Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job summary

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and enthusiastic nurse to join the Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team at UCLH on a one-year fixed-term basis to provide maternity leave cover.

This role is ideally suited to nurses looking to develop their career within cancer services and gain valuable experience in a specialist CNS position. Applications are welcomed from individuals with experience in gastrointestinal, surgical, oncology or related specialties who are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

The Colorectal CNS team plays a vital role in supporting patients diagnosed with colorectal and anal cancers. This CNS post is intended to be a flexible position within the wider colorectal CNS team. The team aims to meet all newly diagnosed patients and, wherever possible, is present when the diagnosis is communicated. Acting as key workers, CNSs provide expert clinical support, information, coordination and advocacy for patients and their families throughout their cancer pathway, from diagnosis and treatment through to follow-up care.

Main duties of the job

o Act as a key worker and primary point of contact for patients with colorectal and anal cancer, providing expert information, advice, support and signposting throughout their cancer pathway.o Deliver holistic care and support to patients and their families, addressing physical, psychological, emotional and supportive care needs from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.o Guide patients through complex diagnostic investigations, treatment pathways and follow-up programmes, ensuring they are informed and supported in decision-making.o Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, contributing to discussions, presenting patient information where appropriate, and advocating for patients to ensure their views and preferences are represented.o Attend outpatient clinics and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and allied health professional colleagues to provide coordinated, patient-centred care.o Coordinate and implement nursing actions arising from MDT discussions, including arranging and tracking investigations, communicating outcomes, and facilitating timely interventions.o Liaise effectively with hospital departments, primary care, community services and external organisations to ensure seamless care across the patient pathway.o Communicate complex and sensitive information to patients and families with empathy, professionalism and compassion.

About us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:o University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)o National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgeryo Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitalso University College Hospital Grafton Way Buildingo Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicineo University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centreo The Hospital for Tropical Diseaseso University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Job description