Rheumatology Specialist Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To be a recognised expert within the field of Rheumatology practice within the multidisciplinary team, working within the professional framework of nurse specialists and national rheumatology guidelines

To use advanced clinical skills and, as part of a Consultant led MDT, beingresponsible for the assessment and on-going package of care of a specialistcaseload of patients who are likely to have complex and/or chronic presentation, where appropriate, in discussion with the multidisciplinary team.

To interpret and analyse clinical and non-clinical facts including general health, which may be conflicting, to support an accurate diagnoses in complex types of rheumatology conditions.

To support onward management of the patient through the most suitable care pathway in discussion and negotiation with the patient, post-diagnosis, referring patients to appropriate specialities through clear care pathways, e.g. orthopaedics, pain services and voluntary services.

To identify and refer, in collaboration with relevant clinical colleagues, patients for appropriate investigations including x-rays, blood tests, MRI, DEXA scans as appropriate based on interpretation of clinical findings and ensuring safe interpretation of diagnostic tests ordered and appropriate management and onward referral where appropriate.To coordinate appropriate regular health review of diagnosed patients by the MDT in order to ensure the disease is managed most appropriately and effectively throughout the course of their disease.

To undertake extended prescribing working within national and local protocols, including the assessment and review of patients eligible for medication and treatments according to prescribing guidelines and appropriate monitoring of patients medication regimes in the community (e.g. DMARDs)

Develop strategies to empower RA service users and carers to become involved in service planning and developments

Provide a full range of skilled nursing tasks according to patient need.To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own professional activities.

To be responsible for maintenance of accurate written records, includingcomprehensive clinic / referral letters and on-going reports.To maintain patient confidentiality and dignity at all times and support peoples equality, diversity and rights.

To manage clinical risk within own caseload at all times and ensure clinical risk is effectively managed across the Service.

Please read the job description for more information.

Person Specification

Qualification and Professional Registration

Essential

• Nursing degree and professional registration with NMC
• Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to clinical specialty
• Completed, undertaking or willing to undertake post graduate course in rheumatology
• Independent nurse prescribing skills or willing to undertake non-medical prescribing course

Desirable

• Post-grad education to masters level or equivalent in relevant subject
• Membership of relevant regional and/or national networks
• Recognised teaching qualification

Experience

Essential

• Minimum 2 years post-reg experience of supporting patients with rheumatology conditions
• Evidence of CPD including attendance at post-graduate course relevant to specialty and ongoing clinical updates
• Experience of multi-disciplinary working

Desirable

• Evidence of teaching within previous roles
• Experience of audit , research and leading development in practice

Skills and knowledge

Essential

• Comprehensive understanding of rheumatological conditions
• Awareness of national rheumatology policy and implications in community setting
• Proven ability in advanced clinical assessment skills, clinical reasoning and prioritisation
• Good IT skills and ability to use software

Desirable

• Comprehensive understanding of other rheumatology healthcare services
• Understanding of clinical governance within rheumatology services
• Ability to lead change and understanding of change management methodology

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bognor War Memorial Hospital

Bognor Regis

PO22 9PP

Employer's website

https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/work-with-us/ (Opens in a new tab)