Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and clinically skilled palliative and end of life care clinical nurse specialist to join our dedicated friendly team based at Dorset County Hospital NHSFT. The post holder will be expected to exercise a high degree of professional autonomy, make clinical judgements using advanced knowledge and skills in order to provide the highest standard of holistic patient care, developing and practicing within clinical protocols and guidelines. You will be expected to manage a small, changing caseload of patients with complex needs as well as contributing to our education programme and the ongoing development of the palliative and end of life care service.

The post is for as and when bank hours.

Informal visits prior to interview are encouraged and can be arranged by contacting:
Disclaimer: As a Bank Worker, the nature of your engagement will be seen as on a day-to-day basis. You are entitled to choose whether to accept engagements which will be offered to you. A statement does not constitute a contract of employment, nor is the Trust under any obligation to offer you any engagement or further engagement under these terms. The job description for this Bank role relates to the equivalent substantive position. Whilst engaged by the Trust you would be expected to operate within the requirements of the job description.

Main duties of the job
To work as a clinical nurse specialist as part of the hospital-based specialist palliative care service, providing a 7 day a week nursing service.

In collaboration with other key personnel, the post holder will review, develop and facilitate palliative care services, ensuring a cohesive, holistic and evidence-based approach to management of palliative care patients.

To work with appropriate members of the Multidisciplinary health professional teams within the community, hospital, and voluntary sector.

The role will provide specialist nursing leadership in line with local/national guidelines.

Level of responsibility: Responsible for own strategic planning and direction of palliative care service.

• Providing holistic assessment of needs and implementation of patient centred care.
• Demonstrating a high level of knowledge of palliative care, the ability to remain up-to date with all relevant developments in this area.

About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate's individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

Job responsibilities
Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

Person Specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential

• Registered Nurse
• Degree in health related subject or working towards this
• Specialist palliative care qualification e.g.- Symptom Control and End of Life Care
• Recognised advanced communication skills qualification
• Able to demonstrate the ability to teach with relevant recognised teaching qualification
• Evidence of continual professional development
• NMP
• Advanced Clinical Assessment Skills

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Significant post registration nursing experience in the acute setting.
• Significant experience of working within the field of palliative care / caring for patients with palliative care needs
• Experience in working in related field: Oncology/ Haematology or other life-limiting illness
• Considerable experience in a nursing role of managing complex patients
• Experience of clinical audit and/or utilisation of research skills
• Experience of incorporating policy/evidence into practice
• Education/teaching experience in practice

Desirable

• Experience of working at band 6 or above
• Considerable experience working within the multidisciplinary team; communicating effectively at differing levels
• Extensive experience of caseload and/or team management
• Experience in developing and/or reviewing standards/policies

Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Able to demonstrate utilisation of negotiating skills
• Able to demonstrate motivation of self and others
• Ability to assess and plan individual care needs in partnership with patients/their carers
• Ability to work across the multi-disciplinary health and social care team
• Ability to handle distressing situations with sensitivity and empathy
• Computer/ IT skills

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
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Palliative & End of Life Care Lead
Alison Morton
alison.morton14@nhs.net
01305255752

Details
Date posted
18 September 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 a year
Pro Rata Per Annum
Contract
Bank
Working pattern
Flexible working
Reference number
405-26-NM472BWPELCCNS
Job locations
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom

Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.