Rheumatology Nurse

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic nurse to join a friendly and innovative team of specialist nurses to train and work in the care of patients with Rheumatic Diseases. The post holder will need to have access to transport in order to travel across the Northumberland Healthcare Trust.

Following a framework of training to achieve competencies, the post holder will be expected to become an independent practitioner after 18 months, becoming responsible for running their own caseload of patients. Providing effective care, expertise and support to the multidisciplinary team and ensure the provision of high-quality care to patients.

Annex 20

This post falls within the provisions of Agenda for Change Annex 20 - Development of Professional Roles, whereby upon completion of an agreed set of competencies you may move onto the next pay band without the need for an application for a post at a higher level.

At the end of 18 months, if all competencies are satisfactorily met, the candidate will advance to a band 6 Specialist nurse role.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

Following a period of training and development in line with the RCN Rheumatology Competency Framework, the post-holder will become involved in the running of nurse-led outpatient and telephone clinics, supporting the patient advice line and participating in multi-disciplinary meetings.

The candidate will also participate in the monitoring programme for patients on disease-modifying medications. Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills are required.

Job responsibilities

• The specialist nurse role requires an awareness of the mechanism of the diverse diseases under the rheumatology speciality and how to assess disease activity.
• A full understanding of the many disease-modifying drugs used to manage these conditions.
• Teaching patients to safely self-administer biologic and DMARD therapies.
• An empathy and understanding of the patients' social, emotional and health needs, acting as an advocate for the patient at all times.
• Ensure effective communication between all members of the MDT both internally and externally to the Trust.
• Request and interpret diagnostic and monitoring investigations as required.
• To act as an expert nurse, advising and supporting other healthcare workers in the management of patient care.
• To support the medical team.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times.
• To continue to develop clinical skills and personal knowledge.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

• Registered nursing qualification
• Registered Mentor. Mentorship Qualification or relevant equivalent qualification (essential requirement for post, expectation this will be completed within an 18 month period).

Knowledge

• Knowledge of infection control policies & procedures
• Knowledge of rheumatological diseases
• Previous experience of working in a rheumatology 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.