Overview
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to work within the palliative care team at The Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College Hospital. We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, innovative and highly motivated band 7 specialist palliative care nurse.
The palliative care team offers an advisory service to patients with palliative care needs and promotes excellence in end‑of‑life care across the Trust. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic individual who will contribute to the development of this dynamic multi‑professional team and build on partnerships across the locality. The post will sit within a collaborative network across our Clinical Academic Group within King's Health Partners. Opportunities exist to be involved in research via established links with the Cicely Saunders Institute.
Main Duties
* Work as a clinical nurse specialist and effectively deliver an expert nursing service within the multi‑professional palliative care team on the Denmark Hill site.
* Manage a caseload of patients with specialist palliative care needs.
* Participate in providing a seven‑day face‑to‑face service.
* Assist in the development of evidence‑based clinical nursing practice in line with current research and guidelines.
* Establish and maintain clear lines of communication within palliative care to ensure cohesive multidisciplinary management of patients.
* Link with other palliative care and primary care providers to facilitate care in the community and minimise care‑transition challenges.
* Act as a role model to other nurses and support the delivery of palliative care education within the Trust.
* Engage in the team’s governance and service development programme.
Clinical Practice
* Provide specialist nursing services for people with specialist palliative care needs, including their families and significant others.
* Accept responsibility for own patient caseload, ensuring accurate care plans and prescribing where appropriate.
* Ensure clear communication and documentation of patient care.
* Support multidisciplinary team (MDT) processes and communication to ensure seamless patient care.
* Assess appropriateness of patients for multidisciplinary review at MDT/case review meetings.
* Liaise with local community, social services, paramedics and voluntary organisations to develop services for clients, carers and health professionals.
* Ensure all patients receive appropriate follow‑up and information for informed choice about treatment and future care.
* Attend to patients within the hospital where a specialist palliative care need is identified.
* Spread knowledge and support implementation of the 5 priorities for the care of the dying person across the hospital.
* Identify and develop clinical protocols and strategies to enhance continuity and standard of specialist care.
* Actively involve service users in providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
* Liaise with discharge coordinators and ward staff to ensure appropriate and timely discharge/follow‑up arrangements.
* Participate in relevant forums at Care Group, Trust, ICB, Cancer Network or National/International level.
* Ensure all care aligns with agreed protocols and guidelines.
* Provide all patients and relatives/carers with accessible written information regarding palliative care.
* Supervise and participate in education and training programmes as needed.
* Work with other clinical staff to identify knowledge gaps and educate staff appropriately.
* Contribute to nursing practice development within the team and, where appropriate, act as a practice supervisor.
* Actively participate in education events provided by the team and Trust.
* Participate in research and audit to enhance evidence‑based practice, including national audit at end of life.
* Attend meetings and conferences to stay current on Trust and specialist issues.
* Promote and facilitate evidence‑based practice, clinical audit and service development.
* Assist with Trust‑approved research projects involving patients and families in Palliative Care.
* Act as a role model and support colleagues, the Matron, Consultant Nurse and Head of Nursing.
* Manage and reduce risk to patients; report adverse incidents per Trust policy.
* Network with clinical nurse specialists to evaluate, develop and promote the specialist‑nursing role.
* Maintain information systems, provide audit and activity reports.
* Keep accurate treatment records and submit reports and activity data as requested.
* Ensure best use of resources within budget to provide a cost‑effective service.
* Ensure compliance with Equality and Diversity Policy and Race Equality Scheme.
* Comply with national palliative care guidance and professional standards.
* Participate in Peer Review, liaising with Trust management and clinical lead.
* Work with multi‑disciplinary team to implement peer‑review recommendations.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Education and Qualifications: NMC Registered Nurse with BSc in a health‑related or equivalent subject.
Desirable Education and Qualifications: Post‑registration qualification in Palliative Care or relevant subject; Non‑medical prescriber with V300 registration.
Essential Knowledge and Experience: Significant post‑registration experience working autonomously in a palliative care environment. Ability to make complex assessments, provide symptom management advice and develop comprehensive management plans. Commitment to high standards of patient care and service delivery.
Desirable Knowledge and Experience: Experience of participation in research and audit programmes.
Essential Skills and Competencies: Evidence of leadership development skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to convey complex information to patients’ relatives and carers at an appropriate level.
Desirable Skills and Competencies: Advanced assessment skills or willingness to develop these skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
UK Registration
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.
Employer Details
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
King’s College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE9 5RS
Employment Type and Band
Permanent, Full‑time, Band 7.
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