Senior Head of Nursing - Haematology and Cancer Network Services

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced registered Band 6 nurse, who is dual trained in both contraception and sexual health. We are looking for someone who possess excellent interpersonal skills and the drive, enthusiasm and commitment to make a difference for our patients- within our integrated Sexual Health Service at Camberwell Sexual Health Clinic.

The Integrated Sexual Health Service is a busy service delivering Level 3 contraception and Sexual Health.

You will be part of a friendly multidisciplinary team that delivers high quality standards of care for our patients.

You will be a valued senior member of the nursing team providing autonomous nursing care to meet the sexual health and contraceptive needs of an undiagnosed patient population, including assessment, investigation, diagnosis and treatment for the individual patient group.

We are looking for an inspirational nurse who enjoys teamwork and making a difference to the team and the patients. You will be a strong clinical leader with excellent communication skills and a contraception and LOC SDI.

Please note this role is fixed term until 7th May 2026.

Main duties of the job

• To provide autonomous nursing care to meet the sexual health and contraceptive needs of the patient population, including assessment, investigation, diagnosis and treatment for the individual patient group
• To provide professional and clinical leadership within the nursing team
• To support the role of the Senior Charge Nurse and Nurse Practitioners in the implementation of a strategic development plan for nursing and nurse led services within the department
• To act as a resource for nursing education and clinical development within the service
• To be actively involved and supportive of Senior Nursing staff in the development and implementation of a programme of nursing audit and research within the department

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1.8 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To provide intermediate level, autonomous nursing care to patients with sexual health and contraceptive needs – to include diagnosis and treatment of STI’s and related conditions.
• To provide autonomous nursing care to patients with contraceptive needs, using a recognised contraception qualification, and competence at supplying all methods of contraception, and insertion and removal on contraceptive implants.
• To utilise specialist knowledge and skills and undertake procedures and practices such as cryotherapy, microscopy, speculum examination, bimanual examination, testicular examination, proctoscopy, contraceptive implant insertion and removal, cervical cytology and specialist follow up clinics.
• To be accountable for his/her own practice and utilise available opportunities to sustain and improve knowledge and professional competence.
• To obtain a detailed and comprehensive patient history in a systematic manner, including physical, emotional, psychological and environmental factors and a comprehensive sexual history.
• To undertake relevant physical examination and investigations for an undiagnosed patient group.
• To develop and implement a management plan for each patient referring as necessary internally and externally to the department as required.
• To request and interpret tests as required within departmental guidelines.
• To supply and administer medicines in accordance with Patient Group directions or as an Independent Prescriber if appropriate.
• To have knowledge of and adhere to local and national guidelines, policies and procedures specific to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults.
• To monitor the effectiveness of care and treatment through follow up as required (including partner notification) according to departmental guidelines.
• To maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with NMC, Trust and medico-legal requirements. To ensure that these standards are met and maintained within the nursing team.
• To ensure that all clinical and patient care is conducted in line with professional (NMC) and trust behaviour standards.
• To act as a patient advocate when appropriate, ensuring respect for patient confidentiality, privacy and cultural/ethnic background. To ensure that these standards are met with dignity and maintained within the nursing team.
• In conjunction with the Matron, Nurse practitioners and Senior Sister/Charge Nurse to support and participate in the development of nurse led services as appropriate.
• To be a credible and approachable role model for junior staff and students – providing clinical support and guidance as required
• To engage in local and national forums to develop practice and raise the profile of the service and Trust where appropriate.

Leadership

• To act as a clinical and professional role model for the nursing and wider multi professional team.
• To participate in operational management as Nurse coordinators
• To be actively participate in audit and research skills within the nursing team.
• To deputise for the Senior Charge Nurse or Nurse practitioners as required and carry out delegated responsibilities as agreed
• To support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in developing a culture of fair, equitable, consistent and supportive management within the nursing and CSW team.
• To support and participate in recruitment activities within the nursing team.

Quality

• To ensure care is delivered in accordance with requirements and recommendations of approved local and national clinical guidelines.
• To ensure all service users have a positive patient experience and to utilise patient experience data to support improvements in quality of care.
• To facilitate high-quality, cost-effective care using audit, benchmarking and other quality initiatives as determined by the Trust.
• To attend and participate in multi professional meetings and represent the CSHC nursing team and Senior Charge Nurse as required.
• To be fully aware of the targets and health agendas set by the government, Trust and Service – and be involved in the implementation of the required actions to meet these targets.
• To identify and monitor any risk to patient or staff safety taking appropriate management action. To support the risk management process through the Datix system.
• To be actively involved in nursing clinical audit (including PGD’s) and research to support, maintain and develop expected standards of care.
• To utilise and disseminate research findings in the delivery of specialist patient care.
• To participate in the development and implementation of assessment and mentorship processes for new staff to ensure quality standards are met.

Education and Training

• To contribute to an assessment of own educational needs, developing and agreeing a professional development plan with the line manager
• To keep up to date with clinical and nursing developments as required to meet the NMC revalidation standards.
• To maintain links with affiliated educational organisations and ensure that there is an appropriate learning environment for students and trainees
• In conjunction with the Practice development nurse to be involved in an ongoing programme of education and clinical development for nurses and CSW’s
• To support the training and mentorship of staff, students and trainees within the department
• To teach on relevant courses in affiliated university nursing departments and external courses as required

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Completion of DFRSH (or equivalent).
• Completion of LOC Implant
• Recognized Sexual Health Course.
• NMC Registered Nurse (Level 1).
• 1st degree in appropriate health and social science subject or willingness to complete.

Skills & Competencies

Essential criteria

• Communication skills – able to relate and communicate with patients and staff at all levels and from different professions. Adapts communication style as necessary and is able to work with and through others.
• Team building and working skills – able to lead a team to achieve results

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Enhanced knowledge and experience of sexual history taking, screening and examination of both female and male clients.
• Recognition of child, young person and adult safeguarding concerns. And experience in assessment and onward referrals.
• Experience of the provision of medication under patient group direction/ Non-Medical Prescribing qualification.

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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