Rheumatology Specialist Nurse

Job summary

We are looking for a confident, motivated and autonomous RGN with Rheumatology experience (at least 2 years) with a non-medical prescribing qualification or willingness to undertake.

The Specialist Nurse will work in collaboration with the current Rheumatology Specialist Nurse and the wider Rheumatology Team to support, develop and manage a high-quality specialist service to meet the needs of the Rheumatology patients accessing the Specialist Outpatient Clinics across Somerset.

Providing a comprehensive HCP led clinical, educational and advisory service with a positive role in health education.

Advanced Knowledge of Rheumatology conditions and treatment including specialist drug therapies, national strategies, NICE recommendations and research developments.

Act as an expert with good knowledge to be able to offer Rheumatology specialist nursing advice and support to patients (out-patient, advice line and possibly in-patient) and their family, throughout their care pathway in order to provide the highest standard of holistic care for patients with Rheumatology conditions.

Main duties of the job

Act autonomously without direct supervision when planning, implementing, organising and managing patients care with attention to detail.

Competent in specific rheumatology assessments.

Refer patients as appropriate to other services and liaise with the MDT to facilitate a collaborative approach to patient care.

Liaising and assisting with Rheumatology patients attending the IV infusion unit.

Develop and maintain competencies (in self and team) which safeguard practice and effectiveness,

Providing prescriptions as required in line with the patients care and guidelines. Carry out intra-muscular injections as patient needs requires.

Actively involved with all aspects of the Rheumatology service from set-up, outcome measurement and generation of reports to stakeholders and will be expected to demonstrate professional initiative, independence and autonomy.

Facilitating innovation and evidence based nursing and clinical management of Rheumatology through professional leadership and supporting the clinical team.

Supervision of junior members of the team.

They will act as a credible and professional role model, encouraging and empowering staff to develop both personally and professionally to achieve their maximum potential.

Actively participate in audits and research.

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.

You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.

We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!