Job Summary
We welcome applications to join the In‑Patient Unit team, supporting the Specialist Palliative Care Unit Manager and Sisters. The ideal candidate will be a registered nurse, willing to commit to study at least to Masters Level, and should have excellent communication, organisational, leadership and teaching experience, and extensive palliative care experience as a staff nurse.
About the Unit
The Kirkwood provides specialist care, free of charge, to adults in Kirklees with advanced, progressive illnesses from diagnosis to the end of life. Care and support are also provided for families, friends and carers. Through education, training and partnership we improve care for everyone affected by a life‑limiting illness.
Benefits
* 27 days holiday (pro rata for part‑time staff)
* Access to the Employee Assistance Programme
* High‑quality, low‑cost meals at the Dalton site
* Complementary therapies
* Transferable NHS pensions for previous contributors
Job Responsibilities
Working to support the Matron and In‑Patient Unit Manager you will be responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating patient care, and demonstrating high‑quality nursing care through evidence‑based practice.
Primary Responsibilities
* Act as specialist resource to colleagues, MDT members and external agencies.
* Serve as a link nurse for clinical topics and participate in education and training.
* Actively participate in MDT meetings and other clinical meetings, providing feedback and dissemination of information.
* Assume the role of Primary Nurse, organising patient care and delegating duties to nursing staff, giving guidance and support to team members.
* Ensure all medications are stored, administered and recorded according to Hospice policy and legal requirements.
* Report accidents, untoward occurrences or complaints in line with The Kirkwoods policy, and cooperate with investigations.
* Maintain effective patient management, continuity of care and support for patients and families through multi‑disciplinary team involvement.
* Promote and maintain staff morale, providing support, supervision and guidance.
* Maintain effective working relationships with patients, relatives and visitors.
* Ensure all staff are trained in equipment use, prioritising patient and staff safety.
* Develop clinical areas, supporting senior staff through new ideas to improve standards of care.
Managerial Role
* Cooperate with The Kirkwoods administration and carry out nursing administrative duties.
* Maintain agreed stock levels of supplies and equipment.
* Act efficiently and with cost‑effectiveness within The Kirkwood.
* Manage bank staff to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
* Participate in recruitment of junior staff.
* Ensure nursing policies and procedures are adhered to; participate in policy reviews.
* Maintain professional clinical records to NMC and hospice standards, auditing regularly.
* Recognise, prevent and manage conflict areas, reporting to the Matron if unresolved.
* Carry out annual appraisal of team members.
* Respond to concerns of patients, families or carers, escalating when appropriate.
* Work in other areas as required for continuity of patient care.
Educational Role
* Participate in induction, training and ongoing supervision of team members.
* Participate in hospice education and training programmes.
* Undergo annual appraisal.
* Develop and maintain personal and professional knowledge, sharing with multidisciplinary team.
* Act as mentor or clinical supervisor to colleagues and visiting students.
* Access clinical supervision as required.
Quality Assurance Role
* Actively involve in standard setting, implementation and review.
* Undertake surveys, audits or research to ensure evidence‑based practice.
* Suggest areas for clinical development, audit or research relevant to specialist palliative care.
Other Responsibilities
* Work in accordance with The Kirkwood values (Respectful, Inclusive, Passionate, Determined, Open, Honest, Kind, Compassionate, Forward‑thinking, Quality).
* Participate in performance and development review process.
* Undertake any duties required by the management team commensurate with the post.
* Undertake annual mandatory training.
* Maintain confidentiality under employment conditions.
* Respect ethos and values, comply with policies, procedures and regulations.
Person Specification
Qualifications (Essential)
* Registered nurse.
* First degree in a relevant subject area.
Qualifications (Desirable)
* Post‑registration palliative care qualification (e.g., ENB 931, 285 certificate).
Knowledge and Skills (Essential)
* Demonstrable palliative care knowledge, including symptom control.
* Positive attitude to change with knowledge of implementing and managing change.
* Awareness of evidence‑based practice, audit and research.
* Awareness of the impact of loss and bereavement on self and others.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to assess and deliver care for complex patient needs.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* Demonstrates care and compassion.
Experience (Essential)
* Extensive palliative care/hospice experience at staff nurse level.
* Experience of multi‑professional team working.
* Leadership experience.
Experience (Desirable)
* Teaching experience.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure & Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current skilled‑worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer Details
Employer name: The Kirkwood
Address: 21 Albany Road, Dalton, Huddersfield, HD5 9UY
Contact
Website: https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/
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