University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Nurse Consultant in Renal Transplantation

The closing date is 24 August 2025

Job summary

To act as the strategic and corporate lead for all aspects of Transplant nursing, including expert practice, education & development, leadership and research.

To provide expert Transplant nursing advice to patients, relatives, colleagues of all grades and disciplines, and the Trust Board.

To provide enhanced continuity and a high standard of care for all patients requiring transplant services within the Trust, and act as the nursing lead for the Transplant Nursing service and Transplant service developments.

The post holder will be integral in the delivery of specialist tertiary Transplant services including all aspects of kidney and transplant disease management.

The post will also support a network of specialist nurses and other healthcare workers across the Peninsula and beyond who are involved in the clinical management and treatment of patients with kidney disease and transplantation.

To develop and commission an educational strategy that will meet the needs of Transplant patients, and create a Transplant nursing research culture to provide evidence-based care for patients with kidney disease

Coordinate and participate in a 24 hour on call rota for receiving kidney offers from NHSBT-UK Transplant.

Main duties of the job

Areas of practice to include Transplant Department, Mayflower ward and the outpatient department. This is a regional service covering part of Exeter and Cornwall.

The lead nurse will be responsible for leading the development of nurses and nursing practice within the speciality of Transplantation within the acute hospital setting and regional centres.

In conjunction with the Lead clinician facilitate a continuum of care which includes relevant professionals within the Trust for the management of patients with kidney disease.

To lead and provide an autonomous nursing service using advanced clinical judgement and knowledge for patients who have received a kidney transplant.

The lead nurse will provide inspirational leadership to nurses and other staff managing transplant patients, acting as an exemplary role model for all issues relating to patients with kidney disease.

Lead a five-year strategy with a view to redesigning and improving the service whilst contributing to clinical governance strategies that relate to transplant services

He/she will manage the recipient facilitation on the on-call process for all local and national donors and maintain close links with the team leader for organ donation.

Facilitate and implement national strategies from NHSBT and the Human Tissue Authority.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

Details

Date posted

07 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year Per Annum Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

216-LD-M7328326

Job locations

UHP- Derriford site

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Derriford Road, Crownhill,

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

The lead nurse will provide evidenced based service through regular literature review, British transplant society & NICE guidelines and update Trust / Transplant departmental guidelines & protocols to ensure high quality of care.

Independently undertakes a complete clinical assessment (in accordance with RCN competencies for the advanced nurse practitioner, 2008) of Transplant patients seen in both routine and emergency situations and use his or her own judgement to establish an appropriate management plan through assessment, diagnosis. Undertake telephone triage.

He/she will manage a defined case load of patients with acute / chronic Transplant disease. To incorporate management of the waiting list and local and regional transplant assessment clinics.

Lead on delivery of nursing care to Transplant patients throughout the Trust, promoting best practice by ensuring leadership and an effective change management strategy, designed to enhance nursing care

Request appropriate laboratory and radiological investigation as required, interpreting the results and initiating appropriate treatment or management of patients.

Act as an expert resource providing advice and support to colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care.

Promote evidence-based practice in Transplantation and use this to inform and develop protocols for nurse-led and regional services in conjunction with regional units in Exeter and Cornwall.

Takes the nursing lead for the development of clinical expertise (advanced roles) in kidney disease enabling nurses to develop assessment and decision-making skills.

Line manages junior members of the team and undertakes appraisals.

Communicate with the patients, their families and carers to empower them to understand and make informed choices about their care and treatment and promotes health for the future.

Take responsibility for regular reviews of the roles within the Transplant Nursing service, developing a structure that meets the needs of the service and patients with kidney disease.

Lead a five-year strategy with a view to redesigning and improving the service whilst contributing to clinical governance strategies that relate to transplant services.

Contribute to the Directorates work on clinical governance. They will take a lead on risk management and clinical and cost effectiveness issues as they relate to patients in the renal department. They will also develop strong patient and public involvement methodologies to ensure services are developed and delivered with user involvement.

Manage the renal transplant budget.

