Job summaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen within the Palliative Care Team at Bedford Hospital for the post of Band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialist for Palliative Care. The post holder will need to be able to demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and effective communication skills which are essential for the role.A developmental post with strict criteria will be considered at a band 6 in the first instance.Followed by a full developmental plan will be actioned which will include set competencies that will be discussed with you in detail if successful, which will need to be met to deliver the following aspects of a band 7 clinical nurse specialistTo provide specialist palliative care advice and education to patients, relatives, carers and other Health Care Professionals within the hospital setting.We would love to hear from applicants who can demonstrate a passion to support and drive this service forward within a team whose main principles are to ensure high standards in the promotion of the best patient experience and quality outcomes.Main duties of the jobThe post holder will autonomously manage a nurse led caseload according to agreed protocols; using advanced skills in assessing and treating a variety of conditions, including non-malignant and malignant life limiting conditions.The post holder will work alongside other clinical colleagues in oncology, palliative care, ED, acute medicine, radiology and pathology to ensure quality and care to the patient is maximised.This will include the development of clinical guidelines, audit and education programmes.About usBedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesPractice advanced skills of clinical practice in consultation where appropriate with the Consultant in Palliative Medicine, such as:Assessment and advice re pain and symptom control.Advice on titration of drug dosagesNurse led consultation with patients and their carers (own caseload)Advise, support, educate and counsel patients, their relatives and carers, both in person and on the telephoneLiaise with community nurses, practice nurses, and GPs re the management of patients in the community, including monitoring of appropriate patient medication.Liaise with and refer to the multidisciplinary team, attend /initiate case conferences.To provide support and advice in distressing circumstances such as imparting news of terminal illness and bereavementPerson SpecificationQualificationsEssentialRegistered nurseEvidence of relevant and recent continuing professional developmentTeaching and Assessing QualificationDesirablePost registration qualification Palliative CarePsychological Skills Training Level 2Educated to degree level in relevant fieldNon-Medical Prescribing ( or willing to undertake)ExpereinceEssentialSubstantial clinical experience in an acute settingSubstantial management experienceExperience of teaching and assessing in the clinical areaDesirableExperience of developing and undertaking auditKnowledgeEssentialKnowledge of professional and NHS issues and policy relating to specialist areaAbility to develop protocols and guidelines within own specialityKnowledge of risk management, clinical governance and auditSkillsEssentialOrganisational skillsAbility to present information to professional groupsEffective interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to perform assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing careAutonomous working and management of a nurse led caseloadAbility to adapt to change in working situationsDesirableAbility to priotise patient caseload and ensuring the care is patient focussedIntermediate IT skillsTeaching and mentoring experienceDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameBedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustAddressBedford HospitalKempston RoadBedfordMK42 9DJEmployer's websitehttps://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)