Associate Hospice Nurse Specialist (AHNS) or HNS

Job summary

Role: Hospice Nurse Specialist (HNS) or Associate Hospice Nurse Specialist (AHNS)

Hours: 37 hours

Contract: Permanent

Salary: HNS £49,387 - £56,515 per annum

(4-point scale), plus an unsocial hours enhancement of £1,925 based on Point 1.Total annual package: £51,312 per annum

AHNS: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum

(4-point scale), plus an unsocial hours enhancement of £1,558 based on Point 1.Total annual package: £41,517 per annum

We have one full-time (1.0 FTE) vacancy, which may be appointed at either HNS or AHNS level. The AHNS role provides a supported development pathway, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to progress into an HNS position. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the role for which they are being considered.

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Registered Nurse (Adult) - to join our Hospice Nurse Specialist team, providing safe, responsive and high-quality specialist palliative care to patients and their families.

This is an opportunity to use your clinical expertise, judgement and communication skills to make a meaningful difference at one of the most important times in peoples lives. We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, emotional resilience and the ability to manage complex and sensitive conversations.

Closing date: 23 October 2026

Interview date: 10 November 2026

Main duties of the job

Experience in palliative care, oncology or managing complex long-term conditions is desirable, although we welcome nurses from all clinical backgrounds who are keen to develop specialist skills. You will need to work autonomously while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, with a commitment to person-centred specialist palliative care.

Hospice Nurse Specialistworks as an autonomous practitioner, managing a specialist caseload and providing advanced holistic assessment, symptom management (physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual), prescribing and care planning. The role acts as a key resource for patients, carers and healthcare professionals, supporting coordinated care, preventing avoidable hospital admissions and promoting patient choice, dignity and quality of life.

The Associate Hospice Nurse Specialist provides high-quality specialist palliative and end of life care to patients and those important to them across Wigan Borough. Working under the guidance and support of a Hospice Nurse Specialist, the post holder undertakes holistic assessment, care planning and ongoing review for a delegated caseload of patients with palliative and end of life care needs.

Working Pattern - This is a 37-hour-per-week role, worked Monday to Sunday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The successful candidate will therefore need to be flexible and available to work 10 weekends per year (Saturday and Sunday), including bank holidays where required, in line with an agreed rota.

About us

At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to our people. We know that when our staff feel valued, supported and empowered, they can provide the highest standard of care to the patients and families who rely on us.

As part of our team, you'll benefit from a rewarding working environment and a comprehensive package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security and professional development, including:

• A warm, welcoming and supportive workplace.
• 35 days' annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Subsidised lunches.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Discounts on shopping, leisure and holidays.
• Access to an on-demand GP service.
• Westfield Health Cash Plan.
• Life Assurance.
• A wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

If you are an existing member of the NHS Pension Scheme, your membership may be transferable to this post, provided pension contributions have been made within the previous 12 months.

Please note: This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UKs points-based immigration system. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide evidence of this before taking up the post.Successful appointments will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check.