empowering others, of all grades, to take the lead with various initiatives within Head and Neck services and the wider Trust whilst clearly demonstrating the Trust leadership values and behaviours Actively support all agreed quality improvements within Head and Neck services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust. Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within head and neck services Actively participates in multidisciplinary meetings, acting as the patient advocate and providing clinical nurse specialist input Actively engages with the cancer management team, Macmillan, the Southwest Cancer Alliance and other partners as appropriate to continuously raise the profile of cancer nursing and promote patient centred services for patients affected by cancer Work collaboratively with the other Clinical Nurse Specialists within Cancer Services Communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism and personal qualities Deliver complex and contentious information to large and small groups sometimes in clinical areas where staff may be reluctant to be involved. Demonstrate an ability to work cohesively with all members of the Head and Neck team Communicates sensitive, confidential information to patients, taking in to account the need for empathy, reassurance and compassion Communicate sensitively with staff members, particularly when needing to lead difficult conversations or manage underperformance Demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in providing compassionate care for patients, visitors, relatives and colleagues. Demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and to agreed timescales Take initiative and demonstrate a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach Act as a good role model for others to follow to include personal appearance and adherence to Trust uniform policy Work in a manner to promote the Trust values and core objectives Work within the Nursing and Midwifery Council code at all times Maintain own professional development, mandatory training and Nursing and Midwifery Council l revalidation requirements Always seek advice and support when required and encourage others to do the same Research and audit Work in a manner that promotes any audits or research taking place within Head and Neck services, cancer services or the wider Trust as appropriate Promote and demonstrate the use of evidence-based practice and related policy, procedure and guidelines Assist in the collection and reporting of data as appropriate to maintain key performance indicators Support with offering information to patients regarding trial eligibility Education and training In conjunction with the Lead Head and Neck CNS, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process Maintain and continually develop knowledge, competence and skills required to perform the role effectively Undertake all mandatory training appropriate to role Be actively involved in and support departmental education programmes Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non-registered staff in the clinical practice setting Improving safety, quality and developing practice Work with staff undertaking audit and research projects. To be involved in making recommendations for changes to management practice and procedures and the implementation of those changes as appropriate. Contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management Take joint responsibility for ensuring safe and effective infection, prevention and control measures Develop and share own knowledge with other members of the wider team both locally and nationally Identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations. Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources Understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standard operational procedures, policies, protocols and guidelines relevant to the defined service Openly question and challenge strategic and operational practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved. Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working Conditions Comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times Required to utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines Will be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients / objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids Will have exposure to, and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to, infestations, bodily fluids, infection control, radiation and substances hazardous to health. Will have regular exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving staff, patients and relatives Will have regular exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse Will be required to concentrate for long periods of time There will be an on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment Ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff Person Specification Qualifications Essential Active registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse Recognised teaching and assessing qualification Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of professional portfolio and registration revalidation Desirable Evidence of postgraduate Head and Neck qualification or related specialty Evidence of non-medical prescribing qualification or willingness to work towards MSC modules or willingness to work towards Completion of Silver Quality Improvement Experience Essential Experience relevant to the role of Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist Evidence of building effective working relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team and other key stakeholders Desirable Experience of leading and managing change Experience of undertaking audit/research Knowledge Essential Undertake nurse led assessment of patients' needs within the Head and Neck speciality A good understanding of clinical governance, and incident reporting A good understanding Head and Neck Cancer and it's treatment Desirable Evidence of quality improvement work / project management Skills Essential Ability to coordinate patients journey from point of referral at time of diagnosis and beyond, including working in nurse led clinics Provide emotional and psychological support to Head and Neck Cancer patients and their carers Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritise workload Excellent presentational, communication and interpersonal skills Personally resilient and able to manage complexity and work in an ambiguous or changing environment. Desirable Able to contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies/protocols/guidelines relevant to area of practice Person Specification Qualifications Essential Active registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse Recognised teaching and assessing qualification Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of professional portfolio and registration revalidation Desirable Evidence of postgraduate Head and Neck qualification or related specialty Evidence of non-medical prescribing qualification or willingness to work towards MSC modules or willingness to work towards Completion of Silver Quality Improvement Experience Essential Experience relevant to the role of Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist Evidence of building effective working relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team and other key stakeholders Desirable Experience of leading and managing change Experience of undertaking audit/research Knowledge Essential Undertake nurse led assessment of patients' needs within the Head and Neck speciality A good understanding of clinical governance, and incident reporting A good understanding Head and Neck Cancer and it's treatment Desirable Evidence of quality improvement work / project management Skills Essential Ability to coordinate patients journey from point of referral at time of diagnosis and beyond, including working in nurse led clinics Provide emotional and psychological support to Head and Neck Cancer patients and their carers Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritise workload Excellent presentational, communication and interpersonal skills Personally resilient and able to manage complexity and work in an ambiguous or changing environment. Desirable Able to contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies/protocols/guidelines relevant to area of 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). Employer details Employer name Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Gloucester Royal Hospital Great Western Road Gloucester GL1 3NN Employer's website https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)