Job description
To work within a specialist palliative care setting as part of a multidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients and their families. Under the supervision of the Senior Registered Nurse and Ward Sister, the post holder will be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of individualised programmes of care.
The post holder will maintain agreed standards of practice and actively contribute to clinical audit activity to support continuous improvement in nursing care. They will also provide qualified nursing support across the wider specialist palliative care service as required. While the post does not carry direct budgetary responsibility, the post holder is expected to work efficiently, recognising cost implications and making effective use of available resources.
Values and Professional Conduct Our values underpin everything we do. All employees are expected to act in a way that reflects these values at all times, working collaboratively towards a shared purpose to deliver high-quality care to patients and their families. Policies, Procedures and Safeguarding Employees are responsible for familiarising themselves with, and adhering to, all policies and procedures relevant to their role.
This includes strict compliance with confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding policies throughout their employment. Health, Safety and Wellbeing All employees are expected to carry out their duties safely and responsibly, with due regard for their own wellbeing and the safety of others. All work activities must be undertaken in accordance with the organisation’s Health and Safety policies and guidelines.
Ambassadorship All employees act as ambassadors for Cornwall Hospice and are expected to positively represent and promote the organisation’s purpose, values, and reputation whenever possible . Clinical Practice & Patient Care Deliver the highest standard of evidence-based, research-informed nursing care to all patients.
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised programmes of care. Supervise and support ward team members to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate care delivery. Provide compassionate, patient-centred care that respects dignity and individual need. Maintain a caring, safe, and therapeutic environment for patients, families, carers, and staff.
Act as an advocate for patients and those important to them, offering information, emotional support, and signposting to relevant services as appropriate. Plan and coordinate effective discharge from admission, working closely with the multidisciplinary team, social care, community services, and external agencies. Maintain and develop clinical knowledge and skills to support evidence-based practice, including undertaking extended roles following appropriate competency-based training.
Safely and competently administer medicines in accordance with Hospice policies and professional standards. Accurately use electronic patient record systems (e.g. EPMA) in line with organisational policy and procedure. In the absence of senior staff, take charge of the shift, ensuring appropriate skill mix, patient flow, bed management, and effective use of time and resources.
Participate in staff appraisal as both appraisee and appraiser for junior staff members. Actively engage in clinical supervision to support safe and reflective practice. Contribute to the education, supervision, and practical training of learners and Health Care Assistants. Maintain confidentiality for patients, families, carers, and colleagues at all times in line with the NMC Code.
Education, Training & Professional Development Supervise students, learners, and unqualified staff, acting as a positive role model and mentor to support learning and development. Contribute to both informal and formal teaching sessions for staff across the service. Engage in ongoing professional development to ensure practice remains current, competent, and evidence based.
Ensure all mandatory training is completed and kept up to date in line with organisational requirements. Support team development through feedback, coaching, and appropriate professional guidance. Leadership, Supervision & Team Coordination Act as a professional role model, motivating and supporting colleagues to achieve high standards of care.
Maintain an up-to-date continuing professional development (CPD) portfolio. Lead and supervise the work of unqualified staff within the team. Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team. Take responsibility for ward leadership in the absence of senior nursing staff. Deliver patient-centred care in a productive and cost-effective manner.
Promote patient safety by participating in clinical audit, quality improvement, risk management, and the reporting and initial management of incidents. Professional Practice & Accountability Work within own scope of practice, recognising professional limitations and responsibilities. Practice in accordance with the NMC Code and professional standards.
Participate fully in the annual appraisal and performance review process. Provide coaching, guidance, and support to junior staff to promote safe practice and professional development. Engage proactively in clinical supervision and reflective practice. Clinical Governance, Quality & Safety Support a culture of safety and quality by actively participating in clinical audit, research activity, risk management, and incident reporting.
Contribute to the development, monitoring, and review of standards of care, policies, and procedures. Ensure compliance with data protection legislation and GDPR at all times. Communication & Collaborative Working Coordinate patient care with members of the multidisciplinary team, ensuring care plans are delivered and changes in patient condition are communicated promptly.
Demonstrate professional, compassionate, and respectful communication with patients and their relatives or carers. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, community teams, external professionals, and partner agencies. Use clear, sensitive, and persuasive communication skills to share complex or emotionally sensitive information appropriately.
This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive. The duties may be reviewed and amended periodically in line with service needs. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the level and scope of the role and to work across other Cornwall Hospice sites as required.
Applicants must hold and maintain current registration as a Registered Nurse (Adult) on Part One or Two of the NMC Register. Registered Nurse (Adult) with current NMC registration (Part 1 or 2). Experience delivering high-quality, patient-centred nursing care within a multidisciplinary team. Experience in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of individualised care.
Experience supporting or supervising junior staff, students, or Health Care Assistants. Experience administering medicines safely in line with policy and professional standards. Experience using electronic patient record systems. Experience contributing to clinical audit, quality improvement, or service development (desirable).
Experience in palliative, hospice, or end-of-life care (desirable). Sound knowledge of the NMC Code and professional accountability. Strong clinical assessment and care planning skills. Ability to deliver evidence-based, compassionate palliative nursing care. Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection, and GDPR.
Competent medicines management and understanding of symptom control. Effective communication skills, including handling sensitive and emotionally complex situations. Ability to prioritise workload, manage time effectively, and use resources efficiently. Ability to lead a shift and coordinate care in the absence of senior staff.
Understanding of clinical governance, risk management, and incident reporting. Commitment to continuing professional development and reflective practice. Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-focused. Values-driven and committed to delivering high-quality end-of-life care. Professional, accountable, and able to work within own scope of practice.
Calm, resilient, and able to work effectively in emotionally demanding situations. Positive role model who supports and motivates others. Flexible and adaptable, with willingness to work across sites if required. Collaborative team player with a respectful and inclusive approach. Acts as a positive ambassador for Cornwall Hospice and its values.