About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for qualified nurses to join the inpatient nursing team at the Macmillan Unit. We require a motivated individual with a high standard of nursing skills to care for patients with a terminal illness. Ability to demonstrate compassion and a genuine interest to work within the field of specialist palliative care is essential.
The candidate needs to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work flexible hours. Shifts involve a mixture of long days days/nights 07:00-19:30 or 19:00-07:30. Also the candidate may be required to work some short shifts, 12:00 - 20:00 and 07.00-15.00.
Previous NHS nursing experience is essential. Palliative care experience is desirable
This role requires NMC Registration.
Base Location: Christchurch Hospital - Macmillan Unit
Interview Date: Friday, 23rd October 2026
**This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly. *
Main duties of the job
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.
If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.
Job description Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
NMC Registered Nurse Advanced Diploma/Degree in Adult Health Nursing Studies
Desirable
Teaching Qualification Post registration courses related to Palliative Care
Experience Essential
Experience of caring for patients with acute and long term conditions Demonstrable clinical experience in End of Life Care
Desirable
Previous experience of looking after terminally ill patients. Previous experience in nursing in the NHS.
Interpersonal skills Essential
Effective communication using a variety of methods. Ability to communicate sensitive and complex information to patients, carers and significant others Able to work unsupervised and on own initiative Able to integrate and work within the MDT Organisation and planning skills
Desirable
Leadership and management skills
Technical Skills Essential
Basic IT skills Demonstrable ability with vital signs monitoring equipment and ability to recognise the deteriorating patient Non-IV and IV medication administration including administration of blood products Calculation of drug doses for infusions requiring frequent concentration
Desirable
Venepuncture and cannulation Male Catheterisation Awareness of audit Verification of Expected Death training
Knowledge Essential
Ability to demonstrate fundamental nursing knowledge and practice skills Knowledge of the End of Life strategy / quality markers/ advance care planning Knowledge of the conditions relevant to End of Life care
Desirable
Awareness of patient experience, quality and safety agenda's that support Governance Frameworks
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 University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Christchurch Hospital
Fairmile Road
Christchurch
BH23 2JX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)