Palliative & End of Life Care Clinical Nurse Specialist: Sponsorship Available

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Job summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and clinically skilled palliative and end of life care clinical nurse specialist to join our dedicated friendly team based at Dorset County Hospital NHSFT. The post holder will be expected to exercise a high degree of professional autonomy, make clinical judgements using advanced knowledge and skills in order to provide the highest standard of holistic patient care, developing and practicing within clinical protocols and guidelines. You will be expected to manage a small, changing caseload of patients with complex needs as well as contributing to our education programme and the ongoing development of the palliative and end of life care service.

Main duties of the job

To work as a clinical nurse specialist as part of the hospital-based specialist palliative care service, providing a 7 day a week nursing service.

In collaboration with other key personnel, the post holder will review, develop and facilitate palliative care services, ensuring a cohesive, holistic and evidence-based approach to management of palliative care patients.

To work with appropriate members of the Multidisciplinary health professional teams within the community, hospital, and voluntary sector.

The role will provide specialist nursing leadership in line with local/national guidelines.

Level of responsibility: Responsible for own strategic planning and direction of palliative care service.

  • Providing holistic assessment of needs and implementation of patient centred care.
  • Demonstrating a high level of knowledge of palliative care, the ability to remain up-to date with all relevant developments in this area.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications & Training

Essential

  • Registered Nurse
  • Degree in health related subject or working towards this
  • Specialist palliative care qualification e.g.- Symptom Control and End of Life Care
  • Recognised advanced communication skills qualification
  • Able to demonstrate the ability to teach with relevant recognised teaching qualification
  • Evidence of continual professional development
  • NMP
  • Advanced Clinical Assessment Skills

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Significant post registration nursing experience in the acute setting.
  • Significant experience of working within the field of palliative care / caring for patients with palliative care needs
  • Experience in working in related field: Oncology/ Haematology or other life-limiting illness
  • Considerable experience in a nursing role of managing complex patients
  • Experience of clinical audit and/or utilisation of research skills
  • Experience of incorporating policy/evidence into practice
  • Education/teaching experience in practice

Desirable

  • Experience of working at band 6 or above
  • Considerable experience working within the multidisciplinary team; communicating effectively at differing levels
  • Extensive experience of caseload and/or team management
  • Experience in developing and/or reviewing standards/policies

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Able to demonstrate utilisation of negotiating skills
  • Able to demonstrate motivation of self and others
  • Ability to assess and plan individual care needs in partnership with patients/their carers
  • Ability to work across the multi-disciplinary health and social care team
  • Ability to handle distressing situations with sensitivity and empathy
  • Computer/ IT skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Closing Date: 25 October 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.