IA (Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association) is a specialist charity supporting individuals living with an ileostomy or internal pouch. We provide trusted information, non‑medical peer support, and advocacy for those adjusting to life after surgery. Our mission is to ensure no one faces this journey alone. We have a wealth of qualified volunteers many of whom are living life post‑surgery.
Role Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Stoma/Pouch Specialist Nurse (minimum 12 months in a similar UK‐based role, qualified to NHS Band 6 or higher) to lead and deliver clinical support services to individuals with a stoma or pouch. The role combines direct patient support, clinical content development, and strategic relationship‑building across the UK and Ireland. You will play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining our new nurse helpline and continue to build relationships with the medical, nursing, political, and social arenas.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain the helpline.
* Provide expert advice and support via our multiple communication channels.
* Assess, manage and document stoma/pouch issues.
* Ensure data protection and privacy policies are followed.
Education & Content Development
* Plan annual Information Day and Pouch Information Day programmes.
* Train and motivate staff and volunteers to deliver excellence.
* Review and co‑author patient literature with relevant experts and the Editor, identify gaps and create new content.
* Write and contribute to online and printed content.
* Build relationships with healthcare professionals and stakeholders across the UK and Ireland.
* Represent IA and support the patient voice on multidisciplinary committees and at UK‑based meetings and events.
* Provide clinical insight to support policy, awareness and advocacy campaigns.
Governance & Development
* Ensure clinical services meet high standards of safety, quality and compliance.
* Maintain up‑to‑date clinical knowledge and pursue professional development.
* Support internal governance and contribute to strategic planning of the charity.
Salary & Benefits
* Salary commensurate with experience (not less than NHS Band 6), as per NHS pay scales.
* Up to 35‑hour week (may be worked flexibly), 6‑month probationary period.
* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Generous benefits package including workplace pension.
Person Specification
Qualifications and registration
* Essential: Registered Nurse on the NMC register with current PIN.
* Essential: Specialist stoma care qualification or recognised post‑registration experience in stoma/pouch care.
* Desirable: Evidence of continuing professional development in stoma/pouch care, or related fields.
* Desirable: Qualification or training in remote/telehealth consultations, safeguarding, or clinical governance.
Professional experience
* Essential: Minimum 12 months’ recent experience working as a stoma care/pouch nurse at NHS Band 6 or equivalent, providing clinical advice and direct patient support.
* Essential: Experience assessing, managing and documenting stoma and pouch problems, including triage and signposting.
* Essential: Experience contributing to clinical protocols, pathways or helpline processes.
* Desirable: Experience working for a charity, patient support organisation, or in a multidisciplinary advisory role.
* Desirable: Experience developing patient education resources, conference input or publishing articles.
Knowledge and clinical competence
* Essential: Comprehensive clinical knowledge of ileostomy and internal pouch care.
* Essential: Strong understanding of clinical governance, data protection, patient confidentiality and consent in remote advice settings.
* Desirable: Awareness of relevant UK/Ireland health systems, referral pathways and commissioning structures.
* Desirable: Knowledge of digital health tools, secure messaging and patient information platform design.
Skills and abilities
* Essential: Excellent clinical assessment and decision‑making skills for remote consultation and safe signposting.
* Essential: Clear, empathetic verbal and written communication skills for helpline, email, social media and written materials.
* Essential: Ability to develop, maintain and follow protocols and to keep accurate clinical records.
* Essential: IT literate with confidence using Microsoft Office, secure email systems and remote communication platforms.
* Desirable: Experience with content management systems or building digital knowledge hubs.
* Desirable: Competence in presenting, training and delivering education to staff, volunteers and external audiences.
Interpersonal and personal qualities
* Essential: Compassionate, patient‑centred approach with resilience and emotional intelligence when supporting people in distress.
* Essential: Strong stakeholder relationship skills; ability to build productive links with NHS and private sector clinicians, professional bodies and third‑sector partners.
* Essential: High level of professionalism, integrity and discretion.
Organisational requirements and practicalities
* Essential: Right to work in the UK or Ireland and ability to travel across the UK and Ireland as required.
* Essential: Ability to work flexibly within a hybrid/home‑based model and manage workload autonomously.
* Desirable: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel to meetings and events.
IA is an equal opportunity employer, creating an inclusive environment for all.
For further information about the charity and its aims, visit iasupport.org.
If you have any questions about the role, email recruitment@iasupport.org.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Health Care Provider
Industries
* Wellness and Fitness Services
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