About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a motivated, compassionate and clinically experienced practitioner to join our Clinical Services team as a Trainee Advanced Practitioner.
This is an exciting developmental opportunity for an experienced registered professional who wishes to progress into advanced clinical practice within specialist palliative and end of life care.
The post holder will undertake a structured, apprenticeship training programme aligned to the four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice (clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research), working towards recognised Advanced Practice qualification and credentialing.
You will work closely with senior clinicians, the multidisciplinary team, and external partners to deliver high-quality, person-centred care to patients and families across hospice services. You will also have the benefit of supervision and support from our qualified Advanced Practitioner.
Whilst the post is based predominantly within our inpatient unit, there is an expectation that there will be a community reach to support & assess the most complex of cases.
Main duties of the job
Under supervision and as part of a structured development programme, you will:
Deliver high-quality, evidence-based clinical care within your scope of practiceUndertake advanced assessment, clinical decision-making and care planningContribute to service development, quality improvement and patient safety initiativesWork collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team and across organisational boundariesDevelop leadership skills, supporting staff development and service deliveryParticipate in audit, evaluation and research activity relevant to palliative careMaintain professional accountability in line with your regulatory body and hospice policiesContribute to the on call system both in training and on qualificationTraining and development
You will be supported to:
Enrol on and complete an approved Advanced Clinical Practice MSc pathwayDevelop competencies aligned to the Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice (England)Access clinical supervision, mentorship and protected learning timeProgress to a substantive Advanced Practitioner role on successful completion of training and competencies
This training role is intellectually, emotionally and professionally demanding, combining postgraduate academic study with advanced clinical practice in a specialist palliative care environment. You'll demonstrate emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to self-care, recognising both the challenges and rewards of hospice work.
About us
At St Margaret's Hospice Care, our work is guided by our core values of compassion, respect, professionalism, collaboration, integrity and excellence. We are committed to inclusive, supportive and reflective practice and welcome applicants who share these values.
Why Join Us?
A supportive, values-driven hospice environmentStrong commitment to learning, supervision and staff wellbeingOpportunity to shape and develop advanced practice within hospice careAccess to education funding and protected learning timeWe also offer the following employee benefits:
Life assurance (2x salary)Health Cash PlanAbility to buy or sell annual leave33 days'annual leave (incl. bank holidays), rising to 35 days after 1 year (pro-rata for part-time)For the purposes of annual leave, we recognise reckonable service with the NHS for Band 5+ clinical staffPension: NHS pension continuation* or enrolment into St Margaret's Hospice Pension PlanEmployee Assistance Programme for you and your family, including 24/7 online GP access; Counselling and confidential support; Legal, financial and medical advice.Blue Light Card discountsEnhanced maternity leave*Learning and development opportunitiesFree on-site parking (Yeovil and Taunton)Volunteering and fundraising opportunities*Eligibility criteria apply.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
The post holder is an experienced nurse who, acting within their professional boundaries, will provide care for patients from referral, including history taking, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care. They will embark on a journey of development to demonstrate safe, clinical decision making and expert care and will be able to demonstrate critical thinking in the clinical decision-making process.
They will work collaboratively with colleagues to best meet the needs of the patient, supporting delivery of policy and procedures, and providing nursing leadership as required. To work at this level NMC requirements for advanced practice must be met.
The post holder will work in an integrated way based within the inpatient setting, working across all services within St Margaret's and external systems of care that support patient journeys within Somerset. You will work as part of the on-call rota both in training and on completion of the apprenticeship.
The development pathway
The development pathway will aim to be completed within three years. The post holder will work closely with our Palliative Consultant, Associate Director of Clinical Services and Senior In-Patient Unit leads in developing and consolidating the required skills against a portfolio of evidence and SMART action plan. There is a high degree of theoretical dedication required, and a practical drive to engage across systems is essential. Commitment to reflection and supervision is integral to the post.
It is an underpinning requirement to work towards an accredited masters that will include modules such as Independent Prescribing and Physical examination
The post holder will always work within the scope of professional practice and guidance on advanced practice adhering to all relevant professional, legal and regulatory guidelines.
The post holder will work within the boundaries of the role function as it develops.
The trainee will at all times have a named educational supervisor and clinical supervisor responsible for overseeing education and development.
Key Relationships:
Internal
Associate Director Clinical Services Clinical Director Lead Nurses for Inpatient, Community and Advice Line Consultants in Palliative Medicine Speciality Doctors and Doctors in Training Community Nurse Specialists Advanced Practitioner Advice Line External
Ensures effective networking relationships and communication with Nursing/AHP colleagues and relevant organisations, primary care networks and other hospices as necessary to maintain delivery of effective patient and family care.
Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
Clinical practice is not restricted to the In-patient Unit. There will be times when assessment is required within community settings. Utilise emerging advanced practice skills to identify, assess, diagnose, treat, and manage patients with palliative care needs under the assessment and supervision of the medical team. As part of a multidisciplinary team exercise complex levels of judgement, discretion and decision making in clinical care. Make appropriate use of the latest evidence base to supervise practice, teach and support professional colleagues to apply skilled leadership to clinical decision making. To champion innovative practice within the field of hospice and end of life care. The Advanced Nurse Practitioner will demonstrate an advanced practice level applying their extended knowledge and skills in the principles and practice of palliative care to support patients with the most complex needs in a range of departments and care settings as required by the hospice strategic plan. To develop advanced communication skills when interacting with patients and their families. Work as part of the MDT, carrying out a high standard of holistic clinical assessment, determining and providing plans treatment / interventions, advice and support as appropriate. Manage a caseload of patients whenever the clinical need arises under the mentorship of the medical team. Maintain clinical records in line with organisation and NMC Use developing advanced clinical skills and judgment to diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with complex palliative needs throughout the hospice and outreach facilities as directed. Anticipate problems and risks and act before crises arise. Undertaking the educational pathway to Independent prescribing you will be demonstrating the learning in action on the In-patient Unit under the mentorship of the medical team and autonomously continue to develop your annual portfolio against the Pharmaceutical Frameworks of requirement and audit. Participate and contribute to medication reviews with patients and take a proactive approach in ensuring patients understanding of their medication. Develop experience and participate in the 24/7 inpatient on call rota. Working with the 1st on call accountable to 2nd on call palliative medicine consultant to ensure effective co-ordination of care Supervise and participate in admissions of patients with reference to 2nd on call at weekends Provide a source of expertise to all health care practitioners, including undertaking joint assessments as required, under the mentorship of the medical team. Identify clinical issues and incidents within the specialty that may affect the quality of palliative care services raising as appropriate to ensure the delivery of a safe effective service. Supervised participation in the allocated duties and responsibilities of the medical team covering the in-patient unit, day services, out-patient clinics, patients own home including care homes and other areas as required.Leadership and Management Progressively Demonstrate leadership skills when undertaking the clinical assessment process and when planning and delivering care. Actively promote the rehabilitative and therapeutic approaches to specialist palliative care. Demonstrate team leadership, resilience and determination and motivate all staff and others through providing training, supervision and mentorship. Develop and apply a repertoire of interpersonal skills in response to the different needs of staff and colleagues. Encourage proactive innovation amongst the MDT and demonstrate flexibility and safely within parameters of organisational policies. Role model the values of the organisation, demonstrating a person centres approach to service delivery and development Critically apply advanced clinical expertise to provide consultancy across professional boundaries. Actively engage in peer review to inform own and others practice. Demonstrate openness to challenges and be prepared to constructively challenge self & others. Manage own time and work effectively to meet objectives and requirements of the role. Be proactive as part of the clinical team in ensuring the totality of hospice skills are used to best effect to ensure appropriate and timely responses for patients Make proactive use of the multi-disciplinary team discussions and review meetings to ensure skills, expertise and use of hospice and professional resources are utilized in the patients interest. Be aware of the local policies of partner organisations with regards to care practices, treatments and prescribing formularies. Quality Improvement, Audit & Research
(Developing skills and knowledge around research and implementing evidence based practice into the clinical area) An active participant within the clinical audit and quality improvement group and clinical governance committees and work plan as required and directed by line manager. Lead on specific projects to demonstrate learning and skill. Identify and support audits and evaluation of work that may be required to develop and improve palliative/ end of life care for patients and their carers. Support quality improvement initiatives and evidence based practice in service through development plans / projects wherever possible. Influence the setting and monitoring of standards of practice, ensuring delivery cost effectiveness and evidence care. Contribute to the Clinical Governance Process. Support the implementation and monitoring of clinical practice guidelines including standards, policies and protocols in line with national directives. Facilitate and participate in reflective reviews of palliative care. To be aware of professional responsibilities and comply with all appropriate policies, standards and guidelines. Understands and comply with guidance surrounding advanced practice. Service Development
Review care pathways, feeding reviews into appropriate discussions to ensure continual quality improvement. Work with other disciplines to integrate best practice tools e.g. pathways of care and to minimise duplication of elements of care, fragmentation of care and delays in response to patients needs. Maintain links with other Palliative Care Specialists in order to share and learn from examples of good practice. Critically evaluate relevant research findings in order to develop practice. Education
Critically assess and address own learning needs, engage in self-directed learning in order to maximise clinical skills and knowledge as well as own ability to lead and develop services. Advocate for, and contribute to organisational learning and support the wider team to build capacity and capability through work based and inter professional learning and learning in practice.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications Essential
NMC Registered Nurse BSc in clinically based subject or 360 credits at level 6 (or equivalent) Clear and continued evidence of CPD Willing to undertake & complete MSc level education in set time frame Willing to complete specific curriculum relevant to Palliative Care
Desirable
Post graduate certificate /diploma in Palliative/End of life care
Self Awareness Essential
Ability to manage time, self and own workload. Ability to direct and co-ordinate programmes of care working collaboratively and autonomously. Ability to work across traditional professional and organisational boundaries and agencies. Ability to work flexibly A high standard of self-discipline, work ethos and personal and professional standards
Working with others Essential
Excellent communication skills across multi-agency and multidisciplinary settings. Demonstrates compassionate, person-centred communication with patients/families in serious illness and end-of-life care. Leadership and team working abilities. Motivational skills both for self and others. Enthusiastic team player Multidisciplinary team working Ability to liaise and network effectively.
Desirable
Management experience in feedback and appraisal
Outcome and Results Essential
Track record and evidence of being an effective leader Ability to think creatively, laterally and problem solve.
Desirable
Research experience Clinical assessment skills Quality improvement strategies
Leading in your area Essential
Clear understanding of clinical governance, specifically related to advanced practice. Commitment to equal opportunities. Substantial relevant experience in relevant care setting at a senior level Clear understanding of the role of the ACP and expectations IT skills Clinical reasoning Presentation skills Portfolio presentation
Desirable
Awareness and understanding of the systems of palliative care delivery. Up to date knowledge of all aspects of Palliative Care. Experience in oncology Audit experience Experience of practice development
Other Requirements Essential
Available to be on call and work flexibly over a 24/7, 365 day per year service as services and patients' needs dictate. Access to transport in order to travel to locations across Somerset, including rural areas.
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.
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 St Margaret's Somerset Hospice
Address Heron Drive
Bishops Hull
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5HA
Employer's website https://www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/home-page (Opens in a new tab)