Straight to Test Triage Nurse, Salford, Greater Manchester – Visa Sponsorship Available

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Straight to Test Triage Nurse in Salford, Greater Manchester. This fixed-term Band 7 role is ideal for experienced nurses, including those from Nigeria and other African countries, as visa sponsorship is readily available for foreign applicants. Offering a competitive salary of £49,387 to £56,515 a year, this position provides a significant opportunity for career advancement within the UK's NHS.

Job Description

This exciting opportunity places you at the forefront of transforming colorectal cancer pathways, making a tangible difference in patient outcomes. As a Colorectal Triage Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), you will be instrumental in shaping and developing the Trust's innovative Straight to Test (STT) Colorectal Service, working within a fast-paced, patient-focused pathway.

Your primary responsibilities will involve leading telephone assessment and triage clinics for urgent colorectal referrals, leveraging your advanced clinical skills to make crucial decisions about patients' diagnostic journeys. This role offers the chance to be part of a Greater Manchester-wide transformation programme, helping to establish and develop STT services across the region and playing a vital role in achieving national cancer targets, including the 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard.

Working autonomously, you will take responsibility for assessing and managing patients referred by GPs with suspected colorectal cancer, triaging urgent referrals, and undertaking both telephone and face-to-face assessments. Your expert clinical judgment will determine each patient's suitability for endoscopic investigation and identify the most appropriate next steps, ensuring a seamless, high-quality service in collaboration with multidisciplinary colleagues and primary care teams.

Requirements

• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK.
• Significant post-registration experience in colorectal nursing, gastroenterology, or cancer care.
• Demonstrable advanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills, particularly in triage settings.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and manage a complex caseload effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex and sensitive information compassionately.
• Eligibility to work in the UK, with visa sponsorship available for international applicants requiring a Skilled Worker visa.

Benefits

• Competitive NHS Band 7 salary (£49,387 to £56,515 a year).
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to flexible working opportunities to support work-life balance.
• Protected hours for health and wellbeing activities.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression within a large NHS Trust.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including pension scheme.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African nurses aspiring to this Straight to Test Triage Nurse role, thorough preparation is key. Ensure your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) PIN is active or in progress, as this is non-negotiable for practicing in the UK. Your CV should be meticulously crafted to highlight your colorectal care experience, advanced assessment skills, and any leadership or service improvement involvement, tailored to UK NHS standards. A strong LinkedIn profile that mirrors your CV and showcases your professional network will also enhance your visibility to recruiters.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss your experience with patient triage, autonomous decision-making in urgent care pathways, and your passion for cancer care. Crucially, if you require visa sponsorship, be prepared to articulate this confidently and clearly, demonstrating your understanding of the Skilled Worker visa requirements and your commitment to relocating to the UK. Researching the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and their commitment to patient care and innovation will also be beneficial.

• Ensure your NMC PIN is active or you have a clear plan for registration.
• Prepare a UK-formatted CV highlighting advanced clinical skills and colorectal/cancer care experience.
• Develop a compelling cover letter addressing your suitability for the role and your understanding of the UK healthcare system.
• Practice articulating your experience in autonomous decision-making and patient triage scenarios.
• Be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship needs and commitment to the role and relocation during the interview.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa is available for this Straight to Test Triage Nurse position. This means that foreign nationals, including those from Nigeria and other African countries, are welcome to apply if they meet the job requirements and need a UK work visa. If your immigration status is complex or borderline, it is advisable to clearly state your current situation and visa requirements in your application or cover letter to ensure clarity with the hiring team.