Rheumatology Specialist Nurse

Job overview

The post holder will contribute to nursing leadership and provision of a high quality, equitable, accessible nursing service for patients under the care of the rheumatology team.

The post holder will work in an advanced clinical and autonomous role to develop nursing practice within the speciality of rheumatology.

The post holder will demonstrate a sound clinical knowledge of autoimmune diseases and deliver care at a high standard to patients attending rheumatology. The jobholder will ensure cost effective use of resources.

The post holder will maintain professional registration through the revalidation process.

Provide effective input into the work of the Trust, to support the achievement of our vision and values.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will: Work as part of the multi-disciplinary team, undertaking advanced clinical assessments and examination of rheumatology patients with Autoimmune diseases.
• Provide a specialist nurse led service working autonomously in providing care for Rheumatology patients and their families according to agreed guidelines or as specified by the Consultant Rheumatologists.
• Work alongside the medical day case team to support and manage patients attending the unit.
• Contribute to the development of a high-quality local service for people with Autoimmune diseases.
• Clinically assess patients attending for routine follow-ups with Autoimmune diseases, to monitor and evaluate disease activity, ordering and interpreting specific haematology and microbiological investigations or imaging as indicated.
• Recommend treatment, alter drug dosages according to management guidelines.
• Check and prepare patients for biological therapy according to NICE guidelines and take consent for patients.
• Counsel Rheumatology patients pre immunosuppressant/ biological therapy and perform pre-screening checks in accordance with NICE and BSR Guidelines.
• Co-ordinate requests for biological therapy with consultants, the high-cost therapy pharmacist, and the Medical Day Case Unit team.
• Follow-up and monitor patients on immunosuppressant and biological therapy.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To uphold the principles of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and to be always accountable for own clinical practice and professional actions.
• To maintain own skills and knowledge and demonstrate clinical excellence and high standards of practice to other staff
• To be responsible for your own professional development, maintain a professional portfolio and keep up to date on current nursing and health service issues, including keeping up to date with revalidation.
• Maintain own knowledge and clinical skills demonstrating competence in delivering a high standard of care.
• To demonstrate professional development in the field of Rheumatology Uphold high standards of Communication skills and provide highly complex information on medication and challenge poor practice with all grades of doctors, prescribers, nursing, and midwifery staff. Promote a better understanding of Autoimmune diseases for patients and their carers through education, providing support and counselling where necessary to empower patients to take a greater part in self- managing their disease. Educate patients on the importance of adherence with recommended management plans. Be willing to undertake Intra-articular/soft tissue injections.
• Be willing to undertake the non-medical prescribing course. Request and act on abnormal blood results to avoid complications and improve safety.