Job Description

The overall purpose of this role is to support the care of a group of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease who are on biologic and other advanced therapies, and manage the administration of and monitoring of these medications. The IBD Biologics Clinical Nurse Specialist role will have an overview of the management of IBD and, in time, will take on some non-biologic stable patient review also.

The Biologics CNS will:

Work as an independent practitioner alongside other members of the multidisciplinary team

Accept patient biologic referrals to agreed criteria

Coordinate the pre-biologics safety checks

Support the Vedolizumab nursing team and OUH Gastroenterology Day Case Unit team, in the administration and management of all biologics

Coordinate the appointments, alongside Day Case Unit administration team and clinic booking

Be available for at least 4 clinical sessions a week in the Day Case Unit or Outpatient Clinics

Liaise with the gastroenterology pharmacy team

Work across departmental boundaries

Contribute to the smooth running of the biologics service



Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.



Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.



We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.



These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel .



In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles



Oxford University Hospital s promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.



If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.



Clinical Practice



Health Promotion, Protection and Prevention



Assess and address patient health education needs for biological therapies

Use well developed interpersonal skills to assess individual's level of understanding about their clinical condition and future treatment, and simplify highly complex medical information for patients providing appropriate information aids to ensure understanding via face-to-face, telephone, email and written communication.

Demonstrate good communication skills when dealing with patients, relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team utilising sensitivity, empathy and ability to manage conflict. Demonstrate an awareness of the barriers to communication and understanding



Assessment of Patient Illness and Clinical Decisions



Act as patient advocate at all times. Support in-patient outliers if a biologic is required whilst an inpatient on a non-gastro ward Apply specialised history taking and assessment skills as patients come in for treatments to ensure safe and appropriate use of the medication. Seek support and advice from the multidisciplinary team involved in direct patient care such as the gastroenterology consultants, pharmacy department and IBD ANP to support decision making Record and document treatment appropriately, including to practitioners in other specialties and primary care. Attend virtual biologics clinic with specialist pharmacist and consultant. Ensure patient and other relevant MDT practitioners aware of decisions made. Attend IBD MDT meetings and receive verbal referrals for biologic therapies - start the process liaising with consultants, pharmacy and with patient directly. With time, education and experience, will utilise and promote the use of key digital resources such as the True-colours patient self-assessment tool; utilising and integrating this tool with own clinical practice particularly in relation to non-biologic stable patient review

Interventions and Treatment



Work clinically on Day Case Unit administering biologics, and training patients to self administer sub-cutaneous medications Ensure safe use of specialist medication including oral treatments through timely clinical assessment. Be available to receive (via bleep/phone call) referrals from IBD clinics (Wednesday and Friday afternoons), in order to counsel patients and organise pre-screening checks prior to commencement of treatment. Implement, evaluate and modify treatment for optimal outcome considering referral to other specialists as appropriate, after discussion with consultants/IBD ANP/ pharmacy. Develop links with other areas within the trust and community including dieticians, GP's and district nurses, to facilitate continuity of care for patients. Record and document appropriately including dissemination to practitioners in other specialties and primary care.

Leadership and Management



Act as a role model to all staff, demonstrating high standards of nursing expertise and patient care.

Develop biologics and iron infusion service alongside multidisciplinary team (consultants, pharmacists, day unit staff, infusion nurses, IBD ANP's), to keep in line with management guidelines and research.

Provide staff education to Day Case Unit, infusion nurses, gastro ward nurses regarding new biological agents and specialised IBD medication

Act as a link between OUH IBD nursing team and externally funded Vedolizumab (Takeda) nurses, offering them support (practical, clinical and managerial).

Liaise with pharmaceutical companies and charitable organisations appropriately

Remain aware of organisational goals and trust objectives when managing the biologics service



Education and Training



o Development of self



Understand own accountability and responsibility working within NMC guidance and maintains professional registration.

Undertake personal development to meet identified needs continually updating nursing practice in accordance with current research and evidence in specialist practice.

Actively engage in peer network for collaboration and support, information and learning. Pursue opportunities for this at a local, regional and national level.

Attend mandatory training and e-learning activities.



Patient and Carer Education and Training



Provide appropriate education to patients, families and carers Develop written education, alongside MDT members, and consider other possible communication methods such as educational programmes and support groups. Ensure patients' understanding: empowering and encouraging involvement towards self-management and self-monitoring.

Development of Others



Provide clinical advice and support regarding biological medications to other members of the MDT Contribute to colleague development through disseminating own knowledge and facilitating nursing student experience. Provide staff education to Day Case Unit and infusion staff. Act in an advisory and specialist clinical capacity in partnership with medical, nursing and paramedical staff within the trust, community and at a national level. This includes active involvement in appropriate professional and charitable organisations. Demonstrate skill in delivering presentations using multimedia tools at local and regional meetings to all members of the multi professional team to share best practice. Teach on a range of study days to members of the multidisciplinary team Publish and present research findings locally, nationally and internationally via relevant journals and conferences. Assist in the collection of information and maintenance of the departmental database for in/out patients. Demonstrate competent IT skills Contribute to the appraisal needs of nursing and multidisciplinary colleagues as required.

Improving quality and the development of practice



Actively promote diversity and equality