Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Faster Diagnosis Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to join our team on a one-year fixed-term contract. This role plays a pivotal part in streamlining the diagnostic process for patients referred under the cancer pathway. The successful candidate will provide specialist clinical leadership, ensure timely diagnostics in compliance with Faster Diagnosis Standards (FDS), and offer tailored care and emotional support. This role is integral in enhancing patient experience, minimising delays, and improving clinical outcomes through collaboration, education, and quality improvement initiatives within QVH and externally.
The FDS CNS plays a vital role within the skin cancer care pathway, ensuring patients referred with suspected cancer are supported through timely, efficient, and patient-centred diagnostic processes. Acting as a key liaison between patients, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), and external agencies, the FDS Nurse ensures that national Faster Diagnosis Standards are met, particularly the 28-day diagnostic target. The role encompasses clinical leadership, pathway coordination, and the provision of tailored emotional and practical support, enhancing both patient outcomes and experience.
Responsibilities
* Provide specialist, holistic, and compassionate care to patients and families throughout their diagnostic pathway.
* Act as a key contact and advocate for patients, particularly those who are vulnerable or experiencing delays.
* Conduct thorough patient assessments, triage referrals, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and escalate concerns appropriately.
* Communicate results and care plans clearly to patients and the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
* Use expert clinical judgment to identify red flags and tailor care pathways to individual needs.
* Promote shared decision-making and patient empowerment.
* Collaborate across internal and external services to ensure seamless and timely diagnostic care.
* Engage in clinical audits, research, and service improvement to enhance outcomes.
Education & Training
* Act as a specialist resource and educator for staff, patients and families.
* Develop and deliver training for staff and produce patient education materials.
* Mentor students and new staff members.
* Promote health education and professional development within the team.
Managerial Responsibilities
* Lead and improve 28 FDS pathways and services.
* Participate in MDT meetings, focusing on patient-centred decision-making.
* Work with external partners to enhance referral processes and service delivery.
* Drive pathway redesign and service development initiatives.
* Collaborate with all operational teams to meet KPIs, such as the 28-day FDS target.
* Actively contribute to pathway improvement projects, such as reducing waiting times or streamlining referrals.
Clinical Practice & Interactions
* Provide specialist support to patients and their families / carers, empowering them to participate in their treatment and rehabilitation.
* Act as a primary point of contact, delivering seamless, compassionate care and providing reassurance throughout the diagnostic pathway.
* Foster strong relationships with patients, families, and caregivers, addressing concerns and anxieties related to cancer diagnostics.
* Advocate for patients during delays or disruptions in their diagnostic pathway, particularly for vulnerable patient groups.
* Conduct specialist patient-centred discussions about diagnostic tests, results, and next steps, ensuring understanding and alleviating concerns.
* Develop and maintain effective communication with patients, ensuring they are informed of any changes in their pathway.
* Provide holistic care, including emotional and psychosocial support.
* Promote collaborative working within the multidisciplinary team, with a patient-centred focus.
* Order and monitor diagnostic tests in line with clinical guidelines.
* Identify delays in the diagnostic process and implement solutions to minimise their impact and improve the referral process internally and externally for all services.
* Assess, develop and implement specialist care pathways tailored to individual patients’ holistic needs, service improvement and needs.
* Engage with external agencies to coordinate care for complex specialist cases and update care pathways as required.
* Promote shared decision-making and empower patients to take an active role in their care.
* Apply up-to-date evidence and clinical guidelines to deliver high-quality care, developing further pathways or protocols as required.
* Support and participate in research and audits to improve patient outcomes and assess compliance with national standards.
* Engage in research projects, such as clinical trials or service evaluations, to contribute to evidence-based improvements and developing specialised programmes of care for skin patients.
* Analyse patient outcome data to inform and refine diagnostic processes.
* The post holder operates with a high level of independence and clinical autonomy, making independent clinical judgements, initiating investigations and leading service delivery.
Education and Training
* Act as a specialist resource for staff education, sharing expertise and promoting professional development.
* Provide education and health promotion to staff, patients and families in the speciality of skin cancer.
* Develop and implement training sessions for colleagues on diagnostic standards, pathways, and patient care.
* Provide patients with clear, accessible information about their diagnosis and care options.
* Contribute to the mentorship of students and new staff to the Trust.
* Develop educational materials for patients, such as leaflets or digital resources, to improve understanding and self-management.
General & Professional Development
* Act in accordance with the NMC Code at all times, maintain clinical expertise and knowledge and professional revalidation.
* Contribute to the achievement of corporate nursing objectives, participating in organisational and professional activities as appropriate.
* Maintain strict confidentiality with regard to patient information.
* Adhere to all trust policies and procedures.
* Participate in the Trust’s annual appraisal system designed to identify objectives and personal development opportunities.
* Participate in the Trust’s annual pay progression review (if applicable).
* Ensure that all mandatory training is up to date.
* Engage in continuous professional development to maintain advanced clinical skills.
General
To undertake any other reasonable duties, responsibilities or projects as requested commensurate with the post holder’s skills, knowledge and experience.
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