Biologics Clinical Nurse Specialist

This role supports the delivery of specialist biologics services across DMC Dermatology. The Biologics Clinical Nurse Specialist will assess, screen, initiate and monitor patients receiving biologic and advanced systemic therapies for a range of dermatological conditions. The postholder will ensure safe, effective and evidence-based biologics practice, maintain accurate documentation including pre-treatment screening and ongoing monitoring, and work collaboratively with the dermatology multidisciplinary team to ensure a high standard of patient care. The role includes patient education and self-injection training, monitoring of treatment responses, pharmacovigilance and adverse event reporting, participation in governance activity and supporting the development of biologics standards within the service.

Role Summary

• Provide specialist assessment, screening, initiation and ongoing monitoring of patients receiving biologic and advanced systemic therapies.
• Ensure patient safety, accurate monitoring and adherence to NICE technology appraisals and clinical protocols.
• Educate patients about treatment, risks, benefits, infection risk and self-administration technique.
• Monitor treatment responses using validated outcome measures and elevate concerns appropriately.
• Work collaboratively with dermatologists, nurses, pharmacy, homecare providers and administrative colleagues to support the safe and efficient running of the biologics service.

Key Objectives / Goals

• Deliver safe, effective biologic therapy initiation and monitoring in accordance with NICE guidance and clinical protocols.
• Assess and screen patients to determine suitability for biologic therapy based on dermatology diagnosis, disease severity and clinical risk factors.
• Monitor patient progress, manage adverse reactions and ensure accurate recording of screening and monitoring results.
• Provide patient education on treatment, self-injection technique, infection risk and aftercare.
• Contribute to service improvement, governance, audits and adherence to safety and pharmacovigilance standards.
• Ensure clear communication and continuity of care within the dermatology team and with pharmacy and homecare providers.
• Support governance, audit and QI initiatives.

Reporting Line / Team Structure

• Reports to the Dermatology Service Manager or Dermatology Lead Nurse.
• Works closely with Dermatologists, Dermatology Nurses, Pharmacists, Homecare Providers and administrative staff.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide assessment, screening, initiation and ongoing monitoring of patients on biologic therapy following clinical protocols and NICE guidance.
• Undertake and interpret pre-treatment screening (bloods, TB, hepatitis and infection screening) and arrange ongoing monitoring.
• Monitor patient responses to treatment using validated outcome measures, managing or escalating adverse reactions and infections.
• Record screening results, monitoring data and clinical outcomes accurately, including registry submissions.
• Educate patients on biologic therapy, self-injection technique, infection risk, aftercare and skin care advice.
• Work with the dermatology team, pharmacy and homecare providers to coordinate care pathways and ensure timely access to treatment.
• Participate in governance, audits, service improvement, pharmacovigilance and health and safety processes.
• Ensure a clean, safe and compliant clinical environment.
• Maintain infection prevention and safe clinic standards.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of biologic and advanced systemic therapies, their indications and contraindications.
• Understanding of pre-treatment screening requirements (including TB, hepatitis and infection screening) and immunosuppression safety.
• Ability to assess, monitor and recognize treatment reactions, infections or complications.
• Skill in accurate screening interpretation, monitoring, treatment planning and documentation.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills with patients and colleagues.
• Ability to coordinate complex cases and elevate clinical concerns.

Essential

• NMC registered nurse.
• Experience working in dermatology or biologics and advanced therapies, or willingness to complete biologics training to an accredited standard.
• Understanding of dermatological conditions treated with biologics such as psoriasis, atopic eczema and hidradenitis suppurativa.
• Ability to assess, screen and monitor patients on biologic therapy safely using established protocols.
• Strong communication skills and ability to deliver clear patient education and self-injection training.
• Accuracy in maintaining treatment records including pre-treatment screening and ongoing monitoring documentation.
• Aware of infection prevention, patient safety and immunosuppression-related safety considerations.
• Commitment to delivering evidence-based dermatology care.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage a treatment caseload.
• Leadership and audit participation.

Desirable

• Previous experience initiating or monitoring biologic or advanced systemic therapies.
• Experience in patient education or counseling related to chronic skin conditions.
• Familiarity with dermatology service governance, audits and quality improvement.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or supporting biologics service development.
• Clean driving licence (multi-site service delivery).

Experience / Additional Information

• Experience working within dermatology, outpatient or procedural clinical environments.
• Experience initiating, administering or monitoring biologic therapies, or undergoing structured biologics training.
• Experience maintaining detailed treatment records and contributing to audits or governance activity.
• Experience supporting patients with chronic or complex skin conditions is beneficial.
• Experience across primary/community and secondary care (desirable).

Additional Information

• Travel requirements: Multi-site role across North Lincolnshire — own transport required.
• Relocation support: None routinely offered but can be discussed at offer stage.
• Performance metrics / KPIs: Time from decision-to-treat to biologic initiation (treatment access timelines), Patient satisfaction and experience scores, Documentation completeness and audit readiness (including screening and monitoring).
• Biologic therapy requires strict adherence to screening, monitoring and pharmacovigilance protocols for patient safety.
• MDT attendance and case preparation.

Career progression opportunities

• Opportunities in service leadership, subspecialty development, or teaching.
• Involvement in pathway design, teaching, and governance.