Sit on the transplant trust committee which is accountable to the trust board.

Facilitate and complete agenda for monthly regional steering group.

Undertake regular risk assessment and review incidents reporting, trust risk register and manage any complaint relating to transplantation.

Maintain staff training, annual leave, and sickness absence records for all members of the Transplant Nursing service and also be responsible for recruitment, retention and disciplinary procedures.

Participate in the review and update of clinical policies and protocols in order to reflect the latest evidence.

Identify areas of clinical practice for audit and participate in the audit process, taking responsibility for the implementation of change leading to the standards of best practice.

Contribute to relevant local and national policy setting for Transplantation to include NHSBT and the Human Tissue Authority. Implement national strategies.

Provide inter-professional support and education for staff of all disciplines, studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Provide a rolling educational programme for medical students/junior doctors /medicine and surgery.

Facilitate and chair a SW senior nurses transplant network with yearly study day

Provide inter-professional support and education for staff of all disciplines, studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level

Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current advances in transplantation and to disseminate this knowledge, using a range of media, to relevant health professionals, patients and the public.

Maintain an output of professional posters and publications with involvement at national and international conferences. Prepare for IPR and Professional Development Planning, incorporating clinical supervision and mandatory training.

Participate in a 1:6 on-call rota to cover donor referrals and kidney offers from NHSBT-UK Transplant, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, coordinate the process from initial referral to the admission of the patient. Liaison and referral to all relevant departments and members of the multi-disciplinary team to deliver a planned and seamless service.

To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work and not disclose this information.

To be familiar with and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures mindful of responsibilities to self, colleagues and patients.

  • Report untoward incidents, complaints, and clinical emergencies to senior staff.
  • Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.
  • Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.
  • Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The lead nurse will provide evidenced based service through regular literature review, British transplant society & NICE guidelines and update Trust / Transplant departmental guidelines & protocols to ensure high quality of care.

Independently undertakes a complete clinical assessment (in accordance with RCN competencies for the advanced nurse practitioner, 2008) of Transplant patients seen in both routine and emergency situations and use his or her own judgement to establish an appropriate management plan through assessment, diagnosis. Undertake telephone triage.

He/she will manage a defined case load of patients with acute / chronic Transplant disease. To incorporate management of the waiting list and local and regional transplant assessment clinics.

Lead on delivery of nursing care to Transplant patients throughout the Trust, promoting best practice by ensuring leadership and an effective change management strategy, designed to enhance nursing care

Request appropriate laboratory and radiological investigation as required, interpreting the results and initiating appropriate treatment or management of patients.

Act as an expert resource providing advice and support to colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care.

Promote evidence-based practice in Transplantation and use this to inform and develop protocols for nurse-led and regional services in conjunction with regional units in Exeter and Cornwall.

Takes the nursing lead for the development of clinical expertise (advanced roles) in kidney disease enabling nurses to develop assessment and decision-making skills.

Line manages junior members of the team and undertakes appraisals.

Communicate with the patients, their families and carers to empower them to understand and make informed choices about their care and treatment and promotes health for the future.

Take responsibility for regular reviews of the roles within the Transplant Nursing service, developing a structure that meets the needs of the service and patients with kidney disease.

Lead a five-year strategy with a view to redesigning and improving the service whilst contributing to clinical governance strategies that relate to transplant services.

Contribute to the Directorates work on clinical governance. They will take a lead on risk management and clinical and cost effectiveness issues as they relate to patients in the renal department. They will also develop strong patient and public involvement methodologies to ensure services are developed and delivered with user involvement.

Manage the renal transplant budget.

Sit on the transplant trust committee which is accountable to the trust board.

Facilitate and complete agenda for monthly regional steering group.

Undertake regular risk assessment and review incidents reporting, trust risk register and manage any complaint relating to transplantation.

Maintain staff training, annual leave, and sickness absence records for all members of the Transplant Nursing service and also be responsible for recruitment, retention and disciplinary procedures.

Participate in the review and update of clinical policies and protocols in order to reflect the latest evidence.

