Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist

• The post-holder will act as a Keyworker for a defined group of patients diagnosed with breast cancer, providing a link between patients and health care professionals across primary, secondary and tertiary care and act as an advocate and ongoing support for patients/families.
• The post-holder will support the development and evaluation of the Breast Cancer service to maintain and improve the standards of patient care and promote a seamless service within a multi-disciplinary framework.
• The post-holder will support the delivery of a comprehensive nurse-led service that is holistic in its approach, evidence based and meets the individual needs of breast cancer patients.
• The post-holder will ensure their role reflects the core components of the Clinical Nurse Specialist, which includes clinical practice, management, education, research and audit, taking into account the National Cancer Agenda and its impact on service delivery
• The post-holder will work towards becoming a clinical expert in breast cancer, demonstrating strong and empathetic communication skills.
• The post requires the ability to work autonomously, whilst being supported within a well-established, cohesive nursing team.

Essential

• Degree in Nursing
• Mentorship qualification
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• NMC Registration

Desirable

• Breast/oncology/SACT qualification
• Counselling/communication qualification, eg Sage and Thyme
• Prosthesis fitting course
• Psychology Level 2 training

Essential

• Enthusiastic, motivated, self-starter
• Demonstrates strong and empathetic communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently, but equally be a good team collaborator
• Ability to cope with professional responsibilities, as well as the emotional and psychological pressures of role, with support.
• Good time management and organisational skills
• IT literate, with good presentation skills
• Flexible attitude to working, to meet changing demands of the service

Desirable

• Project management
• SACT administration
• Awareness of the National Cancer Agenda and guidelines
• Ability to influence current practice and influence change
• Advanced Communication Skills.

Essential

• Relevant post registration experience at Band 5, or above
• Multi-professional working
• Able to demonstrate utilisation of research-based evidence and recent use of audit
• Experience in patient education/support/counselling skills

Desirable

• Delivering nurse-led clinics
• Breast prosthesis fitting
• Experience of working in oncology, SACT, palliative care
• Relevant post registration experience at Band 6