Job summary
Are you an experienced and compassionate nurse with a passion for palliative care?
Were offering an exciting opportunity to join our Community Specialist Palliative Care Team at Ashgate Hospice on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. This is a rewarding role for someone who wants to make a real difference to patients and families living with life limiting illness in North Derbyshire.
The ideal candidate will have the skills and confidence to work at Band 7 level delivering complex clinical care, leading on holistic assessment and symptom management, and contributing to education, service improvement, and multidisciplinary working.
However, we also welcome applications from Band 6-level nurses with relevant experience and a strong commitment to developing in post. Youll be supported with a clear development plan, clinical supervision, and access to training, with the opportunity to progress to the Specialist Nurse role if competencies are met.
Main duties of the job
In this role, youll use your clinical expertise to assess, manage, and support patients with complex palliative care needs across home and care settings. Youll work collaboratively with GPs, District Nurses, AHPs, and hospital teams to deliver coordinated, holistic care always guided by Ashgates values of compassion, dignity, and excellence.
Youll manage your own caseload, contribute to service development, and participate in reflective practice, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
To thrive in this role, youll need current NMC registration, experience at Band 5 or above, and a relevant Level 6 qualification (or the willingness to work towards it). Excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to learning are essential. A full driving licence and access to a car for community visits is required.
For full details, see the attached job description or to learn more about the role, please contact Sophie Dudley at 01246 565026/or 07496 764217 email sophie.dudley@ashgatehospice.org.uk . Wed also be happy to arrange a visit.
About us
Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end of life care for adults with life-limiting or incurable illnesses, including cancer, neurological diseases, and advanced heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Last year, we cared for over 2,400 people. Our aim is to support our patients by keeping them informed, managing their symptoms, and improving their quality of life from diagnosis onwards.
We also provide vital support to the people who are important to them, offering practical assistance and emotional support, including bereavement services.
Were more than a care provider. Were a campaigner for sustainable end of life care funding in the UK, and we continually invest in our services and workforce.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now button on our website. We cannot accept applications sent directly to HR or the recruiting manager.
If you're successful, a DBS check will be part of the pre-employment process, with further details available in the candidate notes. As a healthcare provider, we prioritise safety, so we encourage and recommend all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have the flu jab, unless exempt. If you need assistance during the recruitment process, our HR team is available at hr@ashgatehospice.org.uk or 01246 568 801.
We are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, or health needs. As part of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion goals, we guarantee to shortlist disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. To support your success, well share interview questions with all will be shortlisted candidates in advance.
Additional resources, like the Health Adjustment Passport and Access to Work scheme, are available to support adjustments or needs. For further guidance, you can also reach out to the Disability Employment Service or Reed in Partnership, Chesterfield Office. Our HR team is happy to help with any questions about adjustments or accessibility.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now button on our website. We cannot accept applications sent directly to HR or the recruiting manager.
If you're successful, a DBS check will be part of the pre-employment process, with further details available in the candidate notes. As a healthcare provider, we prioritise safety, so we encourage and recommend all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have the flu jab, unless exempt. If you need assistance during the recruitment process, our HR team is available at hr@ashgatehospice.org.uk or 01246 568 801.
We are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, or health needs. As part of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion goals, we guarantee to shortlist disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. To support your success, well share interview questions with all will be shortlisted candidates in advance.
Additional resources, like the Health Adjustment Passport and Access to Work scheme, are available to support adjustments or needs. For further guidance, you can also reach out to the Disability Employment Service or Reed in Partnership, Chesterfield Office. Our HR team is happy to help with any questions about adjustments or accessibility.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current registration with the NMC
- Level 6 degree in palliative care or a related subject
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Completion of Advanced Pain and Symptom Management training, or a commitment to ongoing participation
- in such CPD
- Completion of Advanced Communication Skills Training (or equivalent), and commitment to regular refresher
- training
Desirable
- Advanced Physical Assessment and Consultation Skills qualification, or willingness to undertake within a
- specified timeframe
- Non-Medical Prescribing qualification, or willingness to undertake
- Teaching and Assessing or Mentorship qualification, or willingness to complete
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrates the ability to assess, negotiate, implement, and evaluate care for patients and families with
- complex palliative care needs
- Able to critically evaluate evidence and apply it to clinical practice
- Strong team-working skills across multi-professional boundaries
- Ability to work collaboratively across healthcare sectors and service boundaries
- Self-motivated with the ability to inspire and motivate others
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Confidence in managing sensitive, complex, and emotionally challenging situations
- Capable of managing and influencing change within a clinical setting
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Effective organisational skills, including the ability to manage own workload and support others
- Competent in basic IT and administrative skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Minimum of 2 years post-registration experience at Band 5 or above
- Experience in a relevant clinical setting, such as palliative care, oncology, long-term conditions, or
- community healthcare
- Sound clinical knowledge of disease processes and symptom management in palliative care
- Good understanding of current and emerging issues within the palliative care field
- Proven experience in managing a caseload
- Experience in delivering teaching or supporting the learning of others
- Involvement in implementing service improvements or changes to practice
Desirable
- Ability to lead or contribute to clinical audit as part of quality or service improvement, or willingness to
- develop this skill.
- Experience of using the SystmOne clinical record system
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current registration with the NMC
- Level 6 degree in palliative care or a related subject
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Completion of Advanced Pain and Symptom Management training, or a commitment to ongoing participation
- in such CPD
- Completion of Advanced Communication Skills Training (or equivalent), and commitment to regular refresher
- training
Desirable
- Advanced Physical Assessment and Consultation Skills qualification, or willingness to undertake within a
- specified timeframe
- Non-Medical Prescribing qualification, or willingness to undertake
- Teaching and Assessing or Mentorship qualification, or willingness to complete
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrates the ability to assess, negotiate, implement, and evaluate care for patients and families with
- complex palliative care needs
- Able to critically evaluate evidence and apply it to clinical practice
- Strong team-working skills across multi-professional boundaries
- Ability to work collaboratively across healthcare sectors and service boundaries
- Self-motivated with the ability to inspire and motivate others
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Confidence in managing sensitive, complex, and emotionally challenging situations
- Capable of managing and influencing change within a clinical setting
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Effective organisational skills, including the ability to manage own workload and support others
- Competent in basic IT and administrative skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Minimum of 2 years post-registration experience at Band 5 or above
- Experience in a relevant clinical setting, such as palliative care, oncology, long-term conditions, or
- community healthcare
- Sound clinical knowledge of disease processes and symptom management in palliative care
- Good understanding of current and emerging issues within the palliative care field
- Proven experience in managing a caseload
- Experience in delivering teaching or supporting the learning of others
- Involvement in implementing service improvements or changes to practice
Desirable
- Ability to lead or contribute to clinical audit as part of quality or service improvement, or willingness to
- develop this skill.
- Experience of using the SystmOne clinical record system
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).
