Parkinson's Disease Specialist Support Nurse

Job overview

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Registered Nurse to join our Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist (PDNS) Team at NHFT, a Trust rated “Outstanding” by the CQC.

You will provide specialist assessment, symptom management and support to people with Parkinson’s disease and related conditions across community, clinic and home-based settings. Working as part of a countywide team, you will manage a specialist caseload, deliver evidence-based care, support medication management and empower patients and carers to maximise independence and quality of life.

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate nurse with experience in long-term conditions, strong communication skills and the ability to work both autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Experience in Parkinson’s disease is desirable, along with a willingness to undertake further specialist training (including non-medical prescribing where appropriate).

We offer:

• NHS Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave (starting at 27 days + 8 bank holidays)
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Strong health and wellbeing support
• Flexible, supportive working environment

If you are passionate about specialist nursing and want to make a real difference for people living with Parkinson’s disease, we would love to hear from you.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will work as part of the countywide Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist (PDNS) Team, providing specialist care, assessment and support to people with Parkinson’s disease and related conditions across Northamptonshire. Care will be delivered across a range of settings including community clinics, patients’ homes and healthcare environments.

The role involves undertaking comprehensive, holistic assessments and developing, implementing and evaluating individualised care plans using evidence-based practice. The post holder will provide expert advice on symptom management and monitor Parkinson’s drug therapies, recommending changes in collaboration with Consultants, GPs and the multidisciplinary team.

Working autonomously, the post holder will manage and prioritise a specialist caseload, demonstrating high levels of clinical judgment, accountability and decision-making. They will recognise when symptoms require further investigation and make appropriate referrals to other professionals and services.

The post holder will act as a key resource for patients, families, carers and professionals, providing education, support and advice to promote independence, self-management and quality of life. They will manage complex and emotionally challenging situations, including supporting patients during deterioration and palliative phases of care.

The role includes delivering specialist-led clinics, maintaining accurate clinical records using SystmOne and contributing to audit, service evaluation and quality improvement initiatives. The post holder will work in partnership with health, social care and voluntary organisations to support integrated care pathways.

The post holder will demonstrate the Trust’s values and leadership behaviours, promote equality and diversity, participate in appraisal and supervision, and actively engage in ongoing professional development and service improvement.