Specialist Respiratory Integrated Nurse in Plymouth

Employer University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Employer type NHS Site Derriford Hospital Town Plymouth Salary £47,810 – £54,710 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 21/01/2026 23:59

Specialist Respiratory Integrated Nurse

NHS AfC: Band 7

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. The postholder will shape 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.

The role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, managing complex cases, making independent clinical decisions, and contributing to pathway development. You will collaborate with the Livewell and Derriford respiratory teams, virtual wards and community services to support patients throughout their journey. With consultant supervision and MDT input, the aim is to reduce hospital admissions and length of stay through proactive assessment, triage and care planning. It offers excellent development opportunities and a chance to influence service innovation.

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 liaison with respiratory physicians, physiotherapists and community teams to facilitate safe, timely discharge and continuity of care.

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
• 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, GPs, community services and other allied health professionals to ensure continuity of care
• 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 understanding appropriate use of digital health/care solutions for patients with long‑term conditions
• Advises and supports other staff in planning 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

Person specification

Knowledge & Experience

• Significant post‑registration experience in respiratory nursing across acute and/or community settings
• Understanding of Clinical Governance
• Proven ability to work autonomously and within multidisciplinary teams
• Understanding of integrated care models and admission prevention strategies
• Clinical and line management experience
• Experience of oxygen assessments and prescribing O₂
• Knowledge of secondary and primary care sector including integrated care pathways
• Knowledge of pulmonary rehabilitation and/or oxygen therapy
• Evidence‑based practice in respiratory management including ability to undertake ABGs, spirometry, FENO
• Involvement in early supported discharge or admission avoidance pathways
• Experience in frailty and multidisciplinary working

Qualifications

• Non‑medical prescribing (or working towards)
• Recognised teaching or mentorship qualification
• Degree (or commitment to work towards) in healthcare
• Completion of or willingness to complete respiratory assessment modules (e.g., Diploma in Asthma / Diploma in COPD)
• Recognised Acute Care Assessments module
• Management and leadership module or study days
• Clinical Assessment Qualification (or working towards)
• Demonstrates a proactive, solution‑focused approach with a positive attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with staff, patients and families in challenging situations
• Proficient in the use of information technology to support clinical practice and communication
• Ability to build credibility and influence colleagues, including driving clinical improvements where appropriate
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage complex situations effectively
• Resilient and adaptable, able to perform well in fast‑paced and demanding environments
• Recent demonstrable experience of managing change towards improvement in a clinical setting

We welcome and encourage applicants who identify with all protected characteristics to apply. Diversity strengthens our teams and improves patient experience. At UHP we aim to create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong.

Providing false information is an offence and may result in rejection of the application or summary dismissal.