Sarah Turner, clinical nurse specialist in the non-melanoma team

14 March 2025 is National Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day. Sarah Turner is a CNS in the non-melanoma skin cancer team. Here, she shares more about her role and what she loves about it.

Tell us what a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) does.

"A CNS is the link between patients, families, carers, and the medical team. We’re a source of knowledge and support for patients throughout their treatment and beyond. We advocate for them and liaise with other healthcare professionals to ensure good handover and continuity of care."

Describe your path to getting where you are now.

"I’ve worked at The Christie since I qualified in 2016. My first job was on the head and neck cancer ward, and I also worked as a research nurse in the cell therapy clinical trials team for 3 years before moving into this role. There, I learned to work with more autonomy and managed my own caseload of patients.

"I got my job as a CNS in the non-melanoma skin cancer team in April 2022. I’d looked after lots of patients having radiotherapy and immunotherapy, so it seemed like a good fit as these are common treatments for people with skin cancer.

What do you love about being a CNS?

"I wanted to keep learning and progress in my career, but I knew that having lots of patient contact was really important to me. As a CNS, I get to take on more responsibility while also building relationships with patients and their families/support networks."

What are the challenges and is there anything you wish people understood about the role?

"I work alone as a CNS in my team, which can be challenging when I need advice or want to discuss a complex case, but I always know my consultants are there to support me."