Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a specialist skin cancer nursing team to care for patients undergoing treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) within an oncology setting.

The successful candidate will be an experienced oncology nurse, highly motivated and driven to improve patient care and experience. You will be an excellent communicator and will have the opportunity to use your clinical and professional leadership skills to encourage and promote best outcomes for patients, their relatives and carers. Non-medical prescribing would be desirable for this role.

Excellent interpersonal skills are paramount for this role together with the confidence to engage and work with a range of colleagues at all levels and from all professional groups.

To apply you need to be a dynamic, enthusiastic, motivated and pro-active individual. The successful applicant will have experience and knowledge of treatment pathways and specialist care for non- melanoma skin cancer patients and must be able to demonstrate sound leadership skills.

Main duties of the job

Provide specialist and expert clinical knowledge relating to non-melanoma skin cancers (e.g. basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) to colleagues, patients and carers.

Perform a comprehensive keyworker role for patients throughout their cancer care pathway. Work closely with referring centres and community services to ensure seamless and coordinated patient pathways.

Play an integral role in the operational and strategic development of skin cancer services.

Act as a visible and approachable role model, promoting best practice across clinical areas. Contribute to the development of nurse-led services, including telephone and virtual clinics.

Use advanced communication skills to support patients through complex discussions, including diagnosis, treatment options, disease progression and supportive care planning.

Apply Level 2 psychological skills to assess emotional distress and initiate appropriate support or referrals.

Provide clinical expertise in systemic anti-cancer therapies, radiotherapy and topical treatments relevant to NMSC.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Provide specialist and expert clinical knowledge relating to non-melanoma skin cancers (e.g. basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) to colleagues, patients and carers.

Perform a comprehensive keyworker role for patients throughout their cancer care pathway.

Work closely with referring centres and community services to ensure seamless and coordinated patient pathways.

Play an integral role in the operational and strategic development of skin cancer services.

Act as a visible and approachable role model, promoting best practice across clinical areas.

Contribute to the development of nurse-led services, including telephone and virtual clinics.

Use advanced communication skills to support patients through complex discussions, including diagnosis, treatment options, disease progression and supportive care planning.

Apply Level 2 psychological skills to assess emotional distress and initiate appropriate support or referrals.

Provide clinical expertise in systemic anti-cancer therapies, radiotherapy and topical treatments relevant to NMSC.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

Act as a key worker for patients with non-melanoma skin cancer, their families/carers and healthcare professionals.

Provide specialist advice and support during complex or sensitive clinical situations.

Deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care and act as a resource of specialist knowledge.

Educate and support patients to make informed decisions regarding treatment options.

Facilitate effective multidisciplinary team (MDT) working and contribute to decision-making processes.

Participate in audit, service evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.

Maintain accurate and timely patient records in line with professional and organisational standards.

Contribute to the development of clinical guidelines, protocols and policies.

Support junior staff through supervision, mentorship and education.

Promote patient self-management and survivorship strategies.

Clinical Duties

Attend oncology clinics for SACT and radiotherapy (including nurse-led clinics) to assess, support and review patients.

Undertake holistic needs assessments and coordinate care across acute and community services.

Provide ongoing support and counselling before, during and after treatment.

Assess and manage treatment-related toxicities in patients receiving systemic therapies, radiotherapy or topical treatments.

Undertake non-medical prescribing (where qualified) within scope of competence.

Manage patient queries via telephone or virtual clinics, including triage of symptoms and concerns.

Act as a specialist resource for ward and outpatient staff.

Attend MDT meetings and contribute to patient management discussions.

Maintain awareness of relevant clinical trials and support patient recruitment where appropriate.

Leadership and Management

Provide clinical leadership within the non-melanoma skin cancer service.

Contribute to service development and improvement initiatives.

Support multidisciplinary collaboration across primary, secondary and tertiary care.

Participate in clinical supervision and reflective practice.

Contribute to local and regional cancer network developments.

Education and Development

Maintain professional development and revalidation requirements.

Deliver education and training to healthcare professionals on non-melanoma skin cancer care.

Identify learning needs and contribute to educational programmes and study days.

Participate in conferences and dissemination of best practice.

Develop patient information resources and support materials.

Research and Audit

Ensure practice is evidence-based and aligned with current guidelines.

Participate in clinical audit and quality improvement projects.

Identify and support opportunities for research within the specialty.

Professional Responsibilities

Practice in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct.

Maintain professional registration and competencies.

Adhere to organisational policies, procedures and governance frameworks.

Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of care.

Report risks, incidents and quality concerns appropriately.