Rheumatology Specialist Nurse

Job summary
The purpose of the post is to provide and manage expert specialist clinical practice primarily for Rheumatology outpatients. To lead in the development of evidence-based Rheumatology practice in line with current research and guidelines. To ensure that patients and their families are fully informed and supported in the management of their Rheumatology care. To link with the wider healthcare teams in order to increase knowledge and deliver high-quality, appropriate care in both inpatient and outpatient clinical areas. To provide advice and support to Rheumatology patients

Main duties of the job
Autonomously assess patients' complex health and well-being needs at all stages of their illness and seek support when appropriate. Run patient clinics where core needs are assessed and provided. Provide specialist advice to support ward staff when patients are admitted to hospital, ensuring all medical and nursing needs are understood and met in accordance with current standards and protocols.

Adhere to biopsychosocial models of rheumatology patient care.

Be responsible for supporting and managing a clinical caseload in an outpatient setting to enable competent supported self-management in patients and their carers. To undertake the relevant courses to be a registered prescriber for the medicines management of rheumatology patients as determined by service need and in consultation with the Non-Medical Prescribing and Patient Group Directions Group and to act as a resource for clinicians in relation to treatment and care of rheumatology patients. Identify development/learning needs to enhance practice, including study for a diploma/MSc and additional skills such as joint injections.

About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff. Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan. We work in partnership with Royal Surrey Hospital NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities. St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and Orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital. Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward- thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services. We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts. Please note that adverts may close early, so early application is encouraged. For more information about careers at ASPH please visit:

Job responsibilities
The post holder will contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality specialist rheumatology care by identifying practice development needs and supporting service improvement initiatives. They will work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure all rheumatology patients and their carers receive a safe, effective, and positive care experience, while promoting quality, reducing risk, and enhancing patient outcomes.

The successful candidate will support the ongoing development of the Rheumatology Nursing Service, contributing to strategic planning and ensuring continuity of care across inpatient and outpatient settings. They will play a key role in supporting patients with complex rheumatological conditions through evidence-based assessment, education and care management.

Working in partnership with Clinical Practitioner Educators and the Practice Development Team, the post holder will contribute to the education, training and professional development of nursing staff involved in the care of patients with rheumatological conditions, ensuring the delivery of high standards of clinical practice.

In collaboration with Clinical Practitioner Educators and Clinical Placement Facilitators, the post holder will support the learning and development of student nurses and other learners, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting excellence in rheumatology care.

The post holder will contribute to clinical governance and quality improvement programmes across the Trust, working closely with the Head of Nursing, Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality, and wider multidisciplinary teams to implement best practice, improve patient outcomes and support innovation within rheumatology services.

The successful candidate will take personal responsibility for maintaining and developing their own professional knowledge and clinical expertise in line with the Rheumatology Nursing Competency Framework, current evidence-based practice, national guidance and Trust objectives. They will be encouraged to pursue further professional development opportunities, including advanced clinical assessment skills, non-medical prescribing and other specialist competencies relevant to rheumatology nursing.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Professional Registration
Essential

• Registered Nurse (Adult) with current NMC registration.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Relevant degree-level qualification or equivalent clinical experience.
• Willingness and ability to undertake further study relevant to the role, including non-medical prescribing and advanced clinical skills.

Desirable

• Degree in Nursing or a healthcare-related subject.
• Postgraduate qualification in Rheumatology Nursing or a related specialist field.
• Qualification in Advanced Clinical Assessment.
• Training in joint injections or willingness to undertake training.

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Significant post-registration clinical experience, ideally within rheumatology, medicine, outpatient services or a related specialty.
• Demonstrable experience of managing patients with complex long-term conditions.
• Knowledge of the assessment, treatment and management of rheumatological conditions, including inflammatory arthritis.
• Experience of multidisciplinary team working and care coordination across healthcare settings.
• Experience of patient education, self-management support and health promotion.

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a rheumatology specialist nursing service.
• Experience of running independent nurse-led clinics.
• Experience in the management and monitoring of biologic therapies and DMARDs.
• Experience of audit, research, service evaluation or quality improvement projects.
• Knowledge of NICE guidance and national frameworks relating to rheumatology services.

Clinical Skills
Essential

• Ability to undertake comprehensive patient assessments and formulate appropriate care plans.
• Ability to manage a clinical caseload autonomously and prioritise workload effectively.
• Competence in delivering high-quality patient-centred care within outpatient and inpatient settings.
• Understanding of medicines management and monitoring of patients receiving DMARDs and biologic therapies.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to provide specialist advice and education to patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across professional boundaries.
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information in a compassionate and professional manner.

Desirable

• Competence in delivering high-quality patient-centred care within outpatient and inpatient settings.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).