Endocrine Specialist Nurse, Band 7

Job overview

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Endocrinology will lead the development, implementation and delivery of a specialist Endocrinology nursing service across Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

As the first dedicated Endocrine Clinical Nurse Specialist within the organisation, this is a very exciting opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our team.

The post holder will establish and develop nurse-led endocrine services, contribute to strategic service development, lead patient education initiatives and act as an expert resource for patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Working closely with Consultant Endocrinologists, specialist nurses, primary care colleagues and regional tertiary centres, they will ensure delivery of high-quality, evidence-based and patient-centred careThe post holder will act as an autonomous practitioner, managing a specialist caseload whilst supporting the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and long-term management of patients with complex endocrine conditions.

The role will include responsibility for endocrine dynamic function testing, specialist endocrine therapies, nurse-led clinics, inpatient consultation, education, audit, quality improvement and governance activities. The post holder will contribute to the development of clinical pathways, policies and service standards aligned with national guidance and best practice.

The proposed interview date is: 19th November

Main duties of the job

Provide specialist assessment, treatment, monitoring and ongoing management of patients with endocrine disorders.

- Manage a complex specialist caseload autonomously, prioritising workload according to clinical need.

- Establish and deliver nurse-led endocrinology clinics, both face-to-face and virtual.

- Act as the key worker for patients with complex endocrine conditions, providing continuity of care throughout the patient pathway.

- Provide specialist advice and support for endocrine inpatients and support safe discharge planning.

- Undertake endocrine dynamic function testing in accordance with national guidance and local protocols.

- Interpret investigation results and implement agreed management plans within scope of practice.

- Initiate, monitor and review specialist endocrine treatments, referring appropriately where medical review is required.

- Provide education relating to adrenal insufficiency, steroid replacement therapy, hypopituitarism, steroid sick day rules and emergency hydrocortisone administration.

- Administer and monitor specialist endocrine medications including injectable therapies.

- Promote self-management and personalised care planning to optimise patient outcomes and quality of life.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities

- Provide specialist assessment, treatment, monitoring and ongoing management of patients with endocrine disorders.

Professional Development, Education and Training

- Lead the establishment and development of the Endocrine Clinical Nurse Specialist Service across Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

- Develop endocrine nursing pathways, clinical guidelines, protocols and patient information resources.

- Act as the Trust expert nursing resource for endocrinology.

- Support delivery of national endocrine standards, recommendations and quality indicators.

- Work collaboratively with primary care, community services and tertiary referral centres to ensure seamless patient pathways.

Management and Leadership

- Contribute to business planning and future service development within endocrinology.

- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and service improvement initiatives.

- Comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and undergoing regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters

- Report personal sickness to Matron

- Report near misses and untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies, injury or medicine administration errors as detailed in the departmental and Trust protocols. Assist lead staff in investigating incidents as required

- Maintain and contribute to the development of standards of practice

- Ensure a smart, professional image that adheres to Trust policy

Planning and Organisation

- Deliver specialist education and training programmes for nursing, medical and allied health professional staff.

- Develop educational resources for patients, carers and healthcare professionals.

- Provide mentorship and clinical supervision to staff and learners.

- Maintain specialist endocrine competencies and professional development through continuing education.

Research and Development

- Lead and participate in clinical audit, service evaluation and quality improvement projects.

- Contribute to endocrine registry data collection and national audit requirements.

- Develop and implement evidence-based practice within endocrinology services.

- Participate in policy development and review.

- Support incident investigation, learning and risk management activities.

- Ensure accurate and timely documentation in accordance with NMC and Trust standards.

Communications and Working Relationships

- Will work closely with the Consultant team to develop the role, reporting to DDERM Matron.

- Will work cohesively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team

- The ability to communicate with patients and their relatives with sensitivity and empathy, acting as a strong patient advocate at all times

- Be able to work under pressure

- Be pro-active and take initiative

- Act as a Professional & motivated role model for others to aspire to

- Communicate effectively with managers and senior leaders regarding service performance, risks, and improvement needs

- Maintain high standards of patient safety, dignity, privacy and confidentiality at all times.

- Comply with Trust policies, procedures, clinical guidelines and professional standards.

- Follow infection prevention and control requirements and contribute to maintaining a clean and safe clinical environment.

- Report incidents, near misses, hazards and safeguarding concerns appropriately.

- Maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate respect for equality, diversity and inclusion.

- Use Trust resources responsibly and contribute to reducing waste and unnecessary expenditure.

- Maintain personal clinical competence and inform the line manager of any training or support needs.

- Be flexible and willing to adapt to changes in the service, including new treatments, pathways and ways of working.

- Support the development of a positive workplace culture based on kindness, teamwork, respect and accountability.

- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the level and responsibilities of the post.

To arrange an informal discussion about this new exciting role, please contact Matron Catherine Matthews via catherine.matthews3@nhs.net

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.