Job overview
This is a development post starting at a band 6 rising to band 7 on completion of training and competencies which are aligned with the Society for Endocrinology.. You will be working as part of a small team of nurses and clinicians caring for patients with hormone related disorders. This training post involves hands-on experience with conditions like diabetes,thyroid issues, and adrenal problems, providing education to patients and their families, supporting clinics, and conducting specific tests.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
Main duties of the job
·The Endocrine Nurse Specialist (ENS) will be responsible, in conjunction with the lead clinician, for the planning development and management of an effective and efficient endocrine service throughout the Trust. This responsibility includes autonomous practice within secondary care.
·As part of the endocrine nursing team across UHSussex the post will provide a specialist, autonomous, nurse led service within RSCH.
·Ensure endocrine patients receive expert education, support, and relevant literature related to their condition.
·The post holder is expected to enhance and maintain the endocrine service through evidence-based practice and audit consistent with National guidelines.
·Sole responsibility for management of patients referred for dynamic endocrine function tests.
·Proficient in cannulation and venepuncture.
·Act autonomously to provide ongoing assessment and treatment of patients with both challenging clinical and psychological problems. This specialist clinical expertise will be used for both ongoing disease management and endocrine emergencies. Effective endocrine management should improve health outcomes and reduce emergency hospital admissions.
·Ensures patient information leaflets for UHSussex are updated regularly, according to recent research and in accordance with Trust policy.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
1. Be integral in the assessment, planning and delivery of endocrine nursing services in conjunction with the consultant endocrinologist, diabetologists, and other ENS’s
2. Obtain appropriate venous access depending on patient’s physical status.
3. Plan, implement, outcome and review dynamic endocrine function tests requested by endocrinologists and ensure results are communicated to patients without delay to allow appropriate medication regime and therefore reduce the chance of emergency hospital admissions
4. Administer intravenous/intramuscular drugs prescribed by endocrinologist/diabetologist or as per protocol.
Devise, implement, review and evaluate proforma's for endocrine tests. Ensure and encourage cross site working.
5. Attend outpatient clinics to ensure endocrine and pituitary patients receive expert education, support and counselling and are given relevant literature.
6. Effectively hold and organise a patient case load and maintain database of activity.
7. Ensure adherence to NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines where applicable.
8. Develop and oversee specialist care packages tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
9. Manage the safe storage and use of medication in line with Trust policies and procedures.
10. Teach injection technique and ensure biochemical monitoring for patients starting on growth hormone.
11. Implement the ethos of clinical governance particularly with relation to risk management.
12. Participate in approved expanded practitioner role procedures as required by the Trust.
13. Assist with the identification/implementation of service improvements, and develop practice in line with the modernisation agenda, Trust, directorate and departmental objectives.
14. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of change within the endocrine service.
15. Participate in the preparation and formulation of business plans and other documents according to Trust and division of medicine requirements.
16. Participate in directorate and Trust projects, committees and working groups as required such as National Service Framework Steering Groups and NICE drug formulary forums.
Person specification
Experience of diabetes and endocrine patients.
Essential criteria
17. A broad range of clinical experience with specific experience within Diabetes and Endocrinology
Desirable criteria
18. Experience of working autonomously
Qualifications / Experience
Essential criteria
19. First level registration (NMC)
20. Degree in Nursing/ or educated to degree level
21. Post-graduate diploma qualification or equivalent plus specialist training or equivalent experience or knowledge, or a combination of learning and courses post-graduate
22. Current relevant nursing experience
23. Commitment to ongoing professional development
24. Teaching qualification (ENB 998 or equivalent)
25. Educated to degree level MSc or willing to work towards/ equivalent experience
26. Member of Endocrine Nurse Society Certificate in counselling.
27. Recognised certificate in Endocrinology Nurse prescribing course or willing to undertake this
Desirable criteria
28. Educated to degree level/equivalent or working towards Clinical Decision making course post-registration qualification in Endocrinology and/or evidence of attendance at diabetes conferences/study days.
29. Previous experience in patient education, supporting behavioural and lifestyle changes
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
30. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
31. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications