Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity as a Movement Disorder Specialist Nurse to work within our highly specialised Movement Disorder team at Southmead Hospital. The complex Therapies advanced treatment Centre is the main centre in the Southwest of England and we provide the advanced treatment to patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia and Multiple Sclerosis Tremor.

The role is funded for 37.5 hours per week, working from Monday to Friday.

This is a busy role, so good organisational and time management skills are essential.

As this role demands of regular up-gradation of skills to match with the latest technologies particularly in DBS programming, so willingness to attend regular training sessions on demand is essential in this role.

This role provides an opportunity for career progression by systematically completing the designed specialist courses depending on the departmental requirements and demands.

It would be advantageous if you have experience nursing people with movement disorders, although training and support will be provided.

You will be expected to do a 10 minute presentation and a face to face interview as part of the recruitment process.

Main duties of the job

You will be part of the Complex Therapies Service for Deep Brain Stimulation and Duodopa team, providing highly specialised care for a diverse community of patients who are referred to us from across the South-West of England.

You will work towards being able to run an independent clinic where you give information including the risks, benefits, and side effects of the treatment for Movement Disorders (Parkinsons' Disease, Essential Tremor, MS Tremor, and Dystonia).

Utilise specialist knowledge and skill to independently programme Deep Brain Stimulators, and demonstrate a sound understanding of brain anatomy to adjust stimulation parameters when side effects of stimulation occur. also, adjust stimulation parameters in response to changes in the patients' condition.

Advise patients on medication adjustments within a defined protocol, clinical management plan or following discussion with medical staff. Inform the patients' G.P. and local neurologist of medication adjustments.

The successful candidate will be autonomously assess patients to establish the suitability for Deep Brain Stimulation, Duodopa Therapy or Subcutaneous Duodopa, by using different tools (UPDRS, CAPSIT, Dementia Rating Scale, MOCA) to measure the motor, functional, and cognitive abilities.

The successful candidate will have a caseload of patients and will be expected to regularly review them (For Deep Brain Stimulation Programming, Duodopa and Pro- Duodopa)

About us

Patients are the most important people in the health service and are at the centre of what we do. Patients and carers are the 'experts' in how they feel and what it is like to live with or care for someone with a particular illness or condition. The patients' experience of our services should guide the way we deliver services and influence how we engage with patients every day in our work.

All staff should communicate effectively in their day to day practice with patients and should support and enable patients/carers to make choices, changes and influence the way their treatment or care is provided. All staff, managers and Board members should work to promote effective patient, carer and public involvement in all elements of their work

We have a duty to involve, engage and consult with patients, carers and families about plans for health facilities and the provision of our services. North Bristol NHS Trust wholeheartedly embraces the principles of patient partnership and has made clear its commitment to involve patients in key aspects of its work, which will be further strengthened through becoming a Foundation Trust.