Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced ENT nurse with an interest in providing advanced nursing support within the Head & Neck Cancer specialist nursing team in the inpatient and outpatient settings, with a particular focus on the surgical aspect of the patient pathway

You will be involved in and carry out holistic nursing assessments for patients under the Head and Neck multi-disciplinary team (ENT, Thyroid , MaxFax and Oncology[TE1] ). You will work actively within the multidisciplinary team and outside agencies to deliver the patient’s clinical and psychological support during their treatment. You will be expected to attend consultations in breaking bad news to support the patient, their loved ones and families

You will have a good understanding of:

• Current treatments used in Head and Neck cancer including major/life changing surgery and robotic surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and the symptoms and side effects that may be experienced on or after treatment
• The effects of Head and Neck cancers and their treatments on breathing, swallowing, communication, vision and body image
• Support requirements for patients with an altered anatomy and airway e.g. laryngectomy and total glossectomy
• Knowledge of Survivorship, Recovery package & the specialist needs of Teenage and Young Adult patients
• Complex end of life care[TE2]
• The role of genomics in modern cancer management, for instance identifying and consenting patients for Whole Genome Sequencing

Main duties of the job

• The post holder is a recognised expert in head and neck cancer, responsible for assessing, developing and implementing specialist nursing care programmes and undertaking specialist nursing procedures. This includes provision of nurse led clinics for both new and return patients.
• Responsible for providing specialist advice and support to, and liaising with, other staff. This includes the provision of specialist education and training for other staff and students
• Responsible for implementing a clearly defined integrated approach to patient care encompassing new treatments and evidence based care
• Required to undertake research and lead clinical audits in own specialist area

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

This post is subject to a 12-week probationary period, during which performance, conduct and attendance will be reviewed in line with Trust standards. The probationary period provides a structured and supportive approach to help new employees successfully transition into their role.

Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have: - applied for a Graduate visa - or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment

All roles in the Trust include a mandatory 12-week training period. Therefore, successful candidates are expected to have the Right to Work for a period of at least 6 months from the proposed start date. Immigration and Right to Work status will be discussed with successful candidates at conditional offer. CUH will not offer sponsorship to candidates that have applied for a fee waiver.

This vacancy will close at midnight on 23rd September 2026

Interviews are due to be held in 13th October 2026

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

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.