Rheumatology Clinical Nurse SpecilaistNHS
Job summary
To provide specialist rheumatology nursing care for patients with inflammatory and autoimmune musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centred management through clinical assessment, treatment monitoring, education, support, and multidisciplinary coordination.
Main duties of the job
Specialist assessment review monitor patients with rheumatological conditions
Provide nurse led clinics telephone advice and patient follow up
Monitor patients receiving DMARDs biologic and other specialist treatments
Identify and escalate deterioration infection adverse effects and treatment complication
Provide medication education treatment advice and self management support
Coordinate care with consultants and wider MDT
Support safe and timely initiation and monitoring of treatments
Provide advice and support during disease flare and any changes in condition
Maintain accurate clinical documentation
Contribute to audit QI and service development
Support and develop wider nursing team
Promote patient centred care improved outcomes across the rheumatology pathway
Job description
Undertake comprehensive assessment of patients with rheumatological conditions.
Monitor disease activity and treatment response.
Manage nurse-led clinics in accordance with local and national guidelines.
Provide specialist advice and support to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
Recognise and respond appropriately to deteriorating patients and disease flares.
Develop and implement individualised care plans.
Contribute to the early diagnosis and ongoing management of inflammatory arthritis and other rheumatological diseases.
Medication Management
Monitor patients receiving DMARDs, biologic therapies, and other specialist treatments.
Review blood test results and identify abnormalities requiring intervention.
Educate patients regarding medication safety, side effects, and adherence.
Support biologic therapy initiation and ongoing monitoring.
Prescribe medication within competence and scope of practice where appropriately qualified.
Patient Education and Support
Provide education regarding disease processes, treatment options, self-management, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Support patients to make informed decisions regarding their care.
Facilitate patient empowerment and self-management.
Provide psychological support and signpost patients to relevant services and support organisations.
Care Coordination
Act as a key point of contact for patients and relatives.
Coordinate care across primary, secondary, and tertiary care services.
Liaise with GPs, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Ensure timely referrals and follow-up arrangements.
Facilitate smooth transitions between inpatient and outpatient services.
Leadership and Management
Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives.
Assist in developing policies, protocols, and clinical guidelines.
Support the management of clinical risk within the service.
Participate in audit, governance, and service evaluation activities.
Deputise for the Lead Rheumatology Nurse as required.
Education and Training
Maintain specialist knowledge through continuing professional development.
Participate in teaching and training programmes for staff, students, and patients.
Provide clinical supervision and mentorship where appropriate.
Promote evidence-based practice within the rheumatology service.
Research and Audit
Participate in clinical research studies and service evaluations.
Contribute to data collection and audit programmes.
Implement findings from research and national guidance into clinical practice.
Support continuous service improvement through quality initiatives.
Communication
Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients and families.
Build therapeutic relationships with patients experiencing long-term conditions.
Maintain effective communication with multidisciplinary teams.
Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with Trust policies.
Professional Responsibilities
Maintain NMC registration and adhere to the NMC Code.
Practice within professional and organisational policies and procedures.
Maintain patient confidentiality and information governance standards.
Undertake mandatory and statutory training requirements.
Contribute to safeguarding and infection prevention activities.
About us
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve the quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We're passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.
We are delighted that we have been rated as "Good" by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.
The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.