Job summary We have an exciting opportunity for an Enhanced Nurse Practitioner to join our Integrated Community Stroke Service Team in Somerset. The role will be based at either South Petherton Shepton Mallet or Williton Community Hospital, as part of our countywide service. The successful applicant working in unison with the LWAS lead will manage a clinical caseload of stroke patients, lead and mentor junior nurses and support workers. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, and Rehabilitation Assistants.As well as forging links outside the NHS with our VCS partners and wider community support services. Experience in stroke care, mentoring, and clinical supervision is essential, as well as excellent communication skills. You will support the development of the stroke nursing and LWAS workforce, ensuring high-quality care across the county. As the Enhanced Nurse Practitioner, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities and will have access to Clinical Supervision to further enhance and support your development. If you are someone who is innovative, thinks creatively, is passionate about stroke care and is ready to take on a senior role working within a supportive, collaborative team, we would love to hear from you. The post is for 30 hours per week including bank holidays and weekends, with exact working pattern to be established at the time of appointment. Main duties of the job Job Purpose: To provide advanced stroke specialist care and advice to patients and their families/carers and to be a key link for all Somerset Foundation Trust staff. To consider the patient journey across the whole stroke pathway, leading on Nursing service delivery and design for the community phase of their intervention. To work closely with the acute stroke services and community inpatient wards to ensure a seamless process of care and continuation of nursing intervention. Advocating for the patient through leading on the provision of excellent stroke specialist nursing care. To work alongside the community stroke service team leads, clinical specialist's, therapy consultant, service manager and strategic lead in the delivery and development of the service. Ensuring the role of the specialist Nurse is integral to the service. The Enhanced Nurse Practitioner is autonomous and accountable in practice and has the ability to support the service 7 days a week which may include lates and weekends depending on service need. A high degree of competence and confidence is required in clinical decision making. In addition to direct patient care the Enhanced Nurse Practitioner is an experienced clinician and acts as a touchpoint for the rest of the Integrated community stroke team in ensuring optimum patient management in the community. About us At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Date posted 17 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 184-OL-BL-2421 Job locations South Petherton Hospital Bernard Way South Petherton Somerset TA13 5EF Williton Community Hospital North Road Williton Somerset TA4 4RA Job description Job responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities Communication and Key Working Relationships General Practitioners Primary Care Network Managers Matrons / Deputy Matrons Infection Control Team District Nurses Community Hospital Nurses Integrated community stroke team Acute Trusts Company Representatives Department Heads Patient / Carers Specialist Nurses Practice Nurses Stroke Service Manager Consultant Therapist Stroke Other care staff including those from other agencies, e.g. Social Services, Community nurses, Care agencies, Voluntary and Community Service Sector as part of clinical work. Planning and Organisation To be responsible for the operational management of the nursing staff in the Team. To work alongside the integrated community stroke service team leads, and clinical specialists in the operational daily running and delivery of the team. To be responsible for recruitment, appointment and supervision of staff under the nursing line. To manage staff attendance at training, performance, setting objectives and clear expectations of staff behaviour. To manage and support staff through change using the appropriate human resource processes. To participate with the PALS concerns and complaints procedures and lead on responses as required and appropriate to role. As an autonomous practitioner consistently pursue self- directed support and learning, and formal agreed supervision according to Trust policy. Ensuring appropriate preparation for professional revalidation. Analytics To ensure accurate and timely collection of data for the production of regular monitoring reports, for the activity in their own area of responsibility To lead/participate in clinical audit and research and to ensure the implementation of agreed bench marking. To undertake regular audit and analysis of variety of aspects of data (eg. SSNAP, performance data) to monitor and report on quality of intervention, efficacy and efficiency of service systems. Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the nursing components within an interdisciplinary assessment of patient care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of treatment plans. working alongside other professionals within the multidisciplinary team; ensuring high quality care and rehabilitation and effective communication To use advanced specialised skills to provide assessment and treatment of acutely and chronically ill stroke patients, taking account of other pathologies and associated complex needs. To be aware of and appropriately manage sensitive and/or complicated information. To deal sensitively with patients who may have challenging behaviour, have high levels of anxiety and aggression caused by pain, cognitive change, dementia, limited mobility, terminal illness, degenerative disease etc. To develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme and agree patient centred goals in partnership with patients, carers, and other members of the health and social care team. To assist with implementation of consistent patient medication self-administration trials post discharge home to increase personal independence. To be able to utilise and promote specialist nursing skills e.g. understanding and management for VTE assessment and prophylaxis, physiological monitoring, understanding and support of management of cardiovascular issues i.e. AF, blood pressure control, monitoring and management, identify complications of stroke and assess secondary prevention regarding reducing further incidence of stroke To act as or support the role of key worker, this may include managing extremely complex cases and seeking support of outside agencies. To provide specialist nursing advice to a range of professionals