Job Summary
Therapeutic Apheresis Services (TAS) is the only patient-facing service within NHS Blood and Transplant and is recognised nationally as one of our flagship clinical services. We are expanding TAS across the Southwest Peninsula, providing specialist outreach support to the four main hospitals in Devon and Cornwall.
As a TAS Nurse, you will play a vital role in delivering lifesaving and life-enhancing apheresis treatments to both adult and paediatric patients. There is no dedicated TAS unit within the Southwest; instead, you will work entirely through outreach, travelling to and operating within partner hospitals across the region. This offers exceptional variety, autonomy, and the opportunity to develop strong working relationships within multiple host Trusts.
You will be joining a unique national NHS service that combines specialist expertise with the infrastructure and support of both NHS Blood and Transplant and our partner organisations. To help you thrive, we provide a comprehensive residential induction and continuous professional development tailored specifically to this highly specialised role.
If you are looking for a dynamic, autonomous nursing role where every day is different and where you can make a direct, meaningful impact on patient care across Devon and Cornwall, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Main duties of the job
The Specialist Nurse will be responsible for the assessment, planning, and delivery of apheresis procedures for both emergency and elective patients and donors taking part in a 24/7 on-call rota.
In this role you will be:
1. Performing therapeutic apheresis and cell collection procedures in paediatrics and adults.
2. Planning the nursing care of patients/donors and be responsible for all aspects of clinical care, providing advice to patients/donors and staff as necessary.
3. Providing safe and compassionate care within a total quality system, upholding the clinical standards of the service by ensuring they are working within their limitations, ensuring best practice and clinical effectiveness is achieved within policy frameworks.
4. Working within a total quality management system approach, to maintain nursing practice standards to meet local regulatory frameworks, licences, and laws.
5. Establishing and maintaining effective written and verbal communication using a variety of methods with key stakeholders to support patient centred care and quality and safety.
6. Providing clinical support and supervision to less experienced staff and student nurses and will be a source of clinical knowledge and expertise.
You will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice.
Requirement to participate in an on-call and shift-based rota, which may include evening, weekend, or public holiday working.
About You
Experience and Knowledge
7. Experience of clinical management and the ability to make decision
8. Demonstrable experience of planning, implementing and evaluating changes in clinical practice
9. Demonstrates an understanding of and experience in working to performance objectives and organisational targets
10. Experience of initiating and supporting the professional development of self and others
11. Demonstrates experience of mentoring/coaching staff in the clinical environment
12. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of clinical audit and research
13. Understand the principles of clinical effectiveness and best practice
14. Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint)
Qualifications and Training
15. Registered Nurse with current Nursing and Midwifery council registration (RN1 or RNA) with post registration experience PLUS a degree in a clinical area OR equivalent level of post registration experience or qualification in acute or specialised clinical area
16. NMC professional registration (which must be maintained in the role)
17. Possess a teaching and or assessment qualification OR equivalent experience
18. Evidence of recent post registration education and learning
19. Demonstrate an awareness of current issues in nursing
20. Possess a valid driving licence, allowing you to drive in the UK
21. Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)