Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cardiology in Watford

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Cardiology team at West Herts. We are looking for a forward thinking, highly motivated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and experienced individual to take on the role and responsibility of a Cardiology Nurse Specialist (CNS). The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate outstanding clinical skills, leadership, accountability and promote safe and effective patient care, through evidence-based practice.

The successful applicant will join our dedicated existing Cardiac Nurse Specialist team and will be a key part of the Chest Pain service within Cardiology rotating through Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic (RACPC), Nurse Led Follow-up Clinic and Virtual Clinic. Working in partnership with Cardiologist and the wider Cardiology team to develop and maintain effective and efficient care to deliver high quality patient centred care to improve patient experience. Each of these areas offers a unique opportunity to autonomously manage a caseload of cardiac patients. Although chest pain will be a predominant part of this role there will be an expectation that the post holder is able to provide support to other Cardiac specialisms. You will be required to work Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 16.00pm.

Main duties of the job:

• The post holder will work as part of a busy Cardiology team, working closely with colleagues to assist in the effective running of the Nurse-led clinics, undertaking audits, teaching, and developing, mentoring and supervising.
• When working in the RACPC, Nurse Led Follow-up Clinic or Virtual Clinic, he/she will be required to autonomously manage a caseload of outpatients who have been referred from GP and A&E or attending follow-up appointment linking closely with Cardiologists and Cardiac Physiologists to maximise the efficiency of the service.
• This will include formulating appropriate management plans for patients with suspected angina, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and other cardiac conditions.
• Assist in reaching a diagnosis, order diagnostic tests, chase, and interpret results, management of any investigative results to deliver a clear diagnosis to the patient and the provision of a clinic summary letter for the GP outlining the ongoing management plan.

Working for our organisation:

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• 22.5hrs/week (WTE 0.6) Mon – Fri (08.00 – 13.00) Prep clinic Undertake either RACPC, Nurse Led Follow-up Clinic or Virtual Clinic Complete clinic letters and request investigations.
• Mon – Fri (13.30 – 16.00) RACPC pm clinic Virtual Clinic, if no RACPC pm clinic Complete clinic letters and request investigations.
• Triage referrals to RACPC Refer patients to cardiac rehab team Join Cardiology MDT (Mon & Wed) Attend RACPC MDT (Tues & Thurs) Complete audits Complete online mandatory training Other admin work.

Person specification:

• Education and qualifications: RGN, 1st level registration with NMC Degree in Nursing. Post Registration Qualification in cardiac nursing. Advanced physical assessment or willingness to complete. Advance ECG interpretation or willingness to complete. Counselling certificate.
• Knowledge: Post-registration and experience as a Band 6 in Cardiology. Experience of change management, teaching and facilitation, up-to-date knowledge of relevant political and professional issues in Cardiology. Commitment to clinical effectiveness and evidence-based care. Evidence of published articles. Research experience Strategic planning.
• Experience: Expert clinical assessment skills. Ability to articulate and implement service development. Leadership experience at band 6 level. Negotiation and conflict resolution skills and experience. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to write clear and concise and relevant reports. Basic computer literacy. Experience of evaluating clinical practice using audit. Evidence of relevant research and application of findings. Experience of evaluating clinical practice using appropriate evidence base. Willingness to complete counselling course.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire. As an employer of nearly 6,000 people the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.