Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated haematology nurse to join our growing team of clinical nurse specialists managing patients who require Apheresis.
Our nurse-led unit is highly specialised in the treatment of sickle cell disease and other conditions that require apheresis. The role has a wonderful mix of clinical and administrative responsibilities. We provide planned and emergency exchanges on our day unit and off-site exchanges in areas such as critical care units. We also perform therapeutic plasma exchange and white cell collections. It is an exciting time to join our team at GSTT.
We are one of the largest centres for patients with sickle cell disease in the UK. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and has experience, knowledge and skills in Haematology and Apheresis. You must be dynamic, caring and committed to support others.
The Apheresis service at Guys is a service that manages the local population as well as patients seeking specialised treatments from across the UK. You will work closely with and be supported by a team of fantastic Consultants, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Specialist Nurses and the haematology day unit team.
Main duties of the job will cover 0800-20:00 Monday to Friday. The applicant should anticipate weekend working for emergency exchanges We open for reduced Apheresis services on Bank holidays and limited weekends. Eventually we may aim for weekends to be permanent in the future.
Closing Date: 12th April 2026
Interview Date: 24th April 2026
Main duties of the job
The deputy clinical nurse specialist will be a role model, who is operationally responsible for the apheresis procedures. With the support of other clinical nurse specialists, advanced nurse practitioners and senior management team they will contribute towards a positive patient experience and take pride in strengthening a well-established service.
They will be supported to provide knowledge and clinical oversight to our junior nursing team. They will be passionate about role modelling and teaching evidence-based care whilst managing their own case load.
The role requires the candidate to become an expert in cannulation and the nursing team will provide support to ensure the successful applicant can cannulate under ultrasound. Likewise, some of the patient groups we treat have difficult veins that are not suitable for peripheral Apheresis. As such, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to insert femoral lines locally due to this service being provided by our highly skilled nursing workforce. They will be responsible for off-site exchanges and providing leadership and expertise on the apheresis unit
Additionally, the role requires administrative and management time for the nurse to write and update standard operating procedures, clinical guidelines and for the planning and implementation of the unit to become JACIE accredited specific to the Apheresis service.
Working for our organisation
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best known hospitals – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK’s busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
We have around 22,700 staff, making us one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and one of the biggest employers locally. We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. The main purpose of this role is to provide expert treatment, care, coordination and support for patients who are undergoing Apheresis.
The role will involve effective teamwork and communication with a wide spectrum of multidisciplinary teams. The post holder will be required to work autonomously and exercise a high level of clinical expertise when identifying and caring for the specific needs of patients when undergoing apheresis.
The role includes close communication and contact with our consultant and senior nursing colleagues to manage the apheresis requirements of inpatients and elective procedures. They will contribute strategic planning of Apheresis into the future within this exciting area of nursing.
The post holder will also be expected to contribute to advancing the body of knowledge through education, research and audit as well as developing practice in others. This post offers an excellent opportunity to engage in planning, delivery and evaluation of an enhanced nurse led Apheresis Service. There will be chances to progress professionally and personally by completing modules such as conscious sedation training, Intermediate Life Support and good clinical practice.
Excellent interpersonal skills, senior nursing experience, knowledge of apheresis and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams is essential.
Previous experience in Haematology and apheresis along with evidence of a high level of clinical expertise and continuing professional development are considered essential to this role.
To support the Apheresis team in continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and assisting in the implementation of changes in response.
To participate in any research projects conducted in the clinical area as appropriate
Person specification
Skills
Essential criteria
2. Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate specialist care delivered to patients/clients and give relevant advice/information to patients and relatives.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of clinical governance and risk management and how this effects their role and the department
4. Evidence of involvement and leadership in teaching and mentoring learners
5. Demonstrates specialist expertise underpinned by theory acquired through CPD
6. Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues.
7. Knowledge of evidence based practice.
8. In depth drugs knowledge
9. An understanding of audit and research based nursing practice.
10. An understanding of resource management
11. Good communication skills and ability to deal with sensitive information. To include dealing with distressed relatives, care of terminally ill & other challenging situations
12. Demonstrates ability to influence and negotiate with others. Ability to organise and plan own time and that of junior staff and learners.
13. You will be able decide how best to achieve expected results, whilst acting within clearly defined policies/ procedures and codes of conduct.
Desirable criteria
14. Apheresis Skills
15. Cannulation experience/ USS
Qualifications
Essential criteria
16. BSC/1st degree (health related) or equivalent qualification/training and experience
17. Post registration course relevant to the speciality
18. RN1/ RN2/ RN12 or RN Child Registered Nurse on the NMC register. To hold the appropriate level for the area of speciality.
Experience
Essential criteria
19. Previous post registration experience within the relevant specialty
20. Experienced and competent in the management of patients within the speciality
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.