Senior Respiratory Clinical nurse specialist
NHS AfC: Band 7
Main area Respiratory Grade NHS AfC: Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 197-AJ-R-8319
Site Univsersity Hospital Lewisham Town Lewisham Salary £49,387 - £56,515 per annum plus HCA Salary period Yearly Closing 17/06/2026 23:59
Job overview
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Respiratory Care is an advanced practice nurse who provides expert clinical leadership, specialist assessment, and evidence-based interventions to patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. This role focuses on improving patient outcomes through advanced clinical practice, education, consultation, and service development. The CNS collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality respiratory care across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Responsibilities include leading respiratory care initiatives, managing complex patient cases, developing clinical protocols, supporting staff education, and promoting best practices in areas such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and oxygen therapy.
CNS within respiratory service will support the individuals referred with suspected lung cancer. Additionally, you'll be involved in the virtual surveillance of lung nodules, adhering to The British Thoracic Society guidelines. Your tasks will include requesting CT scans, responding to findings, coordinating with the diagnostic MDT, and keeping patients informed about their results while referring them to appropriate services when necessary.
Main duties of the job
* To work with the multidisciplinary team across an integrated pathway of care to deliver quality standards in line with NICE guidance.
* To work with the nurse specialist team to ensure that all patients have equitable access to investigations, treatment and follow‑up care.
* To work with the nurse/midwifery specialist team to develop best practice in line with NICE guidance.
* To work with the team to develop guidelines to enhance optimal management of patients.
* To collect appropriate data against NICE guidance. To use audit as a tool to improve practice and evaluate services.
* To work with the team to implement recommendations from National audits and benchmarking.
* To identify objectives for own professional development which reflect local and national service needs, accessing advice, guidance and support as appropriate.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills and share this with others to positively influence patient care.
* To develop own specialist clinical knowledge and skills and participate in the development of other staff
* To reflect on own practice through clinical supervision/mentorship
* To provide a comprehensive nursing service for patients with conditions within the specialty.
* To work in close liaison with the multi‑disciplinary team across the pathway in order to meet the needs of patients and their families, and to aim for seamless care.
* To use clinical judgement and skills in decision making to manage this caseload of patients. To develop skills of history taking and physical assessment to direct appropriate intervention.
* To assist in the development of the service
* To vigorously promote the patient’s participation in decision‑making, enabling informed choice of treatment.
* To contribute to any audits requested by the Trust, Commissioners or Nationally.
* To identify deteriorating patients and take the appropriate action to manage the situation, liaising with interdisciplinary team as appropriate.
* To obtain valid and effective consent from patients prior to any investigations and treatment.
Person specification
Qualifications
* RN – Part 1
* Teaching and assessing qualification
* Advanced Respiratory Module
* Advanced assessment module
* Counselling course
Experience
* Minimum two years post‑registration experience
* Experience in patient advocacy
* Ability to prioritise and organise workload
* Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a multi‑professional team
* Excellent time management and prioritisation skills
* Some experience working with patients with a variety of respiratory diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, COPD, Lung Cancer
Knowledge
* Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
* Computer Skills
* Knowledge and understanding of the relevant local and national guidance
* Evidence of continued professional development
* Knowledge of respiratory anatomy and physiology
* Knowledge of respiratory conditions including Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, COPD, Lung Cancer
* Understanding of the Rapid Respiratory pathway
* Knowledge of research and audit
* Understanding of spirometry as a diagnostic tool
Personal Qualities
* Creative, lateral thinker
* Flexible and positive approach to work and learning
* Full driver’s license and access to a car
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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.
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