Clinical Nurse Specialist - development; Maternity Cover

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate

Clinical Nurse Specialist - development (CNS) to join our team on a maternity cover basis (9 - 12 months).You will support our existing CNS team based at Oakhaven Hospice and work closely with hospital specialist palliative teams and community healthcare professionals.

In this role, you will provide specialist expertise and support to patients with advanced, progressive, life-limiting illnesses, aswell as their families. You will have the opportunity to develop your clinical knowledge and advanced skills in palliative care while working under the guidance of a mentor.

Key Responsibilities

Work with the Community CNS team to develop knowledge and advanced palliative care skills

Collaborate with a mentor to achieve competencies toward CNS 1level

Work closely with external clinical agencies to ensure coordinated patient care

Provide clinical direction and support to Clinical Resource Nurses(CRNs), Day Hospice, and Wellbeing teams

Serve as the initial point of support for patients and families,offering advice, signposting services, and supporting advance care planning

Act as a point of contact for health and social care professionals, providing guidance, end-of-life support, and education opportunities

Oakhaven Hospice serves the community of the New Forest, providing in-patient, day hospice, and community care for patients withlife-limiting illnesses, alongside support for families and carers. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a workplace where everyone can be themselves and contribute fully.

Contribute to the multi professional clinical team in providing specialist palliative care to patients and their families in the community and in the local community hospital, manage a caseload and deliver high quality, evidence based care.

Work as a member of the Oakhaven Community Palliative Care Team to provide a specialist nursing service for patients and their families / carers with specialist palliative care needs, promoting a culture that supports and enables self-management where possible.

Work with the Oakhaven Community Clinical Nurse Specialists to develop the skills and theoretical knowledge required to become a competent autonomous clinical nurse specialist in palliative care

Undertake training to enable the post holder to:

Accept responsibility to manage their own caseload of patients with specialist palliative care needs

Be able to offer palliative care support and advice to the primary health and social care teams, hospice and hospital staff

Participate in the Oakhaven education programmes for palliative and end of life care

Participate in quality initiatives for service improvement

FULL JD ATTACHED

• Understanding of the principles of palliative and end-of-life care.
• Awareness of symptom control and holistic patient assessment.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to discuss sensitive issues with patients, families, and professionals.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of current national strategies, guidance, and best practice in palliative care.
• Teaching and presentation skills.
• Research and audit skills.

• Registered General Nurse (NMC registered).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Palliative care modules or training at diploma/degree level (or willingness to work towards)
• Degree in nursing or related subject.
• Specialist palliative care qualification (or working towards).
• Non-medical prescribing qualification (or willingness to work towards).

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to patients and families.
• Resilient, with the ability to manage emotional challenges of palliative care.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to respond to changing service needs.
• Commitment to Oakhaven Hospice values and ethos.
• Car driver with access to a vehicle (role may include community/home visits).
• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends if required

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.