Your career
Our colleagues at Willen Hospice are passionate about their mission of being ‘always there to care’. Some staff have concerns when applying for a job in a Hospice; that working with terminally ill patients could be depressing. In reality, they find that Willen is light, bright, and full of positivity and laughter. We are able to make a difference to someone’s life every day.
Watch a video to see what one of our nurses says about working here.
I’ll be honest; I never truly understood the importance of Willen Hospice. I never knew why it was important and why so many people are so passionate about helping them raise the money they need to stay open. That is, until I was there. I have seen first-hand the miracles the staff provide each day to the patients and families there. It’s an amazing place full of love and comfort, full of people passionate about helping those in need. A truly beautiful experience” – Sean
Willen care
Staffing ratios on the In-Patient Unit are higher than in the NHS. We aim to maintain a higher proportion of qualified staff, supported by a team of auxiliaries and volunteers. This ensures that staff have more time to interact with both patients, carers and their families, and are able to offer higher quality nursing care.
The Willen team
There are many different roles within Willen Hospice and many do not require direct patient contact. In addition to the clinical teams there is a large network of staff supporting day to day running, income generation and administration. These staff may even be based in different buildings. However, they are all part of the Willen Team tasked with a common aim to ensure provision of the best possible care for patients.
Could you be a Willen person?
Although the mix of roles here is very varied, all team members demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the work they do, each playing a critical role in the delivery of our overall mission. Our standards are high; we expect a commitment to doing the best job possible, continually looking to improve the way we operate to ensure our patients can benefit from the highest standards of care. A positive approach, a good sense of humour and a desire to work as part of the team are essential! If you enjoy being part of a motivated team then Willen has a lot to offer.
Please do take a look at our current vacancies page to see if there is a role for you. If you’d like to find out more, see our Questions and Answers below.
I always try to convey how much reward there is working with a great team of people, all of whom do their utmost to improve a person's quality of life; it is an immense privilege......
Dr Ben Dietsch, Willen Hospice
Your Career Questions Answered
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Does Willen Hospice have the same job banding as the NHS, for clinical staff?
No, we have our own banding system for clinicians but the salaries are comparable to NHS ones. We review salaries annually with any adjustments effective in July.
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What are the shift patterns for clinical staff?
Clinicians working in the In-Patient Unit will be expected to work a shift pattern of earlies, lates and nights over a 7 day week, with nights worked in a block over a 2 week period in the 14 week cycle. The community nurses predominantly work a day-based shift pattern with early and late shifts over a 7 day week.
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What is Milton Keynes like?
Some of our staff have relocated to Milton Keynes to work at the hospice and have found it a great place to live. It has good schools, a great shopping centre including the famous SnoZone, theatre, vibrant night life, ice rink and many green, open spaces for cycling, walking, sailing and enjoying being outdoors.
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What staff benefits does Willen Hospice offer?
Excellent education programme and opportunities for further training
Contributory Pension Scheme
Competitive salary
Generous holiday entitlement
Clinical Supervision
Staff representative group
Opportunity to be part of a great team
Excellent catering facilities offering hot meals, snacks and sandwiches
Staff rewards scheme
Hospice-based staff enjoy a beautiful lakeside location with extensive grounds and free parking
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What are the opportunities for career development at Willen Hospice?
We are extremely supportive of training and development for all staff, both to enhance skills in their current roles and to further their career with us. We run internal courses as well as funding professional qualifications, and individuals have regular opportunities to discuss their personal development with their managers.
What is ‘Supervision’?A large number of our staff work in a highly emotional environment and often benefit from the opportunity to talk through their experiences with a more senior colleague, reflecting on positives and learning from concerns. Staff have the opportunity to partake in individual or group supervision and can choose someone they feel comfortable with who is usually not their line manager.
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Are there part-time opportunities?
Yes, in almost every department we offer both full and part-time roles. Keep your eyes on current vacancies on our website for all job opportunities.
