Clinical Nurse Specialist - Spinal Disorders
The closing date is 09 March 2026
The post holder will be responsible for being a clinical expert, providing safe and effective care to all categories of Spinal Disorders patients at outpatient and inpatient phases.
They will use highly developed specialist knowledge to plan, implement and evaluate, programmes of evidenced‑based nursing care. Participate in the supervision, mentorship and appraisal of pre and post registration staff. Regularly manage the day‑to‑day activity of the service and demonstrate effective and safe decision‑making ability when doing so. Provide comprehensive leadership and management skills to nursing staff through periods of supervised practice. Participate in all aspects of staff management. Responsible for providing direct clinical care to Spinal Disorders patients requiring elective care as well as providing advice, guidance and signposting to patients accessing the Spinal Disorders Helpline.
Team working and leadership skills will be used to ensure safe and effective delivery of the service for staff and patients according to the RJAH Trust values and behaviours.
Pay banding subject to NHS Terms and Conditions Job Evaluation
Main duties of the job
Perform comprehensive assessment of patient nursing needs. Plan, implement and evaluate care delivery according to changing health care needs.
Plan specialised nursing service provision or specialised health and education programmes.
Coordinates multi-disciplinary activities in specialist area to include planning and running of nurse led clinics.
Independently manage patient caseloads overseen by Spinal Disorders consultants, providing an assessment, plan and evaluation within the specialist area. This includes history taking, physical examination and requesting agreed diagnostic procedures and clinical investigations, working within your scope of practice, referring to a Consultant when necessary.
Discuss patient information/investigation results with MDT and GPs, dictating letters to other healthcare professionals where required.
Implement changes in clinical practice that improve standards of care and health outcomes in the Spinal Disorders field within the Trust and wider community.
Contribute to or participate in policy and practice changes arising from e.g. audits, complaints.
To coordinate and carry out pre-operative assessments, working closely with the anaesthetic team, working within your scope of practice, referring to a Consultant when necessary.
Attendance to the Regional Spinal Network meetings, providing any required data for the British spinal registry.
About us
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust (RJAH) is one of the leading orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for research and innovation.
In the National Staff Survey, 74% of our staff would recommend the Trust as a place to work and 92% would recommend the hospital to a friend or relative for treatment.
Joining RJAH is more than just a job - we want our people to have the best opportunities to thrive in their role. We have a range of fantastic staff benefits on offer to everyone who joins RJAH and you'll have access to outstanding professional development opportunities and state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
RJAH has strong links with a range of universities including Staffordshire, Keele, Glyndwr, Chester and Birmingham. The hospital is located on a site outside Oswestry in Oswestry, just off the A5. The nearest train station is in Gobowen, approximately two miles from the hospital. The station is part of the Chester to Birmingham line. We are based in North Shropshire, close to the border with North and Mid Wales. It is one of the most attractive parts of the country, with a rich historic culture and excellent transport links. It offers outstanding opportunities for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle or is looking to raise a family.
Job responsibilities
Provide specialist, clinical knowledge to colleagues, patients and carers/relatives.
To develop the role according to the changing needs and requirements of the service user and in accordance with patient feedback and research findings.
Undertake clinical supervision of nursing colleagues on an individual or group basis.
Participate in the development of services and assist the Ward Manager/Matron to implement change.
Work with the Spinal Operational, Secretarial and Administration teams to ensure patients are appropriately listed for surgery and ensuring the relevant resources such as spinal cord monitoring, images and results of relevant investigations are available.
To help develop protocols and standards for clinical activities undertaken within the Spinal Disorders Department role.
Work with the Divisional Operational Management team to support the management of waiting lists.
Ensure the effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources.
Monitor health, safety and security of self and others and promote best practice in the ward area.
Support for the BSR administration role.
Person Specification
Qualification / Training
* Diploma or Degree
* Teaching and Assessing Qualification
* Post Registration Qualification
* Working toward or willingness to work towards ACP qualification
Experience
* Proven knowledge and skills in spinal disorders.
* Participated in service development and implementation of change.
* Able to manage own workload and work with minimal supervision.
* Demonstrable knowledge and skills within areas of scoliosis, tumour and pre‑op assessment
Skills and Competencies
* Able to undertake physical examination and assessment of patients.
* Ability to lead and effect change within a multidisciplinary team.
* Evidence of teaching patients, carers and other professionals within health, social care and education settings.
* Participation in policy, procedure and service development and skills in project leading.
Knowledge
* Extensive knowledge of a range of spinal conditions including diagnosis, therapies, treatment and interventions.
* Knowledge of holistic approach required in management of spinal conditions, emotional, psychological and behavioural effects and management strategies.
* Awareness of relevant NICE guidance, Standards of Care and legislation related to care of Spinal patients.
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.
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