Job overview
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking two motivated, flexible and resilient Lead Clinical Nurse Specialists to join and lead our Acute Oncology (AO) services across our sites at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital, Worthing Hospital and St Richard’s Hospital.
As Lead CNS, you will provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership for the Acute Oncology, Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) and Immunotherapy Toxicity (OTIS) services. You will lead and line-manage the AO teams across RSCH/PRH or WGH/SRH, working collaboratively with senior leadership to develop high‑quality, responsive services aligned with national recommendations.
Working at an advanced practice level for 50% of your role, you will act as an expert resource across Oncology, demonstrating in‑depth knowledge of cancer, systemic treatments and associated toxicities. You will provide specialist clinical leadership for patients presenting acutely unwell due to cancer or treatment, those with suspected new cancer diagnoses, and patients with CUP, ensuring robust support for individuals and families throughout their pathway, including post‑MDT discussions.
You will join a dynamic, supportive and forward‑thinking Cancer Division committed to delivering consistent standards of care and collaborative working across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
Leading AO service development across designated sites to ensure consistent, high‑quality care.
Providing expert clinical leadership to deliver individualised, patient‑centred acute oncology care in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Strengthening education and training for multidisciplinary teams in AO, CUP and immunotherapy toxicity management.
Enhancing communication, pathways and collaborative working across the wider MDT.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
• Functions as a highly autonomous specialist practitioner, taking a lead role in complex clinical decision‑making for patients in AO. Uses advanced assessment and clinical judgement, particularly in situations without clear precedents or immediate access to senior support, and provides specialist advice, guidance, and leadership to the team in the management of patient
• Explore and initiate innovative ways of collaborating with the multi-disciplinary teams, AO and IO MDTs to continuously improve the care of emergency cancer patients that are either in or attend hospital.
• Practice at an advanced, highly specialist level demonstrating in-depth knowledge and competence in all aspects of cancer and encompassing advanced assessment and clinical management skills that are evidence based.
• Demonstrate high levels of interpersonal and specialist technical skills in managing teams and collaborating with the SDEC/SACT ACPs when caring for patients with AO needs.
• To use highly developed and specialist knowledge to advise hospital staff on the investigations and treatment required by cancer patients during their inpatient or unplanned admission
• Develop and establish clinically effective standards of specialist care, and initiates and develops protocols and guidelines that direct staff in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective specialist AO patient care across the hospital and in the community.
• To collaborate with the development of ambulatory pathways of care for unplanned presentations by patients with cancer
• To work closely with the Sussex cancer centre to ensure rapid specialist review of patients with cancer
• Demonstrate specialist expertise and function as a resource in all aspects of patient’s needs during their acute admissions. Planning, implementing, and evaluating specialist care delivery across the changing health needs.
• Develop a research culture within acute oncology, which focuses upon the quality outcomes of care of the patients’ journey through specialist and generalist areas
• Manage DATIX and complaints as per Trust policy.
• Supervisor for members of the team studying master’s or module to develop their careers
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Experience & Qualifiactions
Essential criteria
1. •Master’s in nursing including advanced clinical practice skill set. [working towards]
2. •Experience in cancer nursing, Acute Oncology and SACT
3. •Cancer or Haematology Nursing Pathway or equivalent
Desirable criteria
4. •Teaching experience
5. •Evidence of quality improvement initiative
6. •Leadership qualification
Skills
Essential criteria
7. •Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
8. •Leadership and influencing skills, self-awareness. Change management and negotiating skills
9. •Able to communicate effectively with carers and colleagues within multidisciplinary team
10. •Able to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to patients, carers, other professionals, and large groups
11. •Ability to problem solve, Highly developed decision-making skills
Desirable criteria
12. Complex Data Analysis
People Managment
Essential criteria
13. •Able to support training of assessment of competency for Haematology/Oncology acute oncology presentations
14. •Able to be a mentor across a range health care professionals on acute oncology presentations
15. •Specialist knowledge of Haematology/Oncology related policies and procedures both Local and National.
16. Able to Line Manage challenging work related issues within the team
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
17. •Comprehensive knowledge of clinical and professional issues relating to nursing and midwifery and the ability to apply these in practice
18. •An understanding of Protection of vulnerable adults and children
19. •An ability to apply and teach audit and evidence-based nursing practice
20. •A comprehensive understanding of resource management, Experience at a senior level
Desirable criteria
21. •Experience of writing reports and presentation skills, Experienced facilitator
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
22. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
23. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications