Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and dedicatedRegistered Nursewith aNon-Medical Prescribing qualificationto join our county-wideEarly Memory Diagnosis and Support Service (EMDASS). This role will be based inWest Hertfordshire, with work locations at The Marlows, Hemel Hempstead and Colne House, Watford.
As a Dementia Nurse Specialist, you will play a key role in delivering comprehensive memory assessments and initiating pharmacological treatments for individuals experiencing memory concerns and potential symptoms of dementia. You will work independently while being part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team that includesPsychiatrists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and fellow Nurses.
EMDASS provides holistic care and practical support to Hertfordshire residents and works in close collaboration withMemory Support Hertfordshire,andHertfordshire County Council's Adult Care Services. Together, we aim to ensure timely diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and ongoing support for individuals living with dementia and their families.
This is a meaningful opportunity for a nurse passionate about dementia care, who is looking to make a significant impact within a supportive and forward-thinking service.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver specialist memory assessments across Hertfordshire as part of the EMDASS team.
- Work flexibly across service locations, including The Colne House (Watford) and The Marlows (Hemel Hempstead).
- Support service continuity by covering administrative duties when needed.
- Lead and coordinate EMDASS multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Initiate and titrate dementia medications as appropriate.
- Act as a Nurse Independent Prescriber in line with Trust policy and NMC standards.
What we can offer you in return: Coaching network where trained coaches throughout the Trust are matched with staff of all disciplines to provide a powerful development opportunity
- Leading company discounts and childcare vouchers
- Salary sacrifice schemes enabling staff to drive a new car or bike -saving on tax and insurance included
- Wellbeing activities - from mindfulness to yoga, pilates and our signature craft club join our monthly programme of regular and special events to support your wellbeing
- Gym discounts, including Nuffield Health and David Lloyd.
- Refer a friend to work for the Trust and receive up to £500! (A payment of £250 will be made when the applicant commences employment with us and a further payment of £250 will be made once they hit 6 months continuous service with us)
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) is proud to be recognised as one of only five mental health trusts in the country to have achieved an overall rating of'Outstanding'from theCare Quality Commission (CQC)--a testament to our commitment to excellence in care.
Our diverse and dedicated workforce of over4,000 staff membersdelivers high-quality health and social care services to individuals experiencingmental ill health, physical health conditions, and learning disabilities. These services span acrossHertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Norfolk, and are provided in bothcommunity settings and inpatient facilities, ensuring accessibility and continuity of care.
At HPFT, our approach is rooted in the principles ofchoice, independence, and equality, and our work is guided by a strong set of values that shape everything we do:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for both our service users and staff, where compassion and professionalism go hand in hand to deliver outstanding care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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Deliver high-quality, nurse-led memory assessment clinics , ensuring accessible and timely care for patients presenting with memory concerns.
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Offer expert-level memory assessments and diagnostic services in both clinic and community settings, tailored to the individual needs of patients referred with suspected dementia.
-
Initiate and titrate dementia medications in line with your Non-Medical Prescribing registration and scope of practice. You will discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options, address potential side effects, and ensure informed consent and capacity are appropriately considered.
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Assess and manage clinical risk within primary care settings, escalating to secondary services when necessary. You will ensure that care is delivered in accordance with Trust clinical governance standards, with accurate documentation of all interventions.
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Take a proactive role in shaping and enhancing the specialist memory assessment service. This includes collaboration acrossMental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP), local services, primary care, and third-sector organisations to ensure integrated and person-centred care.
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Provide advanced nursing advice and consultation to multidisciplinary teams and primary care professionals, contributing to the development of evidence-based treatment plans and care pathways.
-
Uphold the standards of theMemory Services National Accreditation Programme (MSNAP), ensuring that dementia assessment, diagnosis, and care are delivered to a consistently high standard. This includes promoting timely and equitable access to services, evidence-based interventions, and robust follow-up procedures.
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Participate in research activities relevant to your scope of practice, contributing to service innovation and continuous improvement.
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Work sensitively and inclusively with individuals, families, and communities from diverse racial, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. You will be mindful of how factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and social difference may influence care needs, and develop innovative approaches to meet those needs.
-
Demonstrate competence and confidence in safeguarding practices for both adults and children, adhering to inter-agency protocols and policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Deliver high-quality, nurse-led memory assessment clinics , ensuring accessible and timely care for patients presenting with memory concerns.
-
Offer expert-level memory assessments and diagnostic services in both clinic and community settings, tailored to the individual needs of patients referred with suspected dementia.
-
Initiate and titrate dementia medications in line with your Non-Medical Prescribing registration and scope of practice. You will discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options, address potential side effects, and ensure informed consent and capacity are appropriately considered.
-
Assess and manage clinical risk within primary care settings, escalating to secondary services when necessary. You will ensure that care is delivered in accordance with Trust clinical governance standards, with accurate documentation of all interventions.
-
Take a proactive role in shaping and enhancing the specialist memory assessment service. This includes collaboration acrossMental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP), local services, primary care, and third-sector organisations to ensure integrated and person-centred care.
-
Provide advanced nursing advice and consultation to multidisciplinary teams and primary care professionals, contributing to the development of evidence-based treatment plans and care pathways.
-
Uphold the standards of theMemory Services National Accreditation Programme (MSNAP), ensuring that dementia assessment, diagnosis, and care are delivered to a consistently high standard. This includes promoting timely and equitable access to services, evidence-based interventions, and robust follow-up procedures.
-
Participate in research activities relevant to your scope of practice, contributing to service innovation and continuous improvement.
-
Work sensitively and inclusively with individuals, families, and communities from diverse racial, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. You will be mindful of how factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and social difference may influence care needs, and develop innovative approaches to meet those needs.
-
Demonstrate competence and confidence in safeguarding practices for both adults and children, adhering to inter-agency protocols and policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS/ EDUCATION/ TRAINING
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health/Learning Disability) with current NMC registration
- Bs(c)in Mental Health/Learning Disability Nursing or Diploma in Mental Health/Learning Disability Nursing with evidence of CPD at Level 7 (degree) relative to specialist area of Nursing.
- Nurse Independent Prescriber
- Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent.
- Post graduate qualification related to Dementia Studies and/or be able to demonstrate further skill-based trainings related to Dementia Studies, Care of the Older Adult, Frailty
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Substantial experience of working in mental health services
- Experience of working with service users presenting with memory problems and/or emotional/psychological difficulties and challenging behaviour with their families and wider networks in situations of crisis and emotionally demanding environments.
- Experience of Nurse Independent Prescribing for relevant service user group
- Experience in working in Older People Mental Health Service/Memory Service and carrying out different range of cognitive assessments.
- Skilled in risk management
- Proficient in multi-agency working
- Able to demonstrate ability to work autonomously and manage a complex caseload
- Evidence of providing clinical supervision
- Experience and knowledge of implementing safeguarding procedures for children and adults
- Experience of peer supervision,
- Experience in assessing and implementing a range of therapeutic interventions in different cultural contexts
Desirable
- Audit and research experience
- Experience of teaching/training in a formal or informal setting
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS/ EDUCATION/ TRAINING
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health/Learning Disability) with current NMC registration
- Bs(c)in Mental Health/Learning Disability Nursing or Diploma in Mental Health/Learning Disability Nursing with evidence of CPD at Level 7 (degree) relative to specialist area of Nursing.
- Nurse Independent Prescriber
- Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent.
- Post graduate qualification related to Dementia Studies and/or be able to demonstrate further skill-based trainings related to Dementia Studies, Care of the Older Adult, Frailty
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Substantial experience of working in mental health services
- Experience of working with service users presenting with memory problems and/or emotional/psychological difficulties and challenging behaviour with their families and wider networks in situations of crisis and emotionally demanding environments.
- Experience of Nurse Independent Prescribing for relevant service user group
- Experience in working in Older People Mental Health Service/Memory Service and carrying out different range of cognitive assessments.
- Skilled in risk management
- Proficient in multi-agency working
- Able to demonstrate ability to work autonomously and manage a complex caseload
- Evidence of providing clinical supervision
- Experience and knowledge of implementing safeguarding procedures for children and adults
- Experience of peer supervision,
- Experience in assessing and implementing a range of therapeutic interventions in different cultural contexts
Desirable
- Audit and research experience
- Experience of teaching/training in a formal or informal setting
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.
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.
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).
