Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
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County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
The closing date is 08 October 2026
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Acute Oncology Service as a Band 6 Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist.
We are looking for an experienced, motivated and compassionate registered nurse with a strong interest in oncology and a commitment to delivering high-quality, personalised care. Working alongside our established Acute Oncology CNSs and Consultant Oncologists, you will provide specialist assessment, advice, support and care coordination for patients experiencing acute complications of cancer and its treatment.
The role includes supporting patients with metastatic spinal cord compression, cancer of unknown primary and those presenting with serious non-specific symptoms where cancer is suspected. You will work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and care settings, acting as a key worker and helping patients and their families navigate what can be a complex and challenging period.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop your specialist knowledge, clinical decision-making and leadership skills within a supportive team. You will also contribute to education, audit, service improvement and the continued development of high-quality Acute Oncology services across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
As a Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting patients who become acutely unwell as a result of their cancer or its treatment.
You will use your oncology knowledge and clinical assessment skills to identify patients needs, support timely investigation and treatment, and coordinate care across acute, specialist and community services. You will work closely with oncologists, cancer teams and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive safe, responsive and well-coordinated care.
A significant part of the role is providing specialist advice, information and emotional support to patients and their families, including during periods of uncertainty, new diagnosis or changing treatment needs. You will act as a key worker and advocate for patients, ensuring care is personalised and their priorities are understood.
You will also have opportunities to develop your specialist practice, support and educate colleagues, contribute to audit and quality improvement, and help shape the continued development of the Acute Oncology Service.
About us
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.
Details
Date posted
17 September 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 a year Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
C9439-2627-RP-N308
Job locations
University Hospital of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist will work as an integral member of the Acute Oncology Service, providing specialist nursing care, advice and support to patients experiencing acute complications associated with cancer and its treatment.
Working alongside the Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, Consultant Oncologists and wider multidisciplinary teams, you will support the assessment, management and coordination of care for patients presenting across the Trust. This includes patients with treatment-related toxicities, metastatic spinal cord compression, cancer of unknown primary and those presenting with serious non-specific signs and symptoms where cancer is suspected.
You will assess patients individual needs, contribute to the planning and delivery of appropriate investigations and treatment, and support timely referral to relevant cancer and specialist services. You will use your clinical judgement to prioritise care and will develop increasing autonomy within the role, working within your professional competence and with appropriate support and supervision from senior members of the Acute Oncology team.
Communication is central to this role. You will provide specialist information, advice and support to patients and their families at what can be a highly uncertain and challenging time. This may include supporting patients following a new or suspected cancer diagnosis, discussing treatment and care options and communicating complex or sensitive information. You will act as a key worker for appropriate patients, helping to ensure that they, their families and the professionals involved in their care are well informed and that care is coordinated effectively.
You will promote personalised care throughout the patient pathway, including the use of Holistic Needs Assessments and Personalised Care and Support Plans where appropriate. You will advocate for patients, ensuring their individual needs, preferences and priorities are recognised and incorporated into their care.
The role requires close collaborative working with site-specific cancer teams, oncology and haematology services, specialist palliative care, primary and community care and other relevant services. You will contribute to effective communication across organisational and professional boundaries to promote continuity of care and a positive patient experience.
You will manage and prioritise your own workload and caseload, maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation and supporting the effective movement of patients through diagnostic, treatment and follow-up pathways.
As your specialist practice develops, you will have opportunities to further enhance your clinical assessment and decision-making skills. Where appropriate training and competencies have been achieved, this may include the use of advanced clinical skills and non-medical prescribing.
An important element of the post is supporting the development of knowledge and confidence in colleagues caring for acutely unwell patients with cancer. You will act as a specialist resource for nursing, medical and other healthcare professionals, sharing knowledge, providing advice and contributing to education and training.
You will contribute to the ongoing development of the Acute Oncology Service through audit, evaluation, quality improvement and the development of evidence-based practice. You will support the collection and use of service data and patient feedback to identify opportunities to improve quality, safety, patient experience and outcomes.
The postholder will be encouraged to contribute to research and innovation relevant to Acute Oncology and cancer care and to maintain their own professional development through education, clinical supervision and engagement with local, regional and national specialist networks.
You will demonstrate professional leadership and act as a positive role model, promoting compassionate, safe and effective care. You will work in accordance with the NMC Code, relevant NICE guidance, Trust policies and professional standards, maintaining accountability for your practice at all times.
This is a varied and rewarding specialist nursing role offering the opportunity to develop expertise in Acute Oncology while making a meaningful contribution to the experience and outcomes of patients affected by cancer and its treatment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist will work as an integral member of the Acute Oncology Service, providing specialist nursing care, advice and support to patients experiencing acute complications associated with cancer and its treatment.
Working alongside the Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, Consultant Oncologists and wider multidisciplinary teams, you will support the assessment, management and coordination of care for patients presenting across the Trust. This includes patients with treatment-related toxicities, metastatic spinal cord compression, cancer of unknown primary and those presenting with serious non-specific signs and symptoms where cancer is suspected.
You will assess patients individual needs, contribute to the planning and delivery of appropriate investigations and treatment, and support timely referral to relevant cancer and specialist services. You will use your clinical judgement to prioritise care and will develop increasing autonomy within the role, working within your professional competence and with appropriate support and supervision from senior members of the Acute Oncology team.
Communication is central to this role. You will provide specialist information, advice and support to patients and their families at what can be a highly uncertain and challenging time. This may include supporting patients following a new or suspected cancer diagnosis, discussing treatment and care options and communicating complex or sensitive information. You will act as a key worker for appropriate patients, helping to ensure that they, their families and the professionals involved in their care are well informed and that care is coordinated effectively.
You will promote personalised care throughout the patient pathway, including the use of Holistic Needs Assessments and Personalised Care and Support Plans where appropriate. You will advocate for patients, ensuring their individual needs, preferences and priorities are recognised and incorporated into their care.
The role requires close collaborative working with site-specific cancer teams, oncology and haematology services, specialist palliative care, primary and community care and other relevant services. You will contribute to effective communication across organisational and professional boundaries to promote continuity of care and a positive patient experience.
You will manage and prioritise your own workload and caseload, maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation and supporting the effective movement of patients through diagnostic, treatment and follow-up pathways.
As your specialist practice develops, you will have opportunities to further enhance your clinical assessment and decision-making skills. Where appropriate training and competencies have been achieved, this may include the use of advanced clinical skills and non-medical prescribing.
An important element of the post is supporting the development of knowledge and confidence in colleagues caring for acutely unwell patients with cancer. You will act as a specialist resource for nursing, medical and other healthcare professionals, sharing knowledge, providing advice and contributing to education and training.
You will contribute to the ongoing development of the Acute Oncology Service through audit, evaluation, quality improvement and the development of evidence-based practice. You will support the collection and use of service data and patient feedback to identify opportunities to improve quality, safety, patient experience and outcomes.
The postholder will be encouraged to contribute to research and innovation relevant to Acute Oncology and cancer care and to maintain their own professional development through education, clinical supervision and engagement with local, regional and national specialist networks.
You will demonstrate professional leadership and act as a positive role model, promoting compassionate, safe and effective care. You will work in accordance with the NMC Code, relevant NICE guidance, Trust policies and professional standards, maintaining accountability for your practice at all times.
This is a varied and rewarding specialist nursing role offering the opportunity to develop expertise in Acute Oncology while making a meaningful contribution to the experience and outcomes of patients affected by cancer and its treatment.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy/systemic anti-cancer therapy, and the recognition and management of associated toxicities.
- Knowledge and understanding of acute oncological presentations and complications.
- Ability to undertake clinical assessment, recognise deterioration and contribute to appropriate and timely clinical decision-making.
- Ability to work autonomously within professional boundaries, seeking senior or specialist support appropriately.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex, sensitive and potentially distressing information.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and coordinate care across services.
- Effective organisation, prioritisation and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage competing clinical demands and work to deadlines.
- Evidence of critical thinking and clinical decision-making.
- Understanding of personalised cancer care and the importance of involving patients and families in decisions about their care.
- Knowledge of professional accountability and the NMC Code.
- Evidence of leadership skills and the ability to act as a positive professional role model.
- Ability to use information technology and electronic clinical systems effectively.
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).
- Knowledge of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) pathways.
- Knowledge of Serious Non-Specific Symptoms (SNSS) pathways where cancer is suspected.
- Advanced clinical assessment skills.
- Non-medical prescribing skills.
- Knowledge of Holistic Needs Assessment and Personalised Care and Support Planning.
- Understanding of relevant national cancer standards, guidance and performance measures.
- Knowledge of clinical audit, research, evidence-based practice and quality improvement methodology.
- Teaching, presentation and facilitation skills.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Demonstrates a compassionate, patient-centred approach and commitment to providing high-quality personalised care.
- Able to work effectively within a developing and changing specialist service.
- Able to work flexibly according to service and patient needs.
- Able to work across Trust sites as required by the role.
- Demonstrates professional integrity, accountability and an understanding of confidentiality.
- Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, respect and dignity.
- Demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
- Emotionally resilient and able to work sensitively with patients and families experiencing uncertainty, distress, serious illness and potentially life-limiting diagnoses
Desirable
- Demonstrates an interest in the continued development of Acute Oncology services.
- Willingness to contribute to research, innovation, audit and service improvement.
- Willingness to participate in local, regional and national specialist professional networks.
Experience
Essential
- Relevant post-registration nursing experience.
