Overview
The post holder will deliver and co‑ordinate specialist nursing care within Livewell Southwest in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code, national guidance and local policy. The Specialist Nurse will manage a complex clinical caseload, providing expert assessment, diagnosis, care planning and review for individuals with complex health and social care needs. Acting as Care Manager or Care Co‑ordinator, the role promotes a positive, person‑centred approach to risk management, health promotion and self‑care, optimising independence and quality of life. The post holder will use advanced clinical skills and specialist knowledge to lead the planning and delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based care.
The role may include non‑medical prescribing (V300) in accordance with the local formulary and professional guidelines. The post holder will contribute to service development, clinical leadership, and strategic planning, deputising for the Operational Manager as required and ensuring continuity of service during periods of change or increased demand.
Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
* Manage and co‑ordinate a defined, complex nursing caseload using evidence‑based assessment, diagnosis and care planning in partnership with patients, carers and multidisciplinary teams.
* Deliver person‑centred care that promotes independence, prevents unnecessary hospital admissions and supports early discharge where appropriate.
* Provide holistic and specialist clinical interventions, including advanced physical assessments, history taking and formulation of treatment and management plans.
* Undertake non‑medical prescribing within scope of competence and in accordance with local and national policy.
* Facilitate case conferences, complex discharge planning and multidisciplinary reviews to ensure integrated care delivery.
* Promote and implement strategies for health promotion, disease prevention and behaviour change for individuals with long‑term or life‑limiting conditions.
* Conduct risk assessments and implement safeguarding procedures to protect vulnerable adults and children in line with organisational policy.
* Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records using electronic and paper systems, ensuring compliance with professional and organisational standards.
* Participate in clinical audit, quality assurance and research activities to maintain high standards of care.
Leadership and Management
* Provide clinical leadership to nurses and health care professionals within the team, modelling excellence in practice and professional behaviour.
* Support the Operational Manager by undertaking delegated management duties, including supervision, appraisal, recruitment and workforce planning.
* Identify training needs and contribute to the professional development of staff through supervision, mentorship and teaching.
* Promote reflective practice, critical thinking and evidence‑based decision‑making across the team.
* Deputise for the Operational Manager during periods of absence, ensuring effective day‑to‑day service operation.
* Participate in rota management, leave planning and workload allocation to maintain safe staffing levels.
* Lead on investigating and responding to complaints, incidents and Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) processes, ensuring lessons are learned and shared.
* Support a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation, service redesign and clinical excellence.
Partnership and Communication
* Build and maintain strong relationships with primary care, secondary care, mental health and social care colleagues to support integrated service delivery.
* Act as a professional and clinical resource for patients, families, carers and colleagues, providing education, guidance and emotional support.
* Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively, managing barriers such as distress, cognitive impairment or language differences.
* Represent the service at internal and external meetings, promoting the work of Livewell Southwest and contributing to collaborative service developments.
* Ensure patient confidentiality and compliance with data protection and consent legislation at all times.
Quality, Governance and Professional Standards
* Uphold the NMC Code and demonstrate professional accountability at all times.
* Participate in the development, implementation and monitoring of local policies, guidelines and pathways to ensure safe, effective practice.
* Use clinical audit, research and feedback to inform continuous service improvement.
* Maintain own clinical competence through ongoing professional development, reflective practice and mandatory training.
* Contribute to service evaluation, caseload profiling and population health assessments to identify and address unmet needs.
* Support the implementation of evidence‑based initiatives, contributing to the transformation of community services in line with NHS priorities.
Education and Training
* Act as mentor, assessor and clinical educator for student nurses, pre‑registration learners and new staff.
* Support continuous learning within the team through in‑service training, clinical supervision and reflective sessions.
* Contribute to the development of local education programmes and competency frameworks relevant to the specialist area.
Financial and Resource Management
* Ensure the effective use of equipment and resources in a cost‑efficient manner.
* Maintain authorisation for ordering and stock control within budgetary limits.
* Support resource governance through safe and effective prescribing and procurement practices.
* Demonstrate awareness of statutory and non‑statutory funding processes when commissioning or advocating for services on behalf of patients.
Service Development
* Lead and participate in projects aimed at improving service quality, access and patient outcomes.
* Use health needs assessment and risk‑stratification tools to identify and address gaps in care provision.
Research and Audit
* Participate in clinical audit, evaluation and quality improvement initiatives using research methodology.
* Maintain awareness of current research, innovations, and national guidance relevant to the specialty.
Health, Safety and Risk Management
* Take reasonable care for own health and safety and that of others in the workplace.
* Adhere to infection prevention and control, manual handling, lone working and safeguarding procedures.
* Report and document all incidents, hazards and near misses promptly via appropriate channels.
* Undertake physical intervention and Basic Life Support training where required for the role.
Safeguarding and Equality
* Demonstrate a clear understanding of safeguarding adults and children policies, reporting concerns in line with statutory guidance.
* Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, respecting the rights and dignity of all patients and staff.
* Support carers and families, acting as an advocate for patients’ needs and preferences.
Sustainability
* Support Livewell Southwest’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally sustainable healthcare practices.
* Contribute to waste reduction, low‑carbon travel and efficient use of resources.
Physical, Emotional and Mental Demands
* Undertake moderate physical activity daily, including manual handling, use of equipment and travel between patient homes.
* Work within unpredictable environments, dealing with emotional and distressing circumstances such as end‑of‑life care, safeguarding and crisis management.
* Maintain concentration when managing complex caseloads, drug calculations and critical decision‑making.
* Adapt to changing priorities while ensuring high standards of care and documentation.
Communication and Working Relationships
* Maintain professional, effective communication across all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders, contributing to collaborative, integrated, and person‑centred service delivery.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Health Care Provider
Industries
* Individual and Family Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr