Job summary
The Band 6 Diabetes and Endocrine Nurse Specialist will provide high-quality, specialist nursing care to patients with diabetes and endocrine disorders across inpatient and outpatient settings.
The post holder will work as an autonomous practitioner within the multidisciplinary team (MDT), delivering nurse-led clinics, patient education, complex case management, and supporting diagnostic endocrine testing, including the safe delivery and monitoring of Short Synacthen Tests (SSTs).
The role supports service development, clinical governance, education, and quality improvement within the diabetes and endocrine service.
Main duties of the job
Multidisciplinary Team Working
Work collaboratively with consultants, junior doctors, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists, primary care teams, and community services.
Participate in MDT meetings and case discussions.
Provide expert advice and support to ward staff and primary care colleagues.
Leadership and Service Development
Support the ongoing development of diabetes and endocrine services.
Contribute to pathway redesign and service improvement initiatives.
Support safe and effective clinic capacity management.
Act as a role model for clinical excellence and professional standards.
Education and Training
oDeliver education sessions to ward staff and other healthcare professionals on diabetes and endocrine management.
oSupport pre-registration nursing students and junior staff.
oMaintain own professional development in line with NMC revalidation requirements.
Clinical Governance, Audit and Quality Improvement
Participate in audit, research, and quality improvement projects.
Ensure compliance with Trust policies, NICE guidance, and national standards.
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical documentation.
Contribute to incident reporting and risk management processes.
Maintain competence in SST delivery and diabetes technologies where relevant
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties of the job
- Provide specialist assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for patients with:
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes (if applicable to service)
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal and pituitary disorders
- Calcium and parathyroid disorders
- Conduct nurse-led clinics (face-to-face and virtual) for stable and complex patients.
- Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments including history taking, physical examination (where appropriate), and interpretation of blood results and other investigations.
- Support medication initiation, titration, and monitoring in line with local and national guidelines (e.g., NICE).
- Provide inpatient diabetes and endocrine specialist advice across the Trust.
- Act as a point of contact for designated patient groups
- Delivery of endocrine tests including Short Synacthen Tests (SSTs), extended OGTT and cortisol day curve testing (dynamic endocrine testing)
- Independently coordinate and deliver Short Synacthen Tests in accordance with Trust protocols.
- Ensure appropriate patient selection, preparation, and consent prior to testing.
- Perform baseline observations and blood sampling
- Administer Synacthen safely via appropriate route as per local policy.
- Undertake timed blood sampling at required intervals.
- Monitor patients during and after testing, recognising and responding to adverse reactions.
- Ensure accurate documentation and timely processing of samples.
- Escalate abnormal or urgent results to the responsible consultant.
- Contribute to maintaining and updating local SST protocols in line with best practice.
- Patient Education and Self-Management Support
- Provide structured education to patients and carers regarding:
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Insulin administration and dose adjustment
- Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia management
- Steroid replacement and adrenal crisis prevention
- Develop individualised care plans promoting self-management and empowerment.
- Provide telephone/email advice services where appropriate.
- Multidisciplinary Team Working
- Work collaboratively with consultants, junior doctors, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists, primary care teams, and community services.
- Participate in MDT meetings and case discussions.
- Provide expert advice and support to ward staff and primary care colleagues.
- Leadership and Service Development
- Maintain competence in SST delivery and diabetes technologies where relevant
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties of the job
- Provide specialist assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for patients with:
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes (if applicable to service)
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal and pituitary disorders
- Calcium and parathyroid disorders
- Conduct nurse-led clinics (face-to-face and virtual) for stable and complex patients.
- Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments including history taking, physical examination (where appropriate), and interpretation of blood results and other investigations.
- Support medication initiation, titration, and monitoring in line with local and national guidelines (e.g., NICE).
- Provide inpatient diabetes and endocrine specialist advice across the Trust.
- Act as a point of contact for designated patient groups
- Delivery of endocrine tests including Short Synacthen Tests (SSTs), extended OGTT and cortisol day curve testing (dynamic endocrine testing)
- Independently coordinate and deliver Short Synacthen Tests in accordance with Trust protocols.
- Ensure appropriate patient selection, preparation, and consent prior to testing.
- Perform baseline observations and blood sampling
- Administer Synacthen safely via appropriate route as per local policy.
- Undertake timed blood sampling at required intervals.
- Monitor patients during and after testing, recognising and responding to adverse reactions.
- Ensure accurate documentation and timely processing of samples.
- Escalate abnormal or urgent results to the responsible consultant.
- Contribute to maintaining and updating local SST protocols in line with best practice.
- Patient Education and Self-Management Support
- Provide structured education to patients and carers regarding:
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Insulin administration and dose adjustment
- Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia management
- Steroid replacement and adrenal crisis prevention
- Develop individualised care plans promoting self-management and empowerment.
- Provide telephone/email advice services where appropriate.
- Multidisciplinary Team Working
- Work collaboratively with consultants, junior doctors, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists, primary care teams, and community services.
- Participate in MDT meetings and case discussions.
- Provide expert advice and support to ward staff and primary care colleagues.
- Leadership and Service Development
- Maintain competence in SST delivery and diabetes technologies where relevant
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Adult) NMC registered Evidence of continuing professional development
- Relevant teaching / mentoring qualification
Desirable
- Relevant postgraduate study in diabetes, endocrinology, or long-term conditions (or working towards)
Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience in acute medicine or specialist medicine
- Experience in endocrine and diabetes nursing care
- Competent in venepuncture and cannulation and IV drug administration
Desirable
- Experience delivering or supporting endocrine diagnostic testing
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Adult) NMC registered Evidence of continuing professional development
- Relevant teaching / mentoring qualification
Desirable
- Relevant postgraduate study in diabetes, endocrinology, or long-term conditions (or working towards)
Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience in acute medicine or specialist medicine
- Experience in endocrine and diabetes nursing care
- Competent in venepuncture and cannulation and IV drug administration
Desirable
- Experience delivering or supporting endocrine diagnostic testing
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.
