Job summary
Senior Sister
Department:Ward 25
Band 7 Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 37.5 all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
A fantastic opportunity has arisen within our Cancer Service for an opportunity as a senior sister on ward 25. at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
The team aspire to provide exceptional care for the public of Milton Keynes and as such we are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic, proactive and motivated Registered Nurse to assist us to achieve our aspirations. Are you that nurse?
The successful candidate will work alongside the current senior structure within the Cancer Centre, collaborating to ensure the provision of high quality, visible, professional leadership, setting and maintaining standards of clinical excellence, improving outcomes and experiences for patients, families, and carers within the Haematology service.
Experience and understanding caring for patients with cancer and a nationally recognised Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy course is desirable.
The post holder will work on service development and governance to ensure the Ward maintains high national and peer review standards.
This rapidly expanding modern and busy centre offers many training opportunities for their staff, recent developments have led to the opening of our cancer centre in February 2020.
Opportunities to develop both clinical & managerial skills & for further study.
Interview date: Week commencing 2nd February 2026.
Main duties of the job
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
"- NHS Survey, 2024'' 94% feel that their role makes a difference to patience and service users.
A forward thinking & supportive Management Team, Nurse Practitioners, Palliative Care Team & Macmillan Information and Support Centre support this developing service.
o To act as the professional role model, leading and co-ordinating the nursing team.
o To have continuous responsibility for the management and organisation of the ward/department within the available resources.
o To be accountable for the overall provision of excellent nursing care and to work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team.
o To assess the effectiveness of current practices within the ward/department and introduce innovations that lead to improved quality of care.
o To maintain the highest standards of patient care at all times, ensuring that quality and compassion are your top priorities.
We passionately believe in holistic care, with a newly established wellbeing team to enhance the recovery package for patients living with and beyond cancer. We have a Citizen Advice Bureau on-site and offer a wide range of carers and patient support groups.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Practice
Act as a credible, strong and visible role model in the ward ensuring that there is regular contact with patients, carers and staff.
Develops and maintains a quality service ensuring that all staff are aware of the key objectives/ambitions of the unit and the ward area.
Provide excellent clinical leadership by demonstrating best practice in the clinical environment, working on a one-to-one basis with both staff and patients and engaging with other members of the MDT to observe performance of care from all levels; challenging, correcting or encouraging as practice is observed, ensuring high standards are maintained.
Management
To participate in the development of Divisional and Trust policies, ensuring that they reflect the strategic plans of the Trust.
Ensure the effective utilisation of staffing resources over a 24-hour period to maintain safe staffing levels according to care needs and within budget.
To monitor the ward workload and patient acuity in relation to staffing skill and patient ratio and to ensure appropriate staffing.
To monitor closely and manage staff sickness/absence adhering to the Trusts HR policies and identify symptoms of stress and manage these accordingly.
Education
Take a lead role in the education and assessment of all nursing staff and pre and post registration students ensuring an appropriate learning environment in accordance with the University and Trust requirements.
Ensure that ward staffs education aims to meet the requirements of National Cancer Standards & specialty in order to meet the physical, psychological and treatment needs of Cancer inpatients.
Promote a positive learning environment within the unit for all staff, in conjunction with the Matron.
Undertake the regular performance review of staff, setting clear and achievable objectives appropriate to the grade and role.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Practice
Act as a credible, strong and visible role model in the ward ensuring that there is regular contact with patients, carers and staff.
Develops and maintains a quality service ensuring that all staff are aware of the key objectives/ambitions of the unit and the ward area.
Provide excellent clinical leadership by demonstrating best practice in the clinical environment, working on a one-to-one basis with both staff and patients and engaging with other members of the MDT to observe performance of care from all levels; challenging, correcting or encouraging as practice is observed, ensuring high standards are maintained.
Management
To participate in the development of Divisional and Trust policies, ensuring that they reflect the strategic plans of the Trust.
Ensure the effective utilisation of staffing resources over a 24-hour period to maintain safe staffing levels according to care needs and within budget.
To monitor the ward workload and patient acuity in relation to staffing skill and patient ratio and to ensure appropriate staffing.
To monitor closely and manage staff sickness/absence adhering to the Trusts HR policies and identify symptoms of stress and manage these accordingly.
Education
Take a lead role in the education and assessment of all nursing staff and pre and post registration students ensuring an appropriate learning environment in accordance with the University and Trust requirements.
Ensure that ward staffs education aims to meet the requirements of National Cancer Standards & specialty in order to meet the physical, psychological and treatment needs of Cancer inpatients.
Promote a positive learning environment within the unit for all staff, in conjunction with the Matron.
Undertake the regular performance review of staff, setting clear and achievable objectives appropriate to the grade and role.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- RGN with relevant post registration experience.
- Relevant First Degree/ENB 237/A27 or equivalent
- Chemotherapy course
- ENB 998 and relevant teaching experience.
- Evidence of own updating and academic education
Desirable
- Advanced Communication skills training
Experience
Essential
- RGN with relevant post registration experience in specialty
- Experience of managing cancer inpatient ward including inpatient Systemic Anti- Cancer Therapy.
- Relevant experience at Band 6 level.
- Excellent communication skills
- Previous budgetary experience
- Knowledge of clinical trials and their use within a Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy setting
- Audit awareness
Desirable
- Knowledge of Peer review process
Skills
Essential
- Proven ability in cannulation and administration of Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy
- Knowledge relating to pathways and treatment for solid tumours and haematological malignancies
- Evidence of leadership qualities
- Management of CVAD's
Personal and people development
Essential
- Maturity / self awareness
- Good team working skills
- Sensitivity based on knowledge
- Enthusiasm / motivation
- Good interpersonal skills
Communication
Essential
- Good verbal and non-verbal skills
- Advanced communication course
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- RGN with relevant post registration experience.
- Relevant First Degree/ENB 237/A27 or equivalent
- Chemotherapy course
- ENB 998 and relevant teaching experience.
- Evidence of own updating and academic education
Desirable
- Advanced Communication skills training
Experience
Essential
- RGN with relevant post registration experience in specialty
- Experience of managing cancer inpatient ward including inpatient Systemic Anti- Cancer Therapy.
- Relevant experience at Band 6 level.
- Excellent communication skills
- Previous budgetary experience
- Knowledge of clinical trials and their use within a Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy setting
- Audit awareness
Desirable
- Knowledge of Peer review process
Skills
Essential
- Proven ability in cannulation and administration of Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy
- Knowledge relating to pathways and treatment for solid tumours and haematological malignancies
- Evidence of leadership qualities
- Management of CVAD's
Personal and people development
Essential
- Maturity / self awareness
- Good team working skills
- Sensitivity based on knowledge
- Enthusiasm / motivation
- Good interpersonal skills
Communication
Essential
- Good verbal and non-verbal skills
- Advanced communication course
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
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).
