Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Specialist

Contract Type: Fixed Term - Short term funding

Fixed Term Contract End Date: December 2027

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced band 6 nurse to join the Wessex Rapid Investigation Service (RIS).

RIS is a fully virtual service, covering the Wessex region (Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight), offering a cancer fast-track pathway to patients experiencing non site-specific symptoms which might be explained by an underlying diagnosis of cancer.

In conjunction with the senior nursing team and GP colleagues, you will be responsible for triaging referrals, completing a full patient history via the telephone, deciding on most appropriate next steps, and coordinating care as appropriate.

You will be responsible for independently presenting your patients at the virtual MDT, and making onward referrals where required.

The successful candidate will be given full training to enable a rapid and seamless approach, so that all patients are cared for as effectively and efficiently as possible. You will be well supported in this role. Please note: proficient typing skills are essential, and will be tested at interview. Owing to service demand and a small team you must be able to commit to working on both a Monday and a Friday.

The Rapid Investigation Service team are based off-site at Aldermoor Health Centre (half a mile from the main hospital site).

You will be provided with a laptop and mobile phone. Once fully trained, there will be the opportunity for flexible working from home at times. The service requires cover from Monday to Friday, and your shift pattern will need to reflect the needs of the service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will practice independently as a core member of the Rapid Investigation Service Team; you will have responsibility for the medical management of a defined patient group under guidance of the Consultant responsible for the care episode

You will work clinically to triage referrals and re-direct if a more suitable pathway is indicated. Clerk patients virtually, taking a full systems history and request a CT scan where appropriate.

Discuss with the MDT in cases of uncertainty. Present patients at a virtual MDT and contact them with the outcome, making onward referrals as required.

You will demonstrate a high level of competence in health assessment and clinical decision-making.

You will provide specialist advice, education and support to patients, their carers and other health care professionals.

You will practice clinically within agreed care protocols – extended scope of practice for requesting radiology imaging

You will work across professional, departmental and Trust boundaries as required, to develop and support patient-centred seamless care as part of delivery of this regional service.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR We are looking for someone who is experienced working as a band 6, and is capable of working in a fast-paced environment, with good clinical skills, outstanding communication skills, and excellent IT skills.

You must be proficient at typing, and be able to type and talk to take down a full medical history.

We are seeking someone who is caring, motivated and enthusiastic, with demonstrable skills in MDT working.

You will need to be comfortable / confident in discussing cancer with patients in a virtual setting

We are a forward thinking service made up of a multidisciplinary team including nurses, GP’s, hospital consultants and administrative staff.

We encourage the development of our staff, and expect them to keep up to date with current practices, making every contact count.

An informal discussion / visit is expected from those wishing to apply, and we look forward to receiving your application.

For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.