Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Rheumatology Department at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital site for an enthusiastic, highly motivated nurse/practitioner to join an evolving team.
As a registered nurse/practitioner, the applicant will be responsible for supporting the lead nurse in ensuring that our service users’ needs are met through the delivery of high-quality care. The successful applicant will demonstrate high standards of work at all times, be self motivated and efficient, and demonstrate the ability to work independently in all aspects of patient care.
The role requires working within the outpatients clinic setting with patients on disease modifying drugs, biologic therapies and osteoporosis medication under the care of the Rheumatology Department. Individuals should be willing to develop further any specialised skills and knowledge relating to the specialist area.
Please demonstrate in your supporting information your interest in Rheumatology.
Previous applicants need not re-apply.
Main duties of the job
1. Independently run nurse led clinics initiating and following up patients on rheumatology treatment
2. Supporting patients to understand their diagnosis and treatment options and promoting self management
3. Analysing and interpreting investigation to ensure patient safety on initiation of treatments and on-going management
4. Supporting medical and nursing rheumatology colleagues to monitor and manage disease, drugs and blood monitoring
5. Support ongoing management of patient care via a daily telephone advice line available to patients under the care of the rheumatology department
6. Participate in prescription management to enable patients to receive their treatment in a timely manner
7. Have excellent communication skills
8. Have excellent time management skills
9. Team working with doctors, nursing and admin staff is essential to ensure a excellent patient experience of Rheumatology
10. Contribute in the delivery of the rheumatology nursing service including being involved in service development and audit
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. 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. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.
Our Values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
11. 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.
12. Work with patients and provide follow up in order to support compliance and adherence with prescribed treatment.
13. Responsible for assessing patients physical, psychological and social needs.
14. Responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating patient care, recommending the most appropriate course of action.
15. Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, and apply principles of self-care.
16. Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment.
17. To help develop and work within protocols for the management of patients with rheumatology conditions including osteoporosis.
18. 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.
19. Responsible for the care of patients receiving intravenous biologic or bone therapies, supporting and working closely with the Day Unit who administer the infusions.
20. Provide high quality written, verbal and telephone advice for patients and their families.
21. Produce accurate and complete documentation both electronically and written correspondence consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
22. Ensure that written information for health professionals in primary and secondary care is clear, concise and of a high standard.
23. Liaise with GPs to maintain continuity of care and patient compliance with medications/supplements prescribed.
24. Work closely with the multi-disciplinary team making appropriate referrals when necessary.
25. Work closely with pathway co-ordinators to assist with triaging into appropriate nurse-led clinics and awareness of nurse clinic waiting lists.
26. Work with MDT to ensure streamlined patient pathway.
27. Assist with research and audit projects and data collection as required
Managerial Responsibilities
28. To manage systems and maintain accurate records to ensure patients care is appropriate and audit can be undertaken.
29. To maintain appropriate databases for patients on disease-modifying drugs, biologic and bone therapies
30. To organise own work and practice, taking a flexible approach to ensure support for patients and colleagues.
31. To provide support to nursing staff working within clinic and ward areas.
32. Participate in the development of Trust policies, protocols and guidance for patients on disease-modifying drugs, biologic and bone therapies
33. Discuss, highlight and work with the team to create opportunities to improve patient care.
Education. Training & Development
34. Provide support and specialist advice to colleagues in the Trust and in the Community.
35. Attend and actively contribute to relevant meetings within and outside the Trust.
36. Provide patients and relatives with information about their condition and treatment.
37. Take responsibility for one’s own development, undertaking appropriate activities to update clinical knowledge and skills.
38. Attend regular mandatory and statutory training as specified by the Trust.
39. Promote awareness and compliance amongst colleagues regarding Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.
Professional/Personal Development:
40. Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the NMC.
41. Adhere to nurse revalidation requirements as set out by the NMC
42. Take responsibility for one’s own development, undertaking appropriate activities to update clinical knowledge and skills.
43. Attend regular mandatory and statutory training as specified by the Trust.
44. Promote awareness and compliance amongst colleagues regarding Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.
Person specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential criteria
45. Degree in nursing, relevant speciality or equivalent experience
46. Able to evidence recent and continuing professional development relevant to recent area of work
47. Current NMC or other relevant professional registration
Desirable criteria
48. Experience in working with patients with Rheumatological conditions
49. Willing to work towards Prescribing qualification
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Essential criteria
50. Excellent written and verbal
51. Evidence of good interpersonal skills
52. Demonstrates the ability to undertake challenging conversations
Desirable criteria
53. Presentation skills or willingness to learn
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential criteria
54. Post registration experience of working in an acute hospital setting
55. Has participated in research and audit
56. Experience of mentoring others
57. High standards of clinical performance in most recent area of work
58. Registered nurse or healthcare professional (NMC/HCPC etc)
Desirable criteria
59. Knowledge of Rheumatology Practice
60. Understanding of the specialist nursing role
61. Evidence of teaching others
62. Evidence of management skills
SKILLS
Essential criteria
63. Good organisational skills
64. Can effectively use computers and software such as Word/Excel
65. Ability to work independently to manage workload
Desirable criteria
66. Can undertake small project work
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential criteria
67. Ability to problem solve, anticipate and forward plan
68. Ability to work under pressure and seek help when required
69. Works on own initiative
70. Flexible
Desirable criteria
71. Leadership skills
72. Role model
73. Innovative
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.