Job overview
We are looking for a positive and enthusiastic nurse with a strong work ethic and a solid clinical background in either surgery or cancer care to join our well-established team of Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists at Band 6 level. This is a development role where you will be supported by expert clinicians and specialists to enhance your skills and knowledge in managing patients with breast cancers, eventually progressing to Band 7 level when the requisite competencies have been achieved.
This post will focus primarily on the surgical aspect of the breast cancer pathway.
The Breast CNS team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is a forward-thinking, patient-focused team providing a high standard of care for patients diagnosed with breast cancer, embracing change to improve patient experience.
The CNS Team are an integral part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) and work closely with medical/surgical colleagues, diagnostic services, inpatient and outpatient teams to provide a holistic and patient-centred service. The CNS team have strong links with Kent Oncology Centre to ensure a streamlined pathway of care for patients.
The CNS Team also includes a Cancer Support Worker who provides a valuable contribution to the patient pathway.
Main duties of the job
The role will include learning how to practice at an advanced level to provide in-depth knowledge on the care pathway and complex needs of patients diagnosed with breast cancer and learning how to take the lead on the day-to-day running of the service.
You will work clinically with the Band 7 CNS Team, learning to support patients and carers from the time of referral to provide specialist nursing advice and practical and psychosocial support including Holistic Assessments and Personalised Care Plans.
The post will involve cross-site working and a degree of flexibility to meet the needs of the service. We currently operate a Monday to Friday service and are happy to consider a flexible working pattern providing the needs of the service are met.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is a large acute hospital Trust in the county of Kent.
The Trust provides a full range of general hospital services and some areas of specialist complex care to around 760,000 people living in the south part of West Kent and the north part of East Sussex.
The Trust’s core catchment areas are Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and their surrounding boroughs. We work from two main clinical sites: Maidstone Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury. Tunbridge Wells Hospital opened in 2011 and provides single rooms with en-suites for all in-patients – the first of its kind in the country.
We employ more than 7,000 full and part-time staff in a huge range of clinical and non-clinical roles across both of our hospital sites.
Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
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.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.
Interview Date: To be confirmed,
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. First level registration & relevant first degree
Desirable criteria
2. Post-registration training in breast cancer care, general surgery or oncology
3. Advanced Communication Skills training
4. Willingness to complete Breast Cancer Care Module
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Approximately 3 years’ experience working at Band 5/6 or equivalent within a relevant setting
6. Post-registration experience in surgical/oncological nursing
7. An understanding of the breast cancer pathway
8. Able to prioritise workload and manage time effectively
9. Working knowledge of the use of research in developing nursing care
10. In-depth knowledge of the issues surrounding the scope of professional practice and accountability
Desirable criteria
11. Experience of working with breast cancer patients in an oncological or a surgical setting
12. Post-registration experience in breast care, counselling, teaching or oncology
Skills
Essential criteria
13. Ability to show empathy and understand the difficulties faced by patients with breast cancer
14. Ability to communicate sensitively and with compassion
Desirable criteria
15. Evidence of research-based skills in clinical practice
16. Experience of breaking bad news to patients and families