Job overview
The post-holder will work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist delivering an expert, specialist service to patients diagnosed with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC). The role includes developing, implementing and evaluating a seamless specialist service ensuring that patients receive thehighest standard of clinical careand have accesstothefull resourcesofthemulti-disciplinaryteamwhilstreceivingall aspects of treatment.
This will be achieved through autonomous clinical practice, management of patient caseload,education,research,auditandprofessionalactivitiesrelatingtometastatic colorectal cancer care.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will have close working relationships with the Colorectal cancer Multi-DisciplinaryTeam,ConsultantOncologists, NurseClinician mCRC,Consultant ClinicalLead,ConsultantColorectalSurgeons,ColorectalClinicalNurseSpecialists, Cancer Support Workers, the Oncology Department, Palliative Care Services and Primary Care.
The post holder would be named key worker for this specialist area and have expert skills set to support patient through cancer pathway and offer personalised care. Promotion of safe, competent and evidence based practice aligned to local and national SOPs and standards within clinical governance framework.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. NMC Level 1 Registration
6. BSc/1st degree (Health Related) or equivalent qualification / training and experience
7. Post registration qualification in colorectal, oncology or palliative care
8. Advanced Communication Skills training
Desirable criteria
9. Counselling skills training
10. Post registration qualification in SACT
11. Working towards MSc
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
12. Evidence of managing self and working unsupervised or with minimal supervision for at least three years.
13. Worked specifically with colorectal patient groups for an appropriate time span
14. Expert in nurse led practice
15. Knowledge of Trust policies and procedures and ability to translate these into action
16. Knowledge of current management of patients with breast cancer
17. Knowledge of current clinical and nursing research related to breast cancers
Desirable criteria
18. Knowledge of national guidance relating to colorectal cancer services, and the NHS Cancer Plan
Skills
Essential criteria
19. Excellent communication and organisational skills
20. Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a small team, as well as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team
21. Excellent teaching and training skills
22. Able to problem solve and initiate change
23. Able to work across professional team and organisational boundaries
Desirable criteria
24. Ability to deliver informal and formal lectures at all levels
25. Audit experience
26. IT skills