Community Dermatology Nurse Kings Lynn

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Community Dermatology Service as a Community Dermatology Nurse. Working within a specialist community team and wider Skin Integrity Team, you will provide high-quality dermatology care to patients registered with West Norfolk GP practices, supporting individuals with a wide range of skin conditions to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The successful candidate will work autonomously whilst being supported by Community Dermatology Nurse colleagues and the wider Skin Integrity. You will undertake comprehensive skin assessments, develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans, deliver patient and carer education, and provide specialist advice and support to healthcare professionals across primary and community care.

You will be highly organised, possess excellent clinical assessment and decision-making skills, and be committed to delivering patient-centred care. The role requires effective communication, collaboration across organisational boundaries and the ability to manage a varied caseload within community settings. Join us and play a key role in improving access to specialist dermatology care and enhancing the quality of life for patients across West Norfolk.

Main duties of the job

• Manage a specialist caseload of patients with dermatological conditions within community settings.
• Undertake comprehensive skin assessments, clinical photography and diagnostic specimen collection.
• Develop, implement and evaluate individualised care and treatment plans.
• Provide specialist advice, support and education to patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
• Work collaboratively with GPs, consultants and multidisciplinary teams to deliver seamless patient care.
• Support the development of dermatology pathways, policies and clinical guidelines.
• Participate in triage processes and ensure appropriate referrals to secondary care where required.
• Contribute to audit, quality improvement initiatives, research and service evaluation activities.
• Promote evidence-based practice and support education across primary and community care services.
• Actively contribute to the ongoing development of the Community Dermatology Service and the wider Skin Integrity team.

Job responsibilities

• Manage a specialist caseload of patients with a range of dermatological conditions, delivering safe, effective and evidence-based care.
• Undertake comprehensive skin assessments, reviews and evaluations, identifying physical, psychological and social care needs.
• Develop, implement and evaluate individualised care plans in partnership with patients, carers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide specialist advice and support regarding the assessment, diagnosis and management of dermatological conditions.
• Utilise prescribing knowledge and skills appropriately to support effective medicines management and minimise risks associated with medication use.
• Work proactively to ensure patients receive timely access to appropriate services, including referral to secondary care when required.
• Undertake clinical photography and diagnostic specimen collection, including skin and nail swabs and scrapings.
• Participate in patient triage processes and support the effective management of referrals into the service.
• Contribute to complex case discussions and multidisciplinary decision-making.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records in line with Trust policies and professional standards.

Service Development and Quality Improvement

• Support the development and implementation of dermatology pathways, policies, protocols and clinical guidelines.
• Contribute to service evaluation, audit and quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and service effectiveness.
• Support data collection, analysis and reporting to monitor service performance and inform future developments.
• Promote and embed evidence-based practice across the dermatology service.
• Collaborate in the development of integrated care pathways in line with national guidance and best practice.

Education and Leadership

• Provide education, advice and support to patients, carers and healthcare professionals to improve understanding and self-management of dermatological conditions.
• Support the development and delivery of educational programmes for primary care and community healthcare staff.
• Share specialist knowledge and expertise to enhance multidisciplinary team capability and confidence.
• Develop positive working relationships with GP practices, community services and acute trust colleagues to support integrated working.
• Demonstrate clinical leadership and act as a role model for high standards of patient care.

Operational Responsibilities

• Manage workload and resources effectively to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.
• Work across multiple community clinic locations as required by the service.
• Contribute to the effective running of clinic services, including appointment utilisation and clinic capacity management.
• Maintain stock levels of dermatology consumables and diagnostic equipment, ensuring appropriate storage, stock rotation and cost-effective use of resources.
• Ensure the safe use and maintenance of equipment used within the dermatology service.

Person SpecificationCommunication

• Able to communicate effectively in written and verbal English Language.
• Able to communicate complex sensitive and contentious issues with colleagues and patients who may or may not have barriers to understanding.

Skills

• Broad range of dermatological clinical assessment skills.
• An understanding of wider NHS and social care issues particularly in primary care.
• An understanding of case management.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Competent in use of IT and willingness to develop IT and computer skills appropriate to the role.
• Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines.

Experience

• Successful at working collaboratively and demonstrating people management skills.
• Evidence of change management skills.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience at Band 5 of which one year is to be in a position relevant to this post.
• Experience of multidisciplinary and partnership working in acute or community settings.
• Experience of participating in clinical audit and risk assessment.
• Good understanding of dermatological conditions and clinical experience in managing such conditions.
• Experience of paediatric dermatology.

Qualifications

• RN and current NMC registration.
• Evidence of specialist clinical expertise within Dermatology.
• To have completed the mentorship programme or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and its application in regard to clinical skills.
• Maintenance of personal portfolio.

Desirable

• 1st level degree.
• Independent nurse prescriber.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated.
• Forward thinking, flexible and adaptable.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
• Evidence of strong interdisciplinary and multiagency working.
• Committed to service development.
• Ability to work autonomously and use initiative.
• Willingness to develop knowledge and skills.
• Ability to listen and empathise.
• Role model's attributes.
• Understand own limitations.

Other

• Must hold full and valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.