Rheumatology Specialist Nurse

We want talented and enthusiastic people from all backgrounds to join

Team MWL , with us you can learn, grow and develop yourself and your career, realising your true ambitions and aspirations.

Whatever you’re looking for in your career, you’ll find it here at MWL.

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 7 specialist Rheumatology nurse to join the team based at Southport DGH working across the MWL sites.

You will require to have the non-medical prescribing course and have knowledge/experience of Rheumatology conditions/treatments.

To provide a high standard of care to rheumatology patients, through appropriate skills and knowledge to deliver prescribed treatment and care for patients in an individual and sensitive manner.

This will involve planning, coordinating, delivering and evaluating nurse-led services for rheumatology patients and carers, including the nursing assessment and treatment of patients within the rheumatology speciality.

To participate in all aspects of the care of rheumatology patients requiring treatment with rheumatological therapies, including patient education, data collection and drug administration.

Main duties of the job

• Take responsibility for education of patients and carers with rheumatological conditions.
• Ensure safe prescribing and monitoring of Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).
• Work collaboratively with nurse specialists, other members of MDT team and consultant rheumatologists to optimise patient care.
• Work with the Day unit Team in providing holistic care for patients who attend the department to receive treatments.
• Assist with the education of these patients and carers, including the administration and monitoring of Rheumatological treatments.
• Demonstrate good IT skills to input data and maintain the departmental databases.
• Be part of the training programme for Rheumatology nurses.
• The Rheumatology department is based at Southport DGH and offers outpatient services.
• Work across MWL outpatient departments.
• Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• KEY DUTIES
• Develop and extend scope of professional practice to include venepuncture, cannulation and the administration of rheumatological therapies in line with NMC, National and Trust policies.
• Undertake the day to day running of the day unit clinics including logistics, admissions and discharge, arranging appointments for treatments, infusions or education.
• Collect data required for the British Society of Rheumatology Register for these therapies.
• Co-ordinate the prescribing of these therapies, including requests for repeat prescriptions.

Education of patients and carers

• Assist with planning, implementation and evaluation of health education MDT programmes for patients and carers with rheumatological conditions.
• Empower patients with rheumatological conditions to realise and maintain their potential in relation to health and wellbeing through one-to-one contacts and MDT education programmes.
• DMARD therapy
• Be a point of referral for patients commencing on disease modifying drug therapy, including education, consent, monitoring requirements.
• Prevent adverse effects on health and wellbeing through education and monitoring of patients on DMARD therapy.
• Clinical & professional responsibilities
• Service development & delivery.
• Administration of intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous treatments.
• Be involved in planning, development, implementation and evaluation of rheumatology service.
• Ensure all treatments are within national guidelines or evidence-based practice.
• Participate in working parties and policy development within department.
• Adhere to departmental policies and train others.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures.
• Act as catalyst for change, reviewing service and clinical provision through audit/research.
• Professional development
• Maintain own clinical professional development by keeping abreast of new trends and developments.
• Support junior staff with their professional development.
• Participate in the staff appraisal scheme and personal development plan (PDP).
• Attend and contribute to local or national conferences in own field of expertise.
• Participate in teaching and training responsibilities including induction, preceptorship, mentorship, presentations and training sessions.
• Participate in the supervision scheme.
• Administrative responsibilities
• Ensure patient information is confidential and not disclosed to a third party without permission.
• Keep patient records up to date on a day-to-day basis.
• Ensure all unit documentation is completed.
• Assist with input of data required for departmental databases.
• Line management / supervisory responsibilities
• Participate in meetings pertinent to the unit.
• Establish and maintain good communication within the Unit, Division, Trust and agencies outside the Trust.
• Use resources efficiently.
• Be involved in risk management and clinical audit programmes.
• Ensure safe custody of patient property.
• Report all accidents, hazards, incidents and complaints in accordance with Trust policies.
• Comply with Health and Safety Policies.
• Financial responsibilities
• Maintain efficiency and minimise waste.
• Research & audit
• Participate in local audit/research projects relating to the use of Rheumatological therapies.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Evidence of high-level post-qualification training and implementation of new learning.
• Willingness to undertake internal and external training to develop knowledge and skills required for the role.
• Non-medical prescriber (or working towards).
• Clinical examination and diagnostics.
• Knowledge & experience
• Knowledge of Rheumatology Conditions.
• Evidence of teaching within clinical area.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Experience in Rheumatology.

Skills

• Able to apply high level of knowledge and skills in clinical settings.
• Excellent record of experience in training/teaching and supervising others.
• Evidence of self-initiated learning and its application.
• Evidence of continually updating knowledge through reflective practice and CPD.
• Grounded understanding of psychological factors involved in illness.
• Shows empathy and understanding for patients, their families and carers.
• High standard of written and electronic communication.
• Negotiates using appropriate assertiveness.
• Other
• Mature professional manner at all times.
• Leadership experience and role model ability.
• Loyalty and commitment to Hospital Trust and speciality team.
• Self-aware and able to initiate and manage self-change.
• Calm under pressure and able to cope in emergencies.
• Prioritises and facilitates others appropriately.
• Initiative balanced with consultative approach.
• Co-ordinates using rational, logical approach.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Willing to work flexible hours.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, marriage, civil partnership, or pregnancy.

Employer Certification

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and will require a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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