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Job overview
The Acute Oncology (AOS) and Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at the Royal Free London will work collaboratively with other members of the team to deliver a comprehensive acute oncology service.
The successful candidate will provide specialist nursing advice and support for patients with an actual diagnosis of cancer or when cancer is initially suspected, from their period of investigation, diagnosis, treatment and possible transition into palliative care. They will assessment oncology patients both in the emergency department and in our acute oncology assessment unit.
The post will incorporate the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role dimensions of expert clinical practice, education, leadership, management and research. The post holder will be required to work with clinical, operational, information and administrative staff across all levels of seniority within the acute Trust. The postholder will be based at Barnet Hospital but is expected to cross cover at the Royal Free Hospital when required.
The successful candidate is required to be able demonstrate the Trust values, the responsibilities of the job description and person specification.
To find out more about working at the Royal Free please visit our website at: www.royalfree.nhs.uk/jobs
For further details please contact Adam Cass [email protected]
Main duties of the job
Support the Lead Acute Oncology Service (AOS) Nurse to deliver and evaluate the service
Provide AOS CNS support to MDTs across the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals
Work with key members of the MDT to support staff in the delivery of specialised care
Work autonomously to deliver specialist care which is evidence based and which enhances the quality of patient care
Work to scope and seek support and education to extend the role with additional skills
Review patients daily who are admitted to wards and ED
Support ED so patients with suspected neutropenia have antibiotics within the door to needle time
Carry the AOS emergency phone, triage calls and advise accordingly, communicating with the patient’s oncology team when required, and provide follow up.
Contribute to training/education within specialist area to multidisciplinary groups.
Be the key worker for the suspected Cup patient’s coordinate their investigations to ensure a smooth pathway, remaining as their CNS throughout treatment
Ensure that CUP patients have a holistic needs assessment
Act as the MSCC coordinator and ensure that patients with suspected/confirmed MSCC are cared for as per NICE guidance and local policy.
Lead and facilitate audit of AOS, CUP and MSCC through the application of audit and research evidence-based practice
Promote innovation and progression to the continually improve patient care through reviewing the evidence base and embed this in practice through engagement in research
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Substantial post-registration experience in area of speciality
- Previous experience of research and audit
- Evidence of teaching junior members of staff
- Proven evidence of improving the patient experience
Desirable
- Undertaken nurse led clinics
- Current experience of line management of staff
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Expert specialist skills for the post
- Knowledge of current advances and pathways of care relevant to specialty
- Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence
- Skilled in use of computer/keyboard
- Ability to problem-solve, prioritise and to work to deadlines
- Ability to motivate staff and improve individuals and team performance
- Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with multi professional teams
- Demonstrates evidence of knowledge and ability to undertake change management
- Able to manage stressful situations and challenge decisions to ensure that patient needs are met
- Able to lead, manage and motivate others in complex problem solving and assessment skills
- Able to independently assess an unwell patient
Royal Free World Class Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Personal Qualities & Attributes
Essential
- Be a positive role model with the ability to demonstrate credible and professional approach
- Evidence of proven, on-going professional development
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work as a team and form professional relationships with colleagues
- Diplomatic and calm
- To be flexible and approachable
Education & professional Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse
- Undergraduate degree
- Recognised teaching or mentorship qualification
- Post registration qualification relevant to specialty
- Advanced communication skills
Desirable
- Master degree or working towards
- Advanced assessment skills or willingness to undertake
- Independent nurse prescribing course or willingness to undertake
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 7 Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Clinical nurse specialist role. The advertised salary is £55,524 - £62,652 Per annum inclusive of HCAS ( Pro-rata ). The contract type is 22 months (22mnths fixed term to cover secondment). The application deadline is 30 Jun 2026.
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