Thoracic Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

The Thoracic Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) plays a crucial role within the multi professional team, serving as an expert practitioner who delivers high quality, patient centred care to patients undergoing thoracic surgery at UHNM.

This role involves providing clinical care in line with national standards and the post holder will play an active part in service development, quality and safety initiatives, audit and research. The post holder will manage a patient case load, providing specialist support across the pre and post-operative patient pathways. The CNS will work to enhance the experiences of the patient, their family, or carers by offering expert support and coordinating care throughout the patients’ journey. This role includes participating in the organisation and running of clinics within the Thoracic Surgery Service post op follow up clinic and lung volume reduction service working collaboratively with Cancer and Respiratory services as an experienced member of the thoracic team.

UHNM has adopted a Lean based improvement methodology. Building capability in our “Improving Together” approach is a key organisational priority. Delivery of Thoracic services will provide an opportunity apply this approach in practice. As a Clinical Nurse Specialist – Thoracic Surgery, you will be expected to actively support the application of the “Improving Together” approach in delivering the outputs of your role.

Main duties of the job

• In collaboration with the clinical team and other key stakeholders, using physical/health assessment skills, undertake responsibility for the co-ordination and management of thoracic surgery patients, providing specialist pre-operative, peri-operative and post-operative care for patients with complex thoracic conditions, including lung cancer, and other lung pathologies.
• Act as a key worker for patients undergoing thoracic surgery, offering continuity of care throughout the diagnostic, treatment, and follow up pathway.  Providing clear, compassionate education and support to patients and relatives, addressing treatment options, risks, recovery expectations, and long term outcomes.  Facilitating informed decision making by ensuring patients understand their diagnosis, surgical plan, and available supportive services.
• Act as a core member of the Thoracic Surgery MDT, contributing specialist nursing input to case discussions, treatment planning, and service development.  Coordinating care across specialties, ensuring effective communication between surgeons, oncologists, anesthetists, radiology, physiotherapy, and community services.  Advocate for patients within MDT meetings, ensuring their clinical, psychological, and social needs are represented.

Further details available within the job description.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see person specification and job description for further details.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the service directly to arrange an informal chat and learn more about the role.