Specialist Nurse

Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Specialist Nurse within the Rheumatology speciality. Based in the Outpatient Department at Sunderland Royal Hospital, the Rheumatology Unit is exceptionally busy, with clinics held daily. This post may require cross-site and off-site working to meet service demands.

We are seeking a caring and committed Rheumatology Specialist Nurse who is able to work effectively in a demanding and fast-paced environment, to join our established team of dedicated professionals.

The multidisciplinary team comprises 8 consultants, 5 specialist nurses, 6 healthcare assistants, 2 specialist physiotherapists, 1 specialist pharmacist, and a specialist occupational therapist.

Main duties of the job
Rheumatology is a rapidly evolving speciality, with significant advances in the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis in recent years. These developments have contributed to an increase in service demand.

The role will support the existing Rheumatology Nurse Specialist team in delivering patient education and support, drug monitoring, advice line support, and patient assessment. The successful candidate will be supported to utilise their existing skills while developing the additional competencies required to work within rheumatology, ensuring the delivery of safe and high-quality patient care. The RCN Rheumatology Nursing Framework will be used to guide development and ensure all aspects of practice are appropriately addressed.

The Rheumatology service is research-active and contributes to studies aimed at improving patient outcomes and care. Nurse-led clinics will form a significant part of the role following successful completion of the training period. Strong communication and listening skills are essential, with a focus on delivering a positive patient experience and maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction.

Job responsibilities

• Work as part of the multidisciplinary team working under the direction of line manager/Matron.
• Continue to develop advanced knowledge and skills within the specialist sphere of practice.
• Support with the planning, delivery and evaluation of care pathways for a designated group of patients under the direction of the line manager/Matron.
• Support the development of nursing practice within the specialist field through the use of evidence based practice and in line with agreed national standards, and contribute to the body of nursing knowledge.
• Work as an autonomous practitioner within their sphere of practice.
• Continuously improve clinical standards in line with clinical governance framework.
• Exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code.
• Contribute to training and education within the specialist area.
• Provide specialist clinical advice and support to patients and clinical staff within the Trust on the management and care of patients within the specialist area.
• Provide direct access for patients, either face to face or telephone consultation.
• Represent the service nationwide in the absence of the line manager/Matron.
• Play a key role in ensuring that national and local standards/targets for the specialist area are met.

Essential qualifications

• Current 1st level NMC registration
• Degree in nursing studies or relevant clinical degree or evidence that currently working towards this (UK equivalent)
• Mentorship certificate/Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience
• Clinical skills accreditation or willingness to complete within 12 months are staring in post

Desirable qualifications

• Leadership and Management Course
• Basic knowledge of financial management
• Non-medical prescribing or willingness to complete

Essential experience

• Experience of care delivery
• Experience of the specialism, which would normally be gained through working at Band 5
• Evidence of leading a team
• Evidence of leading innovation in practice
• Evidence of leading change management
• Evidence of practice development

Desirable experience

• Experience of coordinating care for a caseload of patients
• Budget Management
• Participation in recruitment and selection process
• Current Rheumatology experience
• Experience in conducting research and critiquing clinical evidence
• Experience in implementing quality frameworks

Essential skills and knowledge

• Basic IT skills
• Understanding of contemporary nursing issues
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Knowledge of how to facilitate learning
• Leadership skills
• Knowledge of current professional and clinical governance issues
• Knowledge of research and clinical audit
• Knowledge and experience of handling complex relationships and interpersonal dynamics
• Venepuncture, cannulation and IV drug administration
• Proven interpersonal skills
• Practice assessor / practice assessor skills
• Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post
• Time management
• Ability to assess, deliver, evaluate and benchmark quality care

Desirable skills and knowledge

• Qualification in specialty
• Resource management skills
• Counselling and appraisal skills

Physical skills

• Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
• Carrying teaching equipment such as laptop, stationery etc.
• Manual dexterity and up to date working knowledge of equipment e.g. syringe drivers, infusion pumps etc

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Working pattern: Part-time
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year PRO RATA
Band: Band 6
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 04 November 2026