- Experience of caring for patients with cancer and/or complex healthcare needs in an oncology, haematology or palliative care setting. With relevant post registration experience in these areas.
- Experience of assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care.
- Experience of multidisciplinary and multi-professional team working.
- Experience of communicating complex and sensitive information to patients and their families/carers.
- Experience of prioritising and managing a clinical workload effectively.
Desirable
- Experience of caring for acutely unwell patients with cancer.
- Experience of managing patients experiencing complications or toxicities associated with systemic anti-cancer treatment.
- chemotherapy enhancing practice qualification.
- Experience of audit, quality improvement or service development.
- Experience of supporting the education and development of other healthcare professionals.
- Experience of working across organisational or care-setting boundaries.
Statutory Registration
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Adult) on Part 1 of the NMC Register.
- Valid UK NMC PIN and registration maintained in accordance with NMC requirements.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current professional registration.
- Degree-level study in oncology or equivalent relevant specialist study/experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to cancer care.
- Evidence of relevant post-registration education and training.
Desirable
- Physical assessment skills or willingness to undertake relevant training.
- Advanced Communication Skills training or willingness to undertake.
- V300 Non-Medical Prescribing qualification or willingness to work towards.
- Mentorship, practice assessor and/or teaching qualification.
- Master's-level study or willingness to work towards.
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy/systemic anti-cancer therapy, and the recognition and management of associated toxicities.
- Knowledge and understanding of acute oncological presentations and complications.
- Ability to undertake clinical assessment, recognise deterioration and contribute to appropriate and timely clinical decision-making.
- Ability to work autonomously within professional boundaries, seeking senior or specialist support appropriately.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex, sensitive and potentially distressing information.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and coordinate care across services.
- Effective organisation, prioritisation and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage competing clinical demands and work to deadlines.
- Evidence of critical thinking and clinical decision-making.
- Understanding of personalised cancer care and the importance of involving patients and families in decisions about their care.
- Knowledge of professional accountability and the NMC Code.
- Evidence of leadership skills and the ability to act as a positive professional role model.
- Ability to use information technology and electronic clinical systems effectively.
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).
- Knowledge of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) pathways.
- Knowledge of Serious Non-Specific Symptoms (SNSS) pathways where cancer is suspected.
- Advanced clinical assessment skills.
- Non-medical prescribing skills.
- Knowledge of Holistic Needs Assessment and Personalised Care and Support Planning.
- Understanding of relevant national cancer standards, guidance and performance measures.
- Knowledge of clinical audit, research, evidence-based practice and quality improvement methodology.
- Teaching, presentation and facilitation skills.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Demonstrates a compassionate, patient-centred approach and commitment to providing high-quality personalised care.
- Able to work effectively within a developing and changing specialist service.
- Able to work flexibly according to service and patient needs.
- Able to work across Trust sites as required by the role.
- Demonstrates professional integrity, accountability and an understanding of confidentiality.
- Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, respect and dignity.
- Demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
- Emotionally resilient and able to work sensitively with patients and families experiencing uncertainty, distress, serious illness and potentially life-limiting diagnoses
Desirable
- Demonstrates an interest in the continued development of Acute Oncology services.
- Willingness to contribute to research, innovation, audit and service improvement.
- Willingness to participate in local, regional and national specialist professional networks.
Experience
Essential
- Relevant post-registration nursing experience.
- Experience of caring for patients with cancer and/or complex healthcare needs in an oncology, haematology or palliative care setting. With relevant post registration experience in these areas.
- Experience of assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care.
- Experience of multidisciplinary and multi-professional team working.
- Experience of communicating complex and sensitive information to patients and their families/carers.
- Experience of prioritising and managing a clinical workload effectively.
Desirable
- Experience of caring for acutely unwell patients with cancer.
- Experience of managing patients experiencing complications or toxicities associated with systemic anti-cancer treatment.
- chemotherapy enhancing practice qualification.
- Experience of audit, quality improvement or service development.
- Experience of supporting the education and development of other healthcare professionals.
- Experience of working across organisational or care-setting boundaries.
Statutory Registration
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Adult) on Part 1 of the NMC Register.
- Valid UK NMC PIN and registration maintained in accordance with NMC requirements.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current professional registration.
- Degree-level study in oncology or equivalent relevant specialist study/experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to cancer care.
- Evidence of relevant post-registration education and training.
Desirable
- Physical assessment skills or willingness to undertake relevant training.
- Advanced Communication Skills training or willingness to undertake.
- V300 Non-Medical Prescribing qualification or willingness to work towards.
- Mentorship, practice assessor and/or teaching qualification.
- Master's-level study or willingness to work towards.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
University Hospital of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
University Hospital of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Thelma Rosenvinge
07917092604
Details
Date posted
17 September 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 a year Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
C9439-2627-RP-N308
Job locations
University Hospital of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Supporting links (all open in new tabs)
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