As University Hospitals Dorset we are a three site acute trust with ‘university hospital’ status through our partnership with Bournemouth University, working with an annual budget of £730m.
We offer highly regarded health services, employing some 10,000 staff. Our ambitious £500m transformation programme is well on the way to delivering state-of-the-art facilities over the next two years to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the populations we serve.
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over seven miles of sandy beaches you’ll find inspirational opportunities to achieve your perfect work/life balance. With the New Forest and the Purbecks on our doorstep, we’re also less than three hours from London by road or train. The thriving towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch give way to idyllic villages and unspoilt landscapes just minutes from our hospitals.
We believe that having a diverse workforce, and allowing people to be themselves, is essential in ensuring we offer an inclusive, welcoming and productive place to work.
We especially welcome applications from minority groups in the community who may be underrepresented in our workforce.
At UHD our active staff network groups are the Women's Network, Black Asian Minority Ethnic Group (BAME), Pride Network, European (EU), Pro Ability Staff Network, and the Armed Forces Support Group.
As a Trust we are proudly signed up to the Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant guaranteed interview schemes.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support the preparation of their application. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of your own experience and suitability. Personal integrity is an important part of the recruitment process.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for qualified nurses to join the inpatient nursing team at the Macmillan Unit. We require a motivated individual with a high standard of nursing skills to care for patients with a terminal illness. Ability to demonstrate compassion and a genuine interest to work within the field of specialist palliative care is essential.
The candidate needs to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work flexible hours. Shifts involve a mixture of long days days/nights 07:00-19:30 or 19:00-07:30. Also the candidate may be required to work some short shifts, 12:00 - 20:00 and 07.00-15.00.
Previous NHS nursing experience is essential. Palliative care experience is desirable
This role requires NMC Registration.
Base Location: Christchurch Hospital - Macmillan Unit
Interview Date: Friday, 23rd October 2026
**This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly. *
Main duties of the job
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Working for our organisation
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.
If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person specification
Qualifications
- NMC Registered Nurse
- Advanced Diploma/Degree in Adult Health Nursing Studies
- Teaching Qualification
- Post registration courses related to Palliative Care
Experience
- Experience of caring for patients with acute and long term conditions
- Demonstrable clinical experience in End of Life Care
- Previous experience of looking after terminally ill patients.
- Previous experience in nursing in the NHS.
Interpersonal skills
- Effective communication using a variety of methods.
- Ability to communicate sensitive and complex information to patients, carers and significant others
- Able to work unsupervised and on own initiative
- Able to integrate and work within the MDT
- Organisation and planning skills
- Leadership and management skills
Technical Skills
- Basic IT skills
- Demonstrable ability with vital signs monitoring equipment and ability to recognise the deteriorating patient
- Non-IV and IV medication administration including administration of blood products
- Calculation of drug doses for infusions requiring frequent concentration
- Venepuncture and cannulation
- Awareness of audit
- Verification of Expected Death training
Knowledge
- Ability to demonstrate fundamental nursing knowledge and practice skills
- Knowledge of the End of Life strategy / quality markers/ advance care planning
- Knowledge of the conditions relevant to End of Life care
- Awareness of patient experience, quality and safety agenda’s that support Governance Frameworks
Please note:
Staff recruited are expected to be available to work flexibly across all our Trust locations to meet service demands.
This advert may be closed early if sufficient applications are received.
COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst this vaccination is not a condition of employment we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated.
Internal Candidates: staff employed prior to merger who voluntarily change jobs will be appointed to UHD terms and conditions.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Staff Nurse - Macmillan Unit in Christchurch employer: University Hospitals Dorset
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a state-of-the-art microbiology laboratory at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will receive comprehensive training and support while working alongside a dedicated team that values collaboration and innovation. The Trust's investment in services and its vision for a Dorset-wide microbiology service provide unique opportunities for professional growth in a supportive and well-equipped setting.
Contact Details:
University Hospitals Dorset Recruitment Team
