Associate Clinical Nurse Specialist

The post will involve offering specialist nursing input to patients with UGI cancer. Together with the established UGI team and multi-disciplinary team, the Associate CNS will aim to deliver an enhanced patient experience.

The Associate CNS will work within the busy and dynamic UGI team, managing patient case load. Most patients will be receiving treatment to control their cancer and often have supportive and palliative needs. Sign posting patients to appropriate services, providing advice, support and symptom management is a fundamental aspect of the CNS role. They will be line-managed and work in conjunction with the Band 7 UGI Clinical Nurse Specialist.

On successful completion of the competency framework, the candidate will move into a band 7 CNS role. Duties will include providing highly specialist advice and planning of the UGI service.

The successful candidate will have oncology experience, be highly motivated and driven to improve patient care. The candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. They will also have well-developed clinical and professional leadership skills to encourage and promote best outcomes for patients, their relatives, and carers. The ability to work autonomously is paramount for this post together with confidence to engage and work with a range of colleagues at all levels and from all professional groups.

Main duties of the job

You will provide specialist support and advice to patients with UGI cancer and act as their keyworker. You will oversee and co ordinate care, to deliver a supportive nursing service for patients and their families receiving treatment at The Christie. You will be responsible for delivering specialist CNS cancer care across organisational, professional, and geographical boundaries both autonomously and as part of a dedicated team.

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Outline of Functions

To act as a key contact for patients with UGI, carers and other healthcare professionals.

To provide advice, support and symptom management for patients, carers and other professionals.

To be aware of current best practice in relation to the treatment and management of patients with UGI cancer.

To undertake clinical and organisational audit in order to improve practice.

To accept referrals and undertake a holistic assessment of patient needs.

In collaboration with UGI CNS colleagues, act as a point of contact for patients and their carers.

Attend both medical & clinical oncology UGI clinics at The Christie and to meet patients and their families in order to provide information about treatment, offer psychological support and assist with the general running of clinics.

To be fully conversant with treatment protocols and to be aware of current research protocols and to liaise with the UGI Research Nurses as appropriate.

Ensure accurate documentation of patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards.

When appropriate to be aware of UGI patients admitted as inpatients and liaise, when necessary, with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) involved in their care.

To attend and contribute to MDT meetings and other meetings as appropriate.

To always act in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code guiding documents.

To carry out duties as directed in order to ensure that clinics run effectively and timely with an aim to improve the patient experience.

Professional/Clinical Leadership.

To act as a role model and expert resource to patients, carers and colleagues.

Act as a specialist resource for the ward team who provide care for patients with UGI cancer.

Evaluate service delivery; identify areas for improvement and initiate change. Involve patients and the public in service development, as appropriate.

Provide written evidence of service development and performance.

Initiate and support clinical developments and projects to promote excellence in patient care.

Receive clinical supervision and mentorship to facilitate reflective practice.

Attend and participate in the CNS Forum.

Education and Development.

To participate in annual appraisal and accept personal responsibility for professional growth and development. Maintain a professional portfolio.

Ensure compliance with Trust essential training.

Contribute to educational programmes in collaboration with CNS colleagues e.g. ward teaching, dissemination of best practice through presentation at conferences, Trust UGI patient education days.

Attend educational meetings and conferences in order to keep up dated with current best practice with an aim to maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Together with other professional colleagues, develop information and resources for patients and their carers.

Research and Audit

To ensure that clinical practice is based on evidence, ensuring this is disseminated to colleagues and the greater network.

To identify opportunities for nursing research, and when appropriate to participate in research, clinical audit and benchmarking, in order to improve patient care.

Evaluate service delivery; identify areas for improvement and initiate change.

Person Specification Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in nursing studies.
• Palliative Care Certificate.
• Counselling certificate.
• Advanced communication skills certificate.
• Non Medical Prescriber

Experience

• Experience post registration, including UGI oncology experience.
• UGI experience.
• CNS experience.
• Experience in caring for patients with palliative needs.

Skills

• Able to work autonomously and within a team.
• Aware of limitations.
• Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues across health and social care setting.
• Good organisational/prioritising skills
• Evidence of effective team working across professional and organisational boundaries.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of professional and NHS issues, and policies relating to UGI speciality.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Evidence of effective team working across professional and organisational boundaries.

Other

• Demonstrates flexibility in working hours.

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.

£39,959 to £56,515 a year per annum pro rata