Pre Operative Cancer Practitioner(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Join Sherwood Forest Hospitals

Thank you for considering a career with Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Our Trust is widely recognised as one of the best NHS organisations to work for in the East Midlands, with more than 5,500 staff members dedicated to delivering compassionate and high-quality healthcare.

We believe that a supportive working environment leads to better patient care, which is why we prioritise staff wellbeing, professional development and inclusive workplace culture.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Registered Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) to join the Pre-Operative Assessment Team as a Band 7 Pre-Operative Cancer Practitioner.

This role focuses on supporting patients who are preparing for surgery following a cancer diagnosis. You will work with individuals across several medical specialties, ensuring they are clinically and emotionally prepared for their surgical treatment.

As a senior practitioner, you will play an important role in coordinating care, guiding patients through the pre-operative process and working closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to optimise patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of safe and efficient surgical pathways for cancer patients.

Main duties include:

  • Conducting comprehensive pre-operative assessments for patients scheduled for cancer surgery
  • Coordinating patient pathways prior to admission for surgical procedures
  • Supporting patients and their families with information, reassurance and clinical advice
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, anaesthetists and specialist nurses
  • Managing a clinical caseload and ensuring all patients are prepared for theatre safely
  • Participating in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives and service development
  • You will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership skills while contributing to the continuous improvement of the pre-operative service.

Working at the Trust

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides healthcare services for more than 420,000 people across Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark, Sherwood and surrounding areas.

  • The Trust works collaboratively with local health and social care partners to deliver integrated care across the region.
  • Our commitment to excellence has been recognised through:
  • Outstanding Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating for patient care
  • Recognition as the best acute Trust to work for in the East Midlands for several consecutive years in the NHS Staff Survey

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.

Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals who identify as:

  • Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic
  • Disabled professionals
  • Underrepresented communities within healthcare
  • A diverse workforce helps us better reflect and serve the communities we care for.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

  • Experience working within an NHS hospital environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage a clinical caseload effectively
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Understanding of clinical audit and quality improvement methodologies

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must have:

  • Registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council or qualification as an Operating Department Practitioner
  • A first-level degree or equivalent professional experience
  • Advanced communication training or willingness to undertake this training
  • Teaching and assessing qualification

Desirable Qualifications

  • Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Nursing or a related specialist field
  • Independent or supplementary nurse prescribing qualification
  • Formal leadership or management training
  • Specialist training in cancer care or palliative care

Essential Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

  • Extensive post-registration clinical experience
  • Experience working within multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to communicate complex information to colleagues and patients
  • Experience supporting patients and families in emotionally challenging situations
  • Evidence of change management or service improvement initiatives
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills

Desirable Experience

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist experience
  • Research involvement or published work
  • Leadership or service management experience
  • Membership of relevant professional organisations

Contractual Requirements

  • Full-time position (37.5 hours per week)
  • Flexible approach to working hours
  • Full UK driving licence required due to potential travel between sites

Immigration and Employment Guidance

Some NHS roles may qualify for visa sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker route. Eligibility depends on salary thresholds and occupational classifications.

Useful official resources include:

These government resources explain immigration rules, employment eligibility and safeguarding requirements for healthcare professionals working in the UK.

Safeguarding and Background Checks

This role involves working with vulnerable individuals and therefore requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Trust will arrange the check and the cost will be deducted from your first salary once employment begins.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online before the closing date.

Shortlisting will be based on how well candidates demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Early application is encouraged as the Trust may close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received.