Job overview
We are currently looking for a Senior Staff Nurse to join us at Sussex Cancer Centre (SCC) & Princess Royal Hosptial Systematic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) Unit
The Senior Staff Nurse is a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing skilled care and specialist knowledge to cancer patients and their families / partners /friends undertaking SACT at the both sites.
The post holder will lead with clinical excellence in the management and support of staff, administrating and caring for patients on SACT. The post holder will have the ability to identify the particular needs of these patients and provide information, support and specialist expertise to enable nursing staff and the patients/carers to understand and cope with diagnosis and treatment.
The post holder will assist the Unit Manager in maintaining the effective management of staff, safety and resources in providing a high standard of patient care and smooth running of the service.
Main duties of the job
1. Management and coordination of a clinical area on the SACT unit.
2. Administer SACT and IV drugs as part of nurse led SACT service.
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. Have highly developed knowledge of the drugs administered for the treatment of cancer and the potential complications and side effects of these drugs.
5. During administration of treatments provide highly skilled nursing care to ensure patient safety. This includes the immediate management of acute reactions and potential complications during drug administration, for example the extravasation of chemotherapy.
6. Demonstrate highly developed skills in cannulation and venepuncture skills with appropriate training
Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
7. Work unsupervised providing nursing care as part of the multi-disciplinary team to patients on the Unit - Communicating with, and referring to other healthcare professionals as necessary.
8. Deliver a high standard of individualised holistic patient care to promote and maintain all aspects of his / her physical, social, cultural and psychological well-being.
9. Provide highly complex information to patients / carers about all aspects of treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, venous access devices, side effects management). Using the highest level of communication and interpersonal skills and ensuring that the information is in easily understood language.
10. Act as a role model and ensure effective staff supervision with clinical practice, working with staff and patients in an advisory, teaching and support capacity and maintaining professional competence, authority and credibility.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
11. NMC registered
12. SACT Qualification
13. Experience in supervising and educating junior staff
14. Excellent Communication skills
15. Evidence of service improvement
Desirable criteria
16. Leadership Course
17. Physical assessment course
18. Advanced Communication course
19. Psychological therapies L2
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
20. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
21. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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