Identify areas of clinical practice for audit and participate in the audit process, taking responsibility for the implementation of change leading to the standards of best practice.

Contribute to relevant local and national policy setting for Transplantation to include NHSBT and the Human Tissue Authority. Implement national strategies.

Provide inter-professional support and education for staff of all disciplines, studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Provide a rolling educational programme for medical students/junior doctors /medicine and surgery.

Facilitate and chair a SW senior nurses transplant network with yearly study day

Provide inter-professional support and education for staff of all disciplines, studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level

Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current advances in transplantation and to disseminate this knowledge, using a range of media, to relevant health professionals, patients and the public.

Maintain an output of professional posters and publications with involvement at national and international conferences. Prepare for IPR and Professional Development Planning, incorporating clinical supervision and mandatory training.

Participate in a 1:6 on-call rota to cover donor referrals and kidney offers from NHSBT-UK Transplant, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, coordinate the process from initial referral to the admission of the patient. Liaison and referral to all relevant departments and members of the multi-disciplinary team to deliver a planned and seamless service.

To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work and not disclose this information.

To be familiar with and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures mindful of responsibilities to self, colleagues and patients.

  • Report untoward incidents, complaints, and clinical emergencies to senior staff.
  • Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.
  • Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.
  • Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.

Person Specification

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Evidence of leading a service as a Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Expertise in interpretation of renal blood tests
  • CoCompetencies in clinical examination and diagnostic test and imaging interpretation
  • Familiarity with National Strategic developments in renal diseases and knowledge of relevant guidelines issued by the British Society of Transplantation and the Renal Association Standards

Desirable

  • Experience of audit
  • Competence in IT and use of database and spreadsheets

Qualifications

Essential

  • Nursing post graduate degree or working towards in Advanced Nursing Practice
  • Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
  • Post registration qualification in speciality

Desirable

  • Managerial qualification
  • Non-medical prescriber
  • Counselling skills qualification

Abilities

Essential

  • Exceptional ability to communicate with patients of varied background and ethnicity and to facilitate acquisition of knowledge by them and their families
  • Demonstrable autonomy in clinical practice though previous experience with patient management or treatment clinics
  • Ability to work independently and to take initiative
  • Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
  • Demonstrable leadership qualities

Disposition

Essential

  • Demonstrate inspirational leadership
  • ability to lead and motivate
  • Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
  • capable of presenting information to a wide audience including the media
  • Experienced at Phlebotomy
Person Specification

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Evidence of leading a service as a Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Expertise in interpretation of renal blood tests
  • CoCompetencies in clinical examination and diagnostic test and imaging interpretation
  • Familiarity with National Strategic developments in renal diseases and knowledge of relevant guidelines issued by the British Society of Transplantation and the Renal Association Standards

Desirable

  • Experience of audit
  • Competence in IT and use of database and spreadsheets

Qualifications

Essential

  • Nursing post graduate degree or working towards in Advanced Nursing Practice
  • Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
  • Post registration qualification in speciality

Desirable

  • Managerial qualification
  • Non-medical prescriber
  • Counselling skills qualification

Abilities

Essential

  • Exceptional ability to communicate with patients of varied background and ethnicity and to facilitate acquisition of knowledge by them and their families
  • Demonstrable autonomy in clinical practice though previous experience with patient management or treatment clinics
  • Ability to work independently and to take initiative
  • Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
  • Demonstrable leadership qualities

Disposition

Essential

  • Demonstrate inspirational leadership
  • ability to lead and motivate
  • Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
  • capable of presenting information to a wide audience including the media
  • Experienced at Phlebotomy

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

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

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

UHP- Derriford site

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Derriford Road, Crownhill,

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

UHP- Derriford site

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Derriford Road, Crownhill,

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Director for Transplantation

Dr Andy Connor

andrew.connor2@nhs.net

01752431308

Details

Date posted

07 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year Per Annum Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

216-LD-M7328326

Job locations

UHP- Derriford site

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Derriford Road, Crownhill,

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

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