in and outside of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility Responsibility in driving projects forward to ensure quality of patient care is well organised and efficient, taking an active lead role in the development of integrated stroke rehabilitation services across Somerset. To manage and prioritise referrals to the service and direct referrals requiring direct clinical intervention or requiring liaison in partnership with Stroke teams To contribute and assist the Stroke Service Manager with the development of the service with regard to Stroke nursing and the LWAS service. To contribute to and support the Stroke Service Manager in development and auditing of policies, standards and guidelines Engage effectively with research to promote evidence-based stroke nursing practice To be responsible for completing mandatory training in a timely manner Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources To be responsible for the safe and competent use of all resources, equipment and patient appliances. To understand the budget requirement to deliver the nursing and LWAS needs for individuals and work alongside the service lead to ensure needs are met and within budget. Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management The Enhanced Nurse Practitioner will lead a team of nurses to care for stroke patients across Somerset and will hold responsibility for ensuring that the patient care needs are met (with particular regard to medication, physiological monitoring and identifying deterioration and complications and secondary prevention). To deputise for team leader in local base in their absence, and with prior arrangement and with support from the neighbouring team leaders. To deputise for the LWAS team leader in their absence and provide cross-leadership cover to support annual leave and training. To work pro-actively with other partners, such as secondary care, to identify and refer patients for specialist advice Attending both internal and external meetings relevant to the Service as directed by the Stroke Service Manager. Leading on the education of the stroke team in monitoring of physiological signs of the patient, secondary prevention and identifying complications associated with Stroke Contribute to education and training of health and social care staff regarding Stroke Nursing which could include local induction and professional training sessions as required To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care, (including care delegated to students and assistant staff). To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management, and support more junior staff to do likewise. Information Resources & Administrative Duties Be responsible for effective time management and effective use of resources available and of the wider nursing team. To maintain accurate record of patients' attendances and treatments using the relevant IT system Responsible for ensuring accurate statistics are recorded so activity data comparison can be completed. Any Other Specific Tasks Required To carry out work in a range of locations, including hospital departments, patients' own homes and other community locations as directed. To use communication tools (verbal and non-verbal) to gain valid informed consent with patients where there will often be barriers to effective communication e.g. loss of hearing, altered perception, expressive and receptive dysphasia, pain, fear. To have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment e.g. those with cognitive or speech difficulties. To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools (e.g. explanation, negotiation, motivation) to communicate effectively with patients in order to implement rehabilitation and treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. Fulfilling duties of weekly timetable including any 'out of hours' responsibilities. Duties as instructed by your manager or appropriate authority, to include work on Trust-wide projects and Quality Improvement. Job description Job responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities Communication and Key Working Relationships General Practitioners Primary Care Network Managers Matrons / Deputy Matrons Infection Control Team District Nurses Community Hospital Nurses Integrated community stroke team Acute Trusts Company Representatives Department Heads Patient / Carers Specialist Nurses Practice Nurses Stroke Service Manager Consultant Therapist Stroke Other care staff including those from other agencies, e.g. Social Services, Community nurses, Care agencies, Voluntary and Community Service Sector as part of clinical work. Planning and Organisation To be responsible for the operational management of the nursing staff in the Team. To work alongside the integrated community stroke service team leads, and clinical specialists in the operational daily running and delivery of the team. To be responsible for recruitment, appointment and supervision of staff under the nursing line. To manage staff attendance at training, performance, setting objectives and clear expectations of staff behaviour. To manage and support staff through change using the appropriate human resource processes. To participate with the PALS concerns and complaints procedures and lead on responses as required and appropriate to role. As an autonomous practitioner consistently pursue self- directed support and learning, and formal agreed supervision according to Trust policy. Ensuring appropriate preparation for professional revalidation. Analytics To ensure accurate and timely collection of data for the production of regular monitoring reports, for the activity in their own area of responsibility To lead/participate in clinical audit and research and to ensure the implementation of agreed bench marking. To undertake regular audit and analysis of variety of aspects of data (eg. SSNAP, performance data) to monitor and report on quality of intervention, efficacy and efficiency of service systems. Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the nursing components within an interdisciplinary assessment of patient care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of treatment plans. working alongside other professionals within the multidisciplinary team; ensuring high quality care and rehabilitation and effective communication To use advanced specialised skills to provide assessment and treatment of acutely and chronically ill stroke patients, taking account of other pathologies and associated complex needs. To be aware of and appropriately manage sensitive and/or complicated information. To deal sensitively with patients who may have challenging behaviour, have high levels of anxiety and aggression caused by pain, cognitive change, dementia, limited mobility, terminal illness, degenerative disease etc. To develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme and agree patient centred goals in partnership with patients, carers, and other members of the health and social care team. To assist with implementation of consistent patient medication self-administration trials post discharge home to increase personal independence. To be able to utilise and promote specialist nursing skills e.g. understanding and management for VTE assessment and prophylaxis, physiological monitoring, understanding and support of management of cardiovascular issues i.e. AF, blood pressure control, monitoring and management, identify complications of stroke and assess secondary prevention regarding reducing further incidence of stroke To act as or support the role of key worker, this may include managing extremely complex cases and seeking support of outside agencies. To provide specialist nursing advice to a range of professionals in and outside of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility Responsibility in driving projects forward to ensure quality of patient care is well organised and efficient, taking an active lead role in the development of integrated stroke rehabilitation services across Somerset. To manage and prioritise referrals to the service and direct referrals requiring direct clinical intervention or requiring liaison in partnership with Stroke teams To contribute and assist the Stroke Service Manager with the development of the service with regard to Stroke nursing and the LWAS service. To contribute to and support the Stroke Service Manager in development and auditing of policies, standards and guidelines Engage effectively with research to promote evidence-based stroke nursing practice To be responsible for completing mandatory training in a timely manner Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources To be responsible for the safe and competent use of all resources, equipment and patient appliances. To understand the budget requirement to deliver the nursing and LWAS needs for individuals and work alongside the service lead to ensure needs are met and within budget. Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management The Enhanced Nurse Practitioner will lead a team of nurses to care for stroke patients across Somerset and will hold responsibility for ensuring that the patient care needs are met (with particular regard to medication, physiological monitoring and identifying deterioration and complications and secondary prevention). To deputise for team leader in local base in their absence, and with prior arrangement and with support from the neighbouring team leaders. To deputise for the LWAS team leader in their absence and provide cross-leadership cover to support annual leave and training. To work pro-actively with other partners, such as secondary care, to identify and refer patients for specialist advice Attending both internal and external meetings relevant to the Service as directed by the Stroke Service Manager. Leading on the education of the stroke team in monitoring of physiological signs of the patient, secondary prevention and identifying complications associated with Stroke Contribute to education and training of health and social care staff regarding Stroke Nursing which could include local induction and professional training sessions as required To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care, (including care delegated to students and assistant staff). To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management, and support more junior staff to do likewise. Information Resources & Administrative Duties Be responsible for effective time management and effective use of resources available and of the wider nursing team. To maintain accurate record of patients' attendances and treatments using the relevant IT system Responsible for ensuring accurate statistics are recorded so activity data comparison can be completed. Any Other Specific Tasks Required To carry out work in a range of locations, including hospital departments, patients' own homes and other community locations as directed. To use communication tools (verbal and non-verbal) to gain valid informed consent with patients where there will often be barriers to effective communication e.g. loss of hearing, altered perception, expressive and receptive dysphasia, pain, fear. To have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment e.g. those with cognitive or speech difficulties. To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools (e.g. explanation, negotiation, motivation) to communicate effectively with patients in order to implement rehabilitation and treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. Fulfilling duties of weekly timetable including any 'out of hours' responsibilities. Duties as instructed by your manager or appropriate authority, to include work on Trust-wide projects and Quality Improvement. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse Masters level qualification or equivalent experience Leadership qualification or experience Experience in training others Desirable Teaching qualification or experience Experience Essential Significant post registration experience of delivering a clinical role with Stroke patients and their families Ability to teach / supervise junior staff / student Substantial proven experience at senior staff nurse level or sister level in associated speciality. Experience in managing complex Stroke patients Desirable Audit skills Additional Criteria Essential KNOWLEDGE Computer literate in use of Word, Excel, Email, PowerPoint, Rio Ability to use specialised knowledge and skills in CVD management prevention Desirable Understanding of research related to Stroke Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse Masters level qualification or equivalent experience Leadership qualification or experience Experience in training others Desirable Teaching qualification or experience Experience Essential Significant post registration experience of delivering a clinical role with Stroke patients and their families Ability to teach / supervise junior staff / student Substantial proven experience at senior staff nurse level or sister level in associated speciality. Experience in managing complex Stroke patients Desirable Audit skills Additional Criteria Essential KNOWLEDGE Computer literate in use of Word, Excel, Email, PowerPoint, Rio Ability to use specialised knowledge and skills in CVD management prevention Desirable Understanding of research related to Stroke 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. 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address South Petherton Hospital Bernard Way South Petherton Somerset TA13 5EF Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)