Rachel King
Horsham,West Sussex
Summary
I have been a nurse for nearly 16 years working across the acute and charity sector. Over the past 11 years I have worked in the palliative care setting in both nursing and senior leadership roles
I have strong clinical skills and deep understanding of patient care. I have exceptional communication abilities and problem-solving expertise. Dedicated to improving patient outcomes and fostering supportive healthcare environment.
I am passionate about improving patient care through evidence based practice and research.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work history
Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
St. Barnabas House Hospice
Worthing, West Sussex
10.2023 - 07.2025
- Delivered palliative and end-of-life care to patients in home settings across West Sussex.
- Supported patients and families in managing complex physical, psychological, and spiritual needs.
- Conducted high-level assessments to develop management plans, including medication change recommendations to GPs.
- Completed independent prescribing course, enabling future medication prescription capabilities.
- Liaised with multidisciplinary teams, including oncology, GPs, community nursing, and social care professionals.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to formulate and implement service development initiatives.
- Mentored junior staff and supported individuals in development roles to enhance skills.
Head of Service
St. Barnabas House Hospice
Worthing, West Sussex
08.2023 - 10.2023
- Delivered compassionate and strategic senior leadership support to hospice in-patient unit and family support team.
- Managed a team of approximately 50 staff across nursing, social work, counselling, and chaplaincy.
- Conducted performance management processes, including addressing sickness issues.
- Ensured patient safety through collaboration with quality and risk teams.
- Coordinated training programs for staff development.
- Fostered a positive, kind and compassionate work environment, boosting team morale.
- Strengthened partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance patient care.
Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (Band 7)
Surrey and Sussex NHS Foundation Trust – East Surrey Hospital
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Provided specialist palliative input across hospital wards
- Supported education and mentorship of junior staff
- Actively pursued leadership opportunities while transitioning to a new region
Lead Nurse – Palliative Care (Band 8a)
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
01.2018 - 08.2021
- Led the palliative care service at a large London teaching hospital
- Oversaw staffing, appraisals, performance management, and service planning
- Managed EOL complaints, risk reporting, audits, and governance processes
- Represented palliative care at senior leadership briefings
Palliative Care CNS (Band 7)
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
10.2015 - 01.2018
- Managed a diverse caseload, advising on complex pain and symptom management
- Promoted due to strong clinical leadership and patient advocacy
Palliative Care CNS (Band 7)
West Middlesex University Hospital
10.2014 - 10.2015
- Worked in a small CNS team delivering high-quality care in a general hospital
- Built partnerships with local hospices and community teams
Staff Nurse – Inpatient Unit
Royal Trinity Hospice
12.2013 - 10.2014
- Provided palliative and end-of-life care in a specialist hospice setting
- Shift lead responsibilities and coordination of multidisciplinary care
ICU Nurse
King’s College Hospital, London / Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
11.2011 - 07.2013
- Delivered high-acuity care for critically ill patients
Staff Nurse – Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle
08.2009 - 11.2011
- Provided pre and post-operative nursing care on a surgical ward
Education
V300 Non-Medical Prescribing (Level 7) -
University of Surrey
01.2025 -
Health Assessment Module (Level 7) -
University of Surrey
03.2024 - 09.2024
Diploma in Hypnotherapy - Hypnotherapy
Chrysalis
09.2022 - 09.2023
Mary Seacole Leadership Course -
NHS Leadership Academy
London 09.2018 - 03.2019
Leadership Development (level 7) -
Royal Marsden School
Palliative Care and Symptom Control Level 7 module -
Royal Marsden School
London 03.2015 -
Post Graduate Certificate - Health and Social Care
Teesside University
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing - undefined
Northumbria University
Advanced Diploma in Adult Nursing -
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne 08.2006 - 08.2009
Skills
- Strategic, Clinical Compassionate Leadership
- Service Development & Governance
- Complex Symptom Management
- Budgeting & Workforce Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Complaint & Risk Management
- Training & Supervision
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Intermediate
References
Available on request.
Accomplishments
- Led a hospital-wide End-of-Life Care Strategy at St George’s Hospital as Lead Nurse
- Developed and implemented a trust-wide EOL Care Plan and Champions Programme
- Managed multidisciplinary teams, budget responsibilities, and quality KPIs at Band 8a level
- Played a key role in a pan-London project to standardise anticipatory medication prescribing
- Successfully transitioned from acute to community palliative care services
Training
- Advanced Communication Skills – Macmillan/The Christie
- Train-the-Trainer: Advanced Communication – Macmillan
- SIMS Train-the-Trainer (CAMHELS) – St. George’s Hospital
- Mary Seacole NHS Leadership Programme
Affiliations
- I am a mum to 3 small children and I enjoy reading, running and gardening. I particularly enjoy reading books with strong female characters and Irish literature, if the two a entwined that is ideal!
Timeline
V300 Non-Medical Prescribing (Level 7) -
University of Surrey
01.2025 -
Health Assessment Module (Level 7) -
University of Surrey
03.2024 - 09.2024
Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
St. Barnabas House Hospice
10.2023 - 07.2025
Head of Service
St. Barnabas House Hospice
08.2023 - 10.2023
Diploma in Hypnotherapy - Hypnotherapy
Chrysalis
09.2022 - 09.2023
Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (Band 7)
Surrey and Sussex NHS Foundation Trust – East Surrey Hospital
08.2021 - 08.2023
Mary Seacole Leadership Course -
NHS Leadership Academy
09.2018 - 03.2019
Lead Nurse – Palliative Care (Band 8a)
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
01.2018 - 08.2021
Palliative Care CNS (Band 7)
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
10.2015 - 01.2018
Palliative Care and Symptom Control Level 7 module -
Royal Marsden School
03.2015 -
Palliative Care CNS (Band 7)
West Middlesex University Hospital
10.2014 - 10.2015
Staff Nurse – Inpatient Unit
Royal Trinity Hospice
12.2013 - 10.2014
ICU Nurse
King’s College Hospital, London / Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
11.2011 - 07.2013
Staff Nurse – Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle
08.2009 - 11.2011
Advanced Diploma in Adult Nursing -
Northumbria University
08.2006 - 08.2009
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing - undefined
Northumbria University
Leadership Development (level 7) -
Royal Marsden School
Post Graduate Certificate - Health and Social Care
Teesside University
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