Staff Nurse

Job Description

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join the expanding Targeted Lung Health Checks programme across Dorset.

This vital NHS initiative focuses on early detection of lung cancer by offering lung health assessments to individuals aged 55–74 who currently smoke or have a history of smoking. The programme plays a key part in the NHS’s broader efforts to catch cancers sooner, supporting the goal set out in the NHS Long Term Plan to diagnose 75% of cancers at an early stage (stage 1 or 2) by 2028.

In this important position, you’ll help launch and deliver a comprehensive lung cancer screening service throughout Dorset, contributing directly to improved outcomes for local communities.

As part of a close-knit multidisciplinary team, you’ll provide essential administrative and coordination support while working alongside specialist nurses, radiologists, consultants, and other healthcare professionals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Evaluating participant eligibility through the national lung cancer risk assessment tool.
• Explaining the screening process clearly and accessibly to patients, ensuring they feel informed and supported.
• Managing participant lists with precision, keeping accurate records using Excel spreadsheets and the Trust’s electronic systems.
• Handling patient enquiries about appointments, procedures, and preparation requirements, while emphasising the benefits of attending the earliest available slot.
• Collaborating closely with the clinical team to escalate any medical questions appropriately.
• Coordinating with radiologists, consultants, lead nurses, and coordinators to keep patients on the right follow-up pathway.
• Maintaining and updating patient tracking records.
• Arranging CT scans when indicated.
• Referring suitable participants to the Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist service.
• Recording outcomes, documenting key findings, and escalating concerns promptly and effectively.

At Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, we are deeply committed to delivering outstanding, compassionate care to our patients while fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace for our staff. Our mission is to partner with others to deliver high-quality services and create an environment where everyone can thrive. Our vision focuses on healthier lives, empowered people, and stronger communities.

We actively promote diversity and inclusion, and we warmly encourage applications from individuals in underrepresented groups.

We recognise that some candidates may use AI tools to help draft their applications. While this is acceptable, we expect all applications to be honest, authentic, and a true reflection of your own skills, experiences, and motivations. Integrity and genuineness are fundamental to our recruitment values.

UK Visa Sponsorship: This position qualifies for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, in line with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidelines. We welcome applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship, provided they meet the necessary UKVI criteria.

For full details, including the complete Job Description and Person Specification, please refer to the official vacancy on the Trust’s careers page (attachments or links provided in the original advert). When applying, clearly demonstrate how your background aligns with the requirements in the Person Specification.

If you have difficulty accessing any documents, please email Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk for assistance.

We are looking for colleagues who share our core Trust values: Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Excellence, and who are truly passionate about delivering exceptional patient care.

Discover more about Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, our services, and our values by visiting the official website: https://dchft.nhs.uk/.

For information on the Targeted Lung Health Checks programme in Dorset, see: https://dchft.nhs.uk/services/lung-cancer-screening.

Join us in making a real difference to lung health and cancer outcomes across Dorset!