Specialist Respiratory Integrated Nurse

Job overview

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Band 7 Respiratory Nurse/ Non-medical prescriber to join our integrated respiratory service. This dynamic role bridges acute and community settings, supporting patients across the Acute Respiratory Assessment Unit (ARAU) and in the community. You will play a key role in shaping the service, delivering high-quality care focused on admission prevention, early supported discharge, and long-term condition management. This is a leadership role within the service.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you will manage complex cases, make independent clinical decisions, and contribute to pathway development. The role involves cross-sector collaboration with Livewell and Derriford respiratory teams, virtual wards, and community services to support patients throughout their journey. With consultant supervision and MDT input, you will help reduce hospital admissions and length of stay through proactive assessment, triage, and care planning. This is a forward-thinking team offering excellent development opportunities and a chance to influence service innovation.

The postholder will be involved in assessments, triage and formulating appropriate care plans for individuals, including investigative work-up, safe management plan and an awareness of any complex care needs to enable the individual to remain in their own home or be admitted to the ward.

Main duties of the job

The Band 7 Senior Nurse for the Acute Respiratory Assessment Unit (ARAU) will provide clinical and managerial leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients presenting with acute and complex respiratory conditions. The postholder will act as a clinical expert, role model, and resource for the multidisciplinary team, promoting best practice in respiratory assessment, treatment, and ongoing management.

The role involves day-to-day operational management of the unit, development of clinical pathways, coordination of patient flow, and ensuring effective liaison with respiratory physicians, physiotherapists, and community teams to facilitate safe, timely discharge and continuity of care.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

• Deliver specialist respiratory care within the Acute Respiratory Assessment Unit and/or community settings
• Provide enhanced  clinical assessments of patients with respiratory issues, including physical examination, ordering and interpreting investigations, and developing individualised patient centred treatment plans
• Act as an independent prescriber, initiating and adjusting treatment plans in line with clinical guidelines
• Support admission avoidance strategies and facilitate early supported discharge.
• Utilise criteria-led nurse discharge processes.
• Provide respiratory education, self-management plans, and personalised care planning for patients and their families.
• Support the coordination of patients within the ARAU and throughout their journey back into the community.
• Deliver evidence-based care, including non-pharmacological interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation support, and oxygen management.
• Work in partnership with hospital teams, GP’s, community services, and other allied health professionals to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in collaborative decision making
• Act as patients advocate in raising concerns around health and social care when required
• Ensure patients’ views are considered in the decision-making process
• Recognise and support the needs of carers and family members
• Ensure documentation is accurate and up to date, utilising all necessary paper and electronic records
• Be responsible for and facilitate others in the knowledge and awareness of appropriate use of digital health/care solutions for patients with long term conditions
• Advises and supports other staff in their planning of patient care.
• Provides support and advice to patients’ carers and relatives (with consent) on patient’s conditions and prognosis where appropriate.
• Keep accurate and complete records of activities and communications consistent with legislation, policies and procedures
• Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team Lead on service development initiatives and contribute to quality improvement projects
• Communicate effectively with all staff across the MDT, community teams and patients

For further details please refer JD & PS