Detailed job description and main responsibilities CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide specialist advice, education and support to patients and their relatives attending the nurse-led rheumatology clinics. This includes counselling patients for new therapies and review of patients on existing therapies. Work with patients and provide follow up in order to support compliance and adherence with prescribed treatment. Responsible for assessing patients physical, psychological and social needs. Responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating patient care, recommending the most appropriate course of action. Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, and apply principles of self-care. Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment. To help develop and work within protocols for the management of patients with rheumatology conditions including osteoporosis. For patients on disease modifying drugs, biologic and bone therapies:- i) Use recognised outcome measures, assessment tools and clinical skills to evaluate patient progress ii) Request appropriate investigations for monitoring of patients. Analyse and interpret results. Responsible for the care of patients receiving intravenous biologic or bone therapies, supporting and working closely with the Day Unit who administer the infusions. Provide high quality written, verbal and telephone advice for patients and their families. Produce accurate and complete documentation both electronically and written correspondence consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. Ensure that written information for health professionals in primary and secondary care is clear, concise and of a high standard. Liaise with GPs to maintain continuity of care and patient compliance with medications/supplements prescribed. Work closely with the multi-disciplinary team making appropriate referrals when necessary. Work closely with pathway co-ordinators to assist with triaging into appropriate nurse-led clinics and awareness of nurse clinic waiting lists. Work with MDT to ensure streamlined patient pathway. Assist with research and audit projects and data collection as required Person specification QUALIFICATIONS Essential criteria Degree in nursing, relevant speciality or equivalent experience Able to evidence recent and continuing professional development relevant to recent area of work Current NMC or other relevant professional registration Desirable criteria Experience in working with patients with Rheumatological conditions Willing to work towards Prescribing qualification COMMUNICATION SKILLS Essential criteria Excellent written and verbal Evidence of good interpersonal skills Demonstrates the ability to undertake challenging conversations Desirable criteria Presentation skills or willingness to learn KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Essential criteria Post registration experience of working in an acute hospital setting Has participated in research and audit Experience of mentoring others High standards of clinical performance in most recent area of work Registered nurse or healthcare professional (NMC/HCPC etc) Desirable criteria Knowledge of Rheumatology Practice Understanding of the specialist nursing role Evidence of teaching others Evidence of management skills SKILLS Essential criteria Good organisational skills Can effectively use computers and software such as Word/Excel Ability to work independently to manage workload Desirable criteria Can undertake small project work PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Essential criteria Ability to problem solve, anticipate and forward plan Ability to work under pressure and seek help when required Works on own initiative Flexible Desirable criteria Leadership skills Role model Innovative It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Employer certification / accreditation badges