Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job responsibilities

To support the holistic care of people with specialist palliative care needs in the community through the provision of expert palliative care assessment and management, in line with their personal priorities and goals.

To act as a specialist resource for the patient, their families and the wider health and social care team in the support and care of people with life limiting illness including physical, psychological, social or spiritual support needs.

As a senior member of the Integrated Clinical Team, to play an active role in clinical governance, clinical service development, audit and research, including leadership of clinically facing projects.

To work in an integrated way, fostering strong working relationships and effective communication to ensure seamless support and care for patients and families.

To support 7-day service provision and participate in the Clinical On-call rota.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge and confidence of commonly used medications/ therapeutic interventions
• Knowledge of the national and local agenda for EOLC (end of life care)
• Good understanding of the principles of Rehabilitative Palliative Care

Desirable

• Extensive knowledge of clinical governance, specifically related to advanced practice
• Extensive knowledge of national and local legislation, policies and procedures relating to the job and good understanding of those relating to Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Data protection.
• Understanding of the philosophy and principles of palliative care and the role of the specialist clinician in this area

Qualifications

Essential

• RGN
• Degree in relevant studies
• Evidence of Continued Professional Development
• Post qualification in cancer / palliative care/ non-malignant disease or relevant subject
• Non-medical prescribing qualification
• Advanced Healthcare Clinical Assessment Skills

Desirable

• MSc in palliative care or related subject
• Advanced communication skills
• Research qualification
• Post qualification in cancer / palliative care/ non-malignant disease or relevant subject

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Able to initiate and manage changes in clinical practice related to palliative care
• IT literate and able to use Microsoft Office
• Able to teach a range of health care providers both formally and informally
• Ability to think laterally, problem solve and work flexibly, managing time, self and own workload
• Ability to motivate self and others
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
• Ability to prioritise workload and be a good time manager
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions

Desirable

• Ability to integrate a rehabilitative approach into practice

Experience

Essential

• Proven and relevant clinical experience working autonomously at a senior level.
• Evidence of experience with palliative/EOLC patients and families.
• Experience of working in different health care settings
• Problem solving and clinical decision making
• Experience of multi-professional working
• Ability to lead and influence change
• Experience supporting colleagues/ student nurses

Desirable

• Evidence of managing patient caseload in community/ward setting
• Experience of formal/informal teaching
• Previous experience of working as a clinical nurse specialist
• Experience in non-malignant disease
• Experience of audit and research
• Leadership and management experience

Qualities and Attributes

Essential

• Resilient practitioner and decision maker with the ability to work and remain calm under pressure
• Ability to foster positive relations
• High standards of integrity, diplomacy and reliability
• Confident and self-aware of own limitations and professional boundaries
• Professional, confident and compassionate approach to the work.

Other requirements

Essential

• Full driving licence and access to own car or be able to adequately demonstrate how you will be able to meet the travelling requirements of the post in a timely manner.

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).