Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS SUSSEX NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
Cancer Services at Royal Sussex County Hospital are proud to offer an exciting opportunity for Band 5 Staff Nurses to apply for a part-time position within the Sussex Cancer Centre.
This position is ideal for SACT-trained nurses who are looking to expand their knowledge, develop their understanding, and progress within the specialised field of Oncology Nursing in a large tertiary centre.
The role will primarily involve working within the SACT Unit at the Sussex Cancer Centre Brighton; however, successful candidates may also be required to provide cover within the Haematology/Oncology Ward and Day Unit at Brighton or Princess Royal Hospital as needed.
You will be working in our SACT Day Unit's, where you will be taking part in the administration of SACT, learning about Oncology malignancies and non-malignancies, their specific treatments and care. You will nurse Oncology patients to include symptom management, and administration of SACT.
You will spend time with other cancer specialist services include Clinical Nurse Specialists, ANPs and the Acute Oncology Team.
The staff nurse is a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing skilled care and advice to cancer patients and their families/partners/friends in the outpatient setting.
Main duties of the job
Whilst working at the Sussex Cancer Centre you will administer systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT); this will include information giving, assessment of patients, administration of treatments and management of side-effects in an out-patient setting. They will be participating in nurse led services, including the satellite Haematology/Oncology unit at the Princess Royal Hospital.
The post holder will learn about disease related symptom and treatment related symptom management. They will learn about high-standards of end-of-life care and spend time with other cancer specialist services including clinical nurse specialists, ACPs, the palliative care and the acute oncology teams.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communication
1. Regularly interact with patients/carers/relatives and all identified on list of key working relationships.
2. Regularly interact and communicate with patients/carers who have diverse limitations in their ability to communicate, ranging from physical, emotional and cultural.
3. Provide highly complex information to patients/carers about all aspects of the cancer disease process (diagnosis, prognosis, symptom management and when treatment fails).
4. Provide highly complex information to patients/carers about all aspects of treatment (SACT, radiotherapy, venous access devices, side effects management). Using the highest level of communication and interpersonal skills and ensuring that the information is in an easily understood language.
5. Demonstrate highly developed communication skills.
6. Be skilled at providing reassurance and support.
7. Be skilled at emphasising and communicating bad news with sensitivity.
8. Be skilled in discussing difficult decisions for example terminating treatment and end-of-life issues.
9. Identify the patient and carers coping mechanisms, being aware of individual strategies adopted. Encourage the individual to explore positive ways of coping accessing counselling and complementary therapy services as appropriate.
10. Ensure that clinical and managerial records/documentation are maintained accurately and in accordance with current guidelines (written and computer data base records).
11. Input and maintain accurate information about patient’s diagnosis and chemotherapy treatments onto Chemo Care.
Service Delivery and Improvement
12. Contribute to the development of the profession within the Trust, participating in projects.
13. Use the Patient First program to review and improve services
14. Involvement in service improvements
-- Please see Job Description & Person Specs --
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
15. NMC registered Nurse
16. Chemotherapy course or equivalent
17. Degree or Nursing equivalent
Desirable criteria
18. Mentorship
Skills
Essential criteria
19. Oncology experience
20. Experience in an NHS or UK healthcare setting.
Desirable criteria
21. Experience with supervising junior staff
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
22. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
23. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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