Clinical Nurse Specialist - Breast

In partnership with the Breast Care nursing team, the associate breast CNS (ACNS) will develop, implement and evaluate a seamless specialist service ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of clinical care. Contact and care will cover the period from pre-diagnosis, through diagnosis, treatment, follow up and survivorship. The ACNS will also provide care to patients in the NHS breast screening programme and for those with metastatic disease. Our service aims to improve patient outcomes by providing specialist information and support for patients and their significant others, ensuring patients have adequate and timely psychosocial and physical assessment and intervention and providing expert clinical care. The ACNS will ensure the safety and well-being of patients always promoting dignity through the adoption of patient first principles., Engage in complex conversation and dialogue with patients and carers considering learning needs and Mental Capacity using advanced communication skills.
Act within a team of key workers for patients to ensure continuity during a highly complex patient pathway/journey.
Ensure patients understand what/who key worker is and their responsibilities.
Attend and support sessions for delivery of breaking bad news.
Follows an agreed pathway, provide written and verbal information, refers to other professionals and signposts to other agencies, ensuring liaison and communication with other relevant professionals.
Explore and introduce innovative ways of working with the Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to continuously improve the care of cancer patients within the hospital and community.
Work with nurses and AHP's in general ward areas supporting and developing their skills in caring for patients with breast cancer, particularly when communicating often complex, sensitive issues., The Band 6 Associate CNS will also provide care to patients in the NHS breast screening programme and for those with metastatic disease. Our service aims to improve patient outcomes by providing specialist information and support for patients and their significant others, ensuring patients have adequate and timely psychosocial and physical assessment and intervention and providing expert clinical care. The ACNS will ensure the safety and well-being of patients always promoting dignity through the adoption of patient first principles.
The ACNS will act as keyworker and advocate for patients, being the central point for patient contact throughout the cancer journey into follow up and survivorship or metastatic disease. The ACNS will attend and contribute actively to the MDT meetings and expedite patient pathways by working closely with other HCPs and managers and through leading and contributing to service development. The ACNS will actively participate in audit and research. The ACNS will assist in teaching of students and other staff. The ACNS will be involved in survivorship courses, support groups and breast reconstruction educational evenings.
Important information for applicants
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.