Faster Diagnosis Nurse

We are looking for candidates to join an exciting time within Cancer Services at Somerset Foundation Trust. Working as part of a new service providing an integrated front door service for those patients who have suspected cancer symptoms. As an integral part of the Faster diagnosis team (FDT) across Somerset. The post holder will ensure that patients referred on a suspected cancer pathway are informed that they have cancer or that cancer is excluded within a maximum of 28 days from referral. The post holder will work collaboratively with primary and secondary care, clinical and operational teams, to ensure patients receive a high quality, safe, effective, and timely diagnostic pathway., This is an excellent opportunity to work within the Faster Diagnosis Tea(FDT) as a nurse in the newly established Cancer Front Door team which is supporting suspected cancer patients at the start of the pathway. Working as an integral part of the FDT across Somerset. This is a fixed term / secondment opportunity for 12 months. The post will ensure that patients referred on a suspected cancer pathway are informed that they have cancer or that cancer is excluded within a maximum of 28 days from referral. The post holder will work collaboratively with primary and secondary care, clinical and operational teams, to ensure patients receive a high quality, safe, effective, and timely diagnostic pathway. The role will be to manage patients on a suspected cancer pathway across Somerset, ensuring that patients referred on a suspected cancer pathway are triaged to the appropriate investigation / outpatients and support patients being told they have cancer, or that cancer is excluded, within a maximum of 28 days from referral. Working in conjunction with the lead clinicians for specific speciality, you will further develop and maintain the delivery of best practice in the care and management of cancers from referral or diagnosis., Working as an integral part of the Faster diagnosis team (FDT) across Somerset. The post will ensure that patients referred on a suspected cancer pathway are informed that they have cancer or that cancer is excluded within a maximum of 28 days from referral. The post holder will work collaboratively with primary and secondary care, clinical and operational teams, to ensure patients receive a high quality, safe, effective, and timely diagnostic pathway. The role will be to manage a caseload of patients referred across Somerset, ensuring that patients referred on a suspected cancer pathway are triaged to the appropriate investigation / outpatients and support patients being told they have cancer, or that cancer is excluded, within a maximum of 28 days from referral. Working in conjunction with the lead clinicians for specific speciality, you will further develop and maintain the delivery of best practice in the care and management of cancers from referral or diagnosis. The post holder will act as a referral and liaison point for the MDT and as an information resource for all those (in both primary and secondary care) who are involved in the care and management of malignancies, thus ensuring the provision of a seamless service for this group of Somerset patients. The faster diagnosis nurse requires practice that is informed by higher levels of judgement, decision-making and discretion. The FDN should play a significant role in setting standards / guidelines, undertaking audit and research, educating others, and disseminating good practice.. We are continually looking to review and improve pathways and the offer to patients. The post holder will be working for Somerset Foundation Trust, so will be required to work at both Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital, and it will require onsite working as well as the possibility of remote working.

• RGN, 1st Level with full NMC RegistrationRelevant accredited post registration qualification at level 3Demonstrates evidence of ongoing continuous personal developments, Advanced communication skills trainingObtained or working towards a Masters level qualification in a relevant subjectClinical examination skills, Considerable relevant post registration experience of at least 3 years in adult acute careConscientious, committed, reliable and hardworking
Desirable
• Experience of the Somerset Cancer RegisterExperience of undertaking formal teaching / lecturingExperience or evidence of ability in triaging acute care referrals and understanding of diagnostic pathways
Additional Criteria Essential
• Demonstrate an up to date and detailed knowledge of relevant guidelines and clinic practice as required.Experience or evidence of ability in triaging acute care referrals and understanding of diagnostic pathwaysKnowledge of national and local issues that affect the provision of cancer servicesGood organisation skillsAbility to cope with emotional issues presented in the course of work and to support othersCommitment to the development and provision of high-quality nursing care and patient focussed servicesInitiativeAbility to establish credibility rapidly with wide range of staffAbility to communicate clearly to a range of audiences & disciplinesAbility to deal sensitively with emotiveResilient under pressurePossessed of personal insight and awarenessGood Team PlayerExcellent negotiation and problem-solving skillsExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsEvidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skillsEffective written and verbal
communication skillsAbility to communicate effectively with all stakeholders including service users, cliniciansEvidence of theoretical and practical skills allowing autonomous patient management ( patient assessment, diagnosis and management) related to clinical scope of practiceUnderstand and encourage and support clinical supervision and mentorship both within and across professional roles.Flexible, adaptability to meet needs of a changing serviceAbility to manage own case / workloadGood organisational skillsEducational skills such as identification of learning needs, delivery, and evaluation, providing work-based under own initiative with strong organisational skills and ability to achieve to deadlines.Effective time-management and prioritisation skillsAbility to cope with emotional issues presented in the course of work and to support othersInformation technology skillsWillingness and ability to travel between SFT and YDHResilient, persistent, and able to challenge decisionsWillingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patientsAccess to their own vehicle Desirable
• Working knowledge of the latest Cancer strategy (Achieving world class cancer outcomes; a strategy for England 2015 -2020) and the NHS long term plan Jan 2019Experience of working with cancer patientsKnowledge of nurse / practitioner led initiatives & national policyPsychological level II training
  
  As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.
The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breath-taking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.