Specialist Nurse (Rheumatology)
The closing date is 26 June 2026.
A new opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Rheumatology Nurse to join our dedicated Multidisciplinary Rheumatology team at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The role will be based at the Nightingale Hospital, covering the Eastern service.
Main duties of the job
For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.
About us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).
Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you'll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Job responsibilities
The Rheumatology service currently runs multiple outpatient clinics and provides an extensive service to Rheumatology patients in the South West. The service provides Consultant speciality and Nurse led clinics, in both the Nightingale Hospital and in Community Hospitals.
The successful post holder would ideally have several years Rheumatology experience and have a special interest in supporting and developing Rheumatological Nursing service. The successful post holder will be able to run outpatient clinics independently, providing high quality evidence-based care. They will be expected to take responsibility for their own caseload/workload within the designated clinical areas and for the assessment and treatment of patients on a day to day basis, without direct guidance from a line manager.
You will be expected to work closely with all members of the MDT and to assist the Band 7 Rheumatology Nurse in service development.
We would be happy to consider a band 5 with a specific interest in Rheumatology. We will review academic qualifications on a case by case basis, but would expect at least 2 years post qualification experience in nursing practice.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Mon – Fri 08:00-17:30 (9 day fortnight)
Benefits
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
* National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts
* Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
* Car lease schemes
* The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK)
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.
Person Specification
* Several years of Rheumatology experience
* Special interest in supporting and developing Rheumatological Nursing service
* Ability to run outpatient clinics independently, providing high quality evidence-based care
* Experience assessing and treating patients on a day-to-day basis, taking responsibility for own caseload without direct line manager guidance
* Strong collaborative skills, working closely with MDT members and assisting Band 7 Rheumatology Nurse in service development
* Band 5 consideration for individuals with a specific interest in Rheumatology, and at least 2 years post qualification nursing experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
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