Specialist Nurse

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Specialist Nurse within the Rheumatology speciality. Based in the Outpatient Department at Sunderland Royal Hospital, the Rheumatology Unit is exceptionally busy, with clinics held daily. This post may require cross-site and off-site working to meet service demands.

We are seeking a caring and committed Rheumatology Specialist Nurse who is able to work effectively in a demanding and fast-paced environment, to join our established team of dedicated professionals.

The multidisciplinary team comprises 8 consultants, 5 specialist nurses, 6 healthcare assistants, 2 specialist physiotherapists, 1 specialist pharmacist, and a specialist occupational therapist.

Main duties of the job

Rheumatology is a rapidly evolving speciality, with significant advances in the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis in recent years. These developments have contributed to an increase in service demand.

The role will support the existing Rheumatology Nurse Specialist team in delivering patient education and support, drug monitoring, advice line support, and patient assessment. The successful candidate will be supported to utilise their existing skills while developing the additional competencies required to work within rheumatology, ensuring the delivery of safe and high-quality patient care. The RCN Rheumatology Nursing Framework will be used to guide development and ensure all aspects of practice are appropriately addressed.

The Rheumatology service is research-active and contributes to studies aimed at improving patient outcomes and care. Nurse-led clinics will form a significant part of the role following successful completion of the training period. Strong communication and listening skills are essential, with a focus on delivering a positive patient experience and maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction.

About us

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One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Details

• Date posted: 21 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 6
• Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year PRO RATA
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: C9155-MDNM-1026-24
• Job locations: Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

A specialist nurse is defined as a qualified nurse whose primary role is to provide care, guidance and support which is based on an advanced level of knowledge to patients, carers and health professionals concerning a specific disease/condition. The specialist nurse will: Work as part of the multidisciplinary team working under the direction of line manager/Matron. Continue to develop advanced knowledge and skills within the specialist sphere of practice. Support with the planning, delivery and evaluation of care pathways for a designated group of patients under the direction of the line manager/Matron. Support the development of nursing practice within the specialist field through the use of evidence based practice and in line with agreed national standards, and contribute to the body of nursing knowledge. Work as an autonomous practitioner within their sphere of practice. Continuously improve clinical standards in line with clinical governance framework. Exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code. Contribute to training and education within the specialist area. Provide specialist clinical advice and support to patients and clinical staff within the Trust on the management and care of patients within the specialist area. Provide direct access for patients, either face to face or telephone consultation Represent the service nationwide in the absence of the line manager/Matron. Play a key role in ensuring that national and local standards/targets for the specialist area are met.

FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).