Chemotherapy (SACT) Lead Nurse
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Durham, DH1 5TW
Salary
£57,528 to £64,750
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
16 September 2026
16 days left
Job description
An exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint a new Lead nurse for SACT (chemotherapy) within CDDFT. We need someone who can demonstrate a high level ...
As the chemotherapy lead nurse you will provide expert knowledge in order to
address the needs of the chemotherapy service. They will lead the development
of initiatives and strategies utilising a high degree of personal autonomy.
The post holder will provide clinical
leadership and act as an expert role model to advise and support colleagues at
an individual, team and organisational level by utilisation of their advanced
knowledge and skills. Provide and support training to staff on chemotherapy
pathways, passports and ensure all nursing standards are maintained.
Works closely with visiting Consultants
and Trust Consultants as well as the Cancer Networks and share best practice
and new initiatives across the trust
Actively supports and acts as an
advocate for patients and their families.
Expert Practice
- Undertake nurse led clinics in line with identified protocols and clinical guidance.
- To maintain competence administering intravenous chemotherapy at least one day per month, working across all clinical areas.
- Prescribe medications appropriate to the role including the use of PGDs.
- Demonstrate flexibility as daily work load will be unpredictable.
- You will promote innovative solutions, identifying pathways of care that move across boundaries and strategies to prevent further complications, with the aim of maintaining trust and dignity.
- You will be responsible for the development and dissemination of specialist polices guidelines and protocols for the chemotherapy service.
- You will provide expert advice, support and information to other professionals and agencies to ensure appropriate referral to the acute Trust.
- You will provide support for patients and carers to ensure that advice and information is accessible to them and to promote empowerment and informed choice.
- You will support staff within the trust to provide care appropriate to patient need and support staff to develop required skills and knowledge.
- Participate in regular regional and national specialist meetings of chemotherapy to maintain and advance current practice.
- You will ensure that the Trusts hospital infection prevention and control (HIC) policies and procedures to protect patients, staff and visitors from healthcare-associated infections are adhered to. Ensuring you perform the correct hand hygiene procedures (as described in HIC 14), when carrying out clinical duties. Using aseptic technique and personal protective equipment in accordance with Trust policies.
- All staff must challenge non-compliance with infection, prevention and control policies immediately and feedback through the appropriate line managers if required.
- Preventing infections by adhering to HIC 12 MRSA, HIC20 preventing central venous catheter associated infections, HIC 36 insertion and care of peripheral venous cannula and HIC 23 Clostridium difficile.
Professional leadership
The post holder will be a recognised expert in chemotherapy and provide professional leadership, which will support and inspire colleagues and enhance the development of clinical practice.
Have advanced leadership skills to enhance the development of patient pathways to meet national standards and guidelines.
Participate in the development of the organisations mission, vision and values and promote a culture of excellence.
Identify and develop systems to motivate, support and recognise the contributions of others.
Develop mechanisms for involving empowering and inspiring colleagues.
Implement and monitor standards of nursing practice and promote continuous improvement.
Generate and implement new solutions that will best suit the needs of patients, through thinking laterally about practice.
Initiate and implement structures for Clinical Governance and promote best practice.
Act as a positive role model and provide specialist advice and support for multidisciplinary colleagues including colleagues working in the Acute Trust, Primary Care setting and other key stakeholders external to the Trust.
Provide leadership for Divisional Specialist nurses, in all aspects of development including educational, clinical skills, audit and research, publications and service development.
Provide information and analysis of this information to support service development
Acts as a professional mentor for appropriate specialist nurses within the trust including advice on maintaining their NMC registration and also including their SDR process
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Statutory Registration
Essential
- NMC
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Adult) on the NMC register.
- First degree in a relevant health/nursing subject or equivalent level of advanced knowledge.
- Post-graduate specialist qualification in cancer/oncology nursing.
- Recognized SACT competency/administration course and physical assessment/non-medical prescribing qualification (or willingness to work towards).
- Independent nurse prescriber
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) at an advanced level
Desirable
- Masters degree or working towards postgraduate/Master's level award.
- Formal leadership, management, or teaching qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Extensive post-registration experience in oncology, cancer care, and acute SACT delivery.
- Proven experience at Band 7 (or equivalent senior clinical role) leading a team or specialized service.
- Comprehensive knowledge of national cancer agendas, SACT safety standards, and UKONS (United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society) guidelines.
- Experience in audit, clinical governance, risk management, and service development
Desirable
- Experience in managing budgets or complex rotas/workforce planning.
- Involvement in regional or national cancer networks/peer groups
Specials Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous practice for complex oncology patients.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills across multi-disciplinary teams (MDT).
- Ability to lead change management, design care pathways, and deliver staff education/training.
- Competence in analysing complex data and writing clinical policies or operational guidelines.
Desirable
- Budget management
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
26 August 2026
Last checked
28 August 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
Explore related