Oakhaven Hospice

Clinical Nurse Specialist - development (Maternity Cover)

The closing date is 15 March 2026

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Clinical Nurse Specialist - development (CNS) to join our team on a maternity cover basis (9 - 12 months). You will support our existing CNS team based at Oakhaven Hospice and work closely with hospital specialist palliative teams and community healthcare professionals.

In this role, you will provide specialist expertise and support to patients with advanced, progressive, life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families. You will have the opportunity to develop your clinical knowledge and advanced skills in palliative care while working under the guidance of a mentor.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

Work with the Community CNS team to develop knowledge and advanced palliative care skills

Collaborate with a mentor to achieve competencies toward CNS 1 level

Work closely with external clinical agencies to ensure coordinated patient care

Provide clinical direction and support to Clinical Resource Nurses (CRNs), Day Hospice, and Wellbeing teams

Serve as the initial point of support for patients and families, offering advice, signposting services, and supporting advance care planning

Act as a point of contact for health and social care professionals, providing guidance, end-of-life support, and education opportunities

About us

Oakhaven Hospice serves the community of the New Forest, providing in-patient, day hospice, and community care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, alongside support for families and carers. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a workplace where everyone can be themselves and contribute fully.

Details

Date posted

27 February 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£33,867.60 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B0038-26-0001

Job locations

Lower Pennington Lane

Pennington

Lymington

Hampshire

SO41 8ZZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Contribute to the multi professional clinical team in providing specialist palliative care to patients and their families in the community and in the local community hospital, manage a caseload and deliver high quality, evidence based care.

Work as a member of the Oakhaven Community Palliative Care Team to provide a specialist nursing service for patients and their families / carers with specialist palliative care needs, promoting a culture that supports and enables self-management where possible.

Work with the Oakhaven Community Clinical Nurse Specialists to develop the skills and theoretical knowledge required to become a competent autonomous clinical nurse specialist in palliative care

Undertake training to enable the post holder to:

Accept responsibility to manage their own caseload of patients with specialist palliative care needs

Be able to offer palliative care support and advice to the primary health and social care teams, hospice and hospital staff

Participate in the Oakhaven education programmes for palliative and end of life care

Participate in quality initiatives for service improvement

FULL JD ATTACHED

Job description

Job responsibilities

Contribute to the multi professional clinical team in providing specialist palliative care to patients and their families in the community and in the local community hospital, manage a caseload and deliver high quality, evidence based care.

Work as a member of the Oakhaven Community Palliative Care Team to provide a specialist nursing service for patients and their families / carers with specialist palliative care needs, promoting a culture that supports and enables self-management where possible.

Work with the Oakhaven Community Clinical Nurse Specialists to develop the skills and theoretical knowledge required to become a competent autonomous clinical nurse specialist in palliative care

Undertake training to enable the post holder to:

Accept responsibility to manage their own caseload of patients with specialist palliative care needs

Be able to offer palliative care support and advice to the primary health and social care teams, hospice and hospital staff

Participate in the Oakhaven education programmes for palliative and end of life care

Participate in quality initiatives for service improvement

FULL JD ATTACHED

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Understanding of the principles of palliative and end-of-life care.
  • Awareness of symptom control and holistic patient assessment.
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to discuss sensitive issues with patients, families, and professionals.
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
  • Good organisational and time management skills.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of current national strategies, guidance, and best practice in palliative care.
  • Teaching and presentation skills.
  • Research and audit skills.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered General Nurse (NMC registered).
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development.
  • Palliative care modules or training at diploma/degree level (or willingness to work towards)

Desirable

  • Degree in nursing or related subject.
  • Specialist palliative care qualification (or working towards).
  • Non-medical prescribing qualification (or willingness to work towards).

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Compassionate and empathetic approach to patients and families.
  • Resilient, with the ability to manage emotional challenges of palliative care.
  • Commitment to personal and professional development.
  • Flexible, adaptable, and able to respond to changing service needs.
  • Commitment to Oakhaven Hospice values and ethos.
  • Car driver with access to a vehicle (role may include community/home visits).
  • Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends if required
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Understanding of the principles of palliative and end-of-life care.
  • Awareness of symptom control and holistic patient assessment.
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to discuss sensitive issues with patients, families, and professionals.
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
  • Good organisational and time management skills.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of current national strategies, guidance, and best practice in palliative care.
  • Teaching and presentation skills.
  • Research and audit skills.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered General Nurse (NMC registered).
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development.
  • Palliative care modules or training at diploma/degree level (or willingness to work towards)

Desirable

  • Degree in nursing or related subject.
  • Specialist palliative care qualification (or working towards).
  • Non-medical prescribing qualification (or willingness to work towards).

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Compassionate and empathetic approach to patients and families.
  • Resilient, with the ability to manage emotional challenges of palliative care.
  • Commitment to personal and professional development.
  • Flexible, adaptable, and able to respond to changing service needs.
  • Commitment to Oakhaven Hospice values and ethos.
  • Car driver with access to a vehicle (role may include community/home visits).
  • Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends if required

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

Oakhaven Hospice

Address

Lower Pennington Lane

Pennington

Lymington

Hampshire

SO41 8ZZ


Employer's website

https://www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Oakhaven Hospice

Address

Lower Pennington Lane

Pennington

Lymington

Hampshire

SO41 8ZZ


Employer's website

https://www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Nurse - Community Nursing

Anita Thorne

hradmin@oakhavenhospice.co.uk

01590670346

Details

Date posted

27 February 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£33,867.60 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B0038-26-0001

Job locations

Lower Pennington Lane

Pennington

Lymington

Hampshire

SO41 8ZZ


Supporting documents

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