Job overview
Dudley Heart Failure Specialist Nursing team are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for Heart Failure Support Practitioner (HFSP) to join the team. It is a seven day service, operating in the community between 8am-4pm. We are looking to recruit a compassionate, competent and well organised individual, with a particular interest in Heart Failure.
HFSP will work under the guidance of the specialist nurse team to help people manage their heart failure symptoms and treatment by providing practical and emotional support in community settings, including home visits, clinics and the virtual ward. Duties include basic heart failure assessment, taking blood tests, performing electrocardiograms, lifestyle advice, education, explaining/reviewing medications, assisting with equipment for the team including virtual ward onboarding, and offering support for patients and their carers, liaising with healthcare professionals, including GPs and Cardiologists.
The successful candidate will be motivated, enthusiastic and able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills. The post is a community post and the ability to meet the travel requirements of the role is essential.
Main duties of the job
* Heart Failure Team pathway support: give advice and education to support management of the heart condition, including ensuring patients are on the correct medications and that compliance is established.
* Advice on cardiac rehabilitation and making appropriate referrals.
* Education in recognising future signs of an exacerbation of heart failure.
* Offer evidence-based lifestyle advice related to heart failure diagnosis and aetiology.
* Assist with collating data to NICOR (National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes).
* Audit programme for heart failure.
* Be able to perform Electrocardiograms (ECG) and report abnormalities.
* Take observations of patients and report concerns outside expected parameters.
* Visit patients in a community setting to perform observations and ensure patients are treated via the correct care pathway.
* Issue equipment for home monitoring/virtual ward including pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, thermometer, weighing scales and virtual ward technology; onboard patients to the Heart Failure Virtual Ward platform (both virtual and non-virtual).
* Retrieval and update stock of equipment including handheld tablets; maintenance of equipment and ensuring compliance checks as per equipment requirements.
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.
Working for our organisation
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do, aiming to provide a world-class service aligned with our vision of “excellent health care, improved health for all”. We are seeking to recruit staff who share this vision and value system. We are committed to becoming a diverse and inclusive employer and encourage applications from under-represented groups. We recognise the values and transferable skills that the Armed Forces community bring to NHS roles. We are committed to home-life balance through flexible working and reasonable adjustments where possible.
Qualifications & education
* NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience
* Maths and English GCSE grade C or above
* Completion of British Society for Heart Failure Core competencies or willing to complete
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* Willing to attend additional training sessions needed for the role
Planning & organisational skills
* Be a self-starter on projects with minimal/no supervision
* Ability to cope with distressing situations and deal with conflict
* Plan and delegate work as required with attention to detail
Physical skills
* Have a full valid driving licence, access to a vehicle and willingness to insure for business use
Knowledge and training
* Knowledge of chronic heart failure conditions
* Knowledge of patients/clients needs when being treated/cared for in a healthcare setting
* Knowledge of personalised care initiatives and recovery for patients with heart failure conditions
* Knowledge of Heart Failure treatment pathways
* Able to educate patients on their diagnosis of heart failure without supervision
* Ability to initiate and coordinate changes to own working practices
Experience
* In-depth understanding of medical technology appropriate to the specialism
* Able to use a variety of computer systems
* Ability to deliver training sessions to patients, peers and seniors as required
* Visiting patients in a community setting
Communication & relationship skills
* Able to communicate with patients and educate them on health promotion incentives
Analytical & judgement skills
* Understands patient management pathways in heart failure
Recruitment equality statement
We are committed to equal opportunities and want to ensure our workforce reflects the population we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and diverse groups. Shortlisting criteria do not include equal opportunities questions. Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date. Preference may be given to at-risk employees.
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust supports equality, diversity and inclusion and will interview all candidates with a disability who meet the minimum essential criteria. We encourage applications from the LGBTQ+ community and will respect pronouns and gender identity. We are governed by public sector equality duties and uphold our Care, Respect and Responsibility values.
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered where applicable. Please provide full and accurate details of immigration status. Overseas applicants may be required to provide a criminal records check. See guidance on sponsorship and eligibility in the job posting.
Employer certification / accreditation badges: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service where required.
Application contact: Jacqui Elson-Whittaker, Clinical Lead Nurse, jacqui.elson-whittaker@nhs.net, 01384 323158
Closing date: 24/09/2025 23:59
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