Job summary
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has been successfully rolled out across the UK over the past decade and is now well established. The programme is recognised for its role in reducing deaths from bowel cancer by 16%.

Due to the continued development and expansion of the service, we are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic nurse to join this exciting and fast-paced team.

The main purpose of your role will be to assess participants' suitability for colonoscopy, provide information and support throughout the screening process, and communicate results. You will be responsible for delivering a high-quality service and maintaining accurate and comprehensive records.

You will also be required to attend Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and work closely with health promotion teams to improve screening uptake and promote inclusivity.

You should be able to work independently and autonomously across Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, while benefiting from a supportive team environment.

Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential. You must also be able to work flexibly, as our screening lists may operate seven days a week.

If you are considering making an application, you are strongly encouraged to contact Jamunadevi Doraikannu, Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner, on 01582 497939 or by email at Jamunadevi.doraikannu@ldh.nhs.uk to arrange an informal visit.

Main duties of the job

• This role will include the delivery of nurse-led and virtual clinics, within the community of Luton and Bedfordshire.
• You will act as the individuals' advocate, supporting and empowering them and their family to make informed choices and decisions about their screening examination, care, treatment and future participation, through all stages of the screening programme.
• You will be involved in assessing individuals, making decisions based on the outcomes of your assessment and managing your own caseload.
• You will participate at colorectal cancer multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT's) in the participating individuals' relevant Trust.
• You need to be able to work well within a team and also work autonomously as an individual.
• You will be expected to communicate sensitive and bad news to individuals when required.

About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new external staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

• The post will be based at Bedford Hospital though cross site working to Luton and Dunstable Hospital will be required.
• You will be allocated a mentor who will support you through a comprehensive induction and training and you will be required to attend a 2 day virtual course to use the Bowel Cancer Screening database.
• You would be expected to successfully complete a Specialist Screening Practitioner certificate within 12 months of employment at Liverpool John Moore's University.

Qualifications
Essential

• Registered First level Nurse
• Teaching and mentoring course
• Evidence of continuing professional development in speciality.

Desirable

• Evidence of study at degree level
• Certification in Advanced Communication skills

Experience
Essential

• Broad range of clinical experience with specific experience in managing own caseload/working within a speciality.
• Application of teaching within the work area

Desirable

• Experience of providing nurse led clinics
• Participation in service development and implementation of change
• Able to analyse complex patient conditions and take appropriate action within the context of Bowel Cancer Screening

Knowledge
Essential

• Able to perform assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of specialist care
• Ability to communicate in a variety of settings with patients of varying levels of understanding.
• Able to prioritise and manage own workload and work with minimal supervision
• Basic IT skills in word processing and spreadsheets

Desirable

• Specific knowledge relating to national policies and procedures relevant to the NHS bowel Cancer Screening Programme

Personal
Essential

• Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the health care setting
• Ability to travel independently and work cross site.

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.

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).