Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To develop and evaluate rheumatology nursing services 
• Act as a role model within the Trust and demonstrating high standards of care.
• Responsible for providing specialist advice to rheumatology patients and their families attending the nurse led rheumatology clinics. 
• Responsible for assessing patients’ physical, psychological and social needs.
• Responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating patient care, and recommending the most appropriate course of action autonomously (within scope of practice). 
• For patients on disease modifying drugs/biologic therapies/biosimilars and bone therapies:

i)         Use recognised outcome measures, assessment tools and clinical skills to evaluate patient progress.  Re-assess and alter interventions autonomously  as necessary and within scope of practice .

 ii)       Request appropriate investigations for monitoring of patients.  Analyse, interpret and compare and action results.

• Work closely with the multi-disciplinary team, making appropriate referrals when required. 
• Responsible for the care of patients receiving intravenous therapies, working closely with and supporting the day care unit team who administer the treatments.
• Provide high quality written, verbal and telephone advice for other health care professionals, patients, their families and carers. 
• Ensure that written information for health professionals in primary and secondary care is clear, concise and of a high standard, therefore providing seamless care. 
• Responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of patient group directives. 
• Responsible for modifying patient treatment according to patient group directives. 
• Utilise department databases to update and maintain accurate patient information. Competent with relevant IT applications used in the Trust that are required for this role.

 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The rheumatology specialist nurse is responsible for the provision of specialist education in the following areas: 

• To patients, their families and carers either on a one to one basis or in a group setting in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team or via digitally enabled pathways. 
• To enable patients to self-administer their medication at home as a subcutaneous injection.
• Act as resource for pre and post registration students.
• Provide shadowing opportunities for pre and post registration nursing students, those from other disciplines and visitors to the Trust.
• Plan, implement and evaluate teaching programmes for nursing staff and other professionals.
• Educate, supervise and support junior staff in the department.

 MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in the development of Trust policies, protocols and guidance for Rheumatology care and adjustments to the scope of professional practice.
• Provide support and specialist advice to colleagues in the Trust and in the community.
• Attend and actively contribute to relevant meetings within and outside the Trust which include business and finance meetings.
• Assist with nursing workforce management. 

 PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:

•  Take responsibility for one’s own development, undertaking appropriate activities to update clinical knowledge and skills.
• Undertake research and audit projects.
• Attend regular mandatory and statutory training as specified by the Trust.
• Promote awareness and compliance amongst colleagues regarding Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.
• Participate in yearly performance review and ensure that procedures for extending one’s role are implemented and regularly reviewed.