Job Description

We are looking for one enthusiastic and motivated nurse to join our Rheumatology Team as a Clinical Nurse Specialist . This is a development role with flexibility to appoint at Band 5, Band 6, or Band 7 , depending on skills and experience.



For those without prior rheumatology experience, we offer a structured development programme , including shadowing, supervision, and completion of the RCN Rheumatology Competency Framework . Band 5 entrants will be supported to progress to Band 6 and onward progression to Band 7 is available with experience and competencies.



We also welcome applications from experienced Band 7 Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialists who are seeking a new opportunity within a supportive, forward-thinking team.

As part of our multidisciplinary service, you will:

Provide specialist advice, education, and support to patients, carers, and colleagues.



Develop skills in advanced assessment, treatment monitoring, and patient education.



Play a key role in service development and quality improvement.



This is a full-time permanent post (37.5 hours per week).



If you are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and are eager to develop a specialist career in rheumatology, we would love to hear from you.



Provide specialist advice, support and education to patients and carers regarding diagnosis, treatment, and self-management of a wide range of rheumatological conditions, both face to face and via telephone/email.



Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary team, liaising closely with consultants, specialist nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.



Support patients receiving disease-modifying therapies and biologics, including education, training in self-management, and monitoring.



Undertake rheumatology-specific training and complete the RCN Rheumatology Competency Framework to progress through bands.



Contribute to the safe delivery of intravenous and subcutaneous therapies, including patient education and monitoring.



Participate in service development, quality improvement, audit, and research activities.



Act as a role model, supporting the training and development of colleagues and students.

For Band 5/6 applicants:

follow a structured development programme with supervision and training to achieve Band 6/7 competencies.

For Band 7 applicants:

work autonomously as an established Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialist and contribute to service leadership.



Wye Valley NHS Trust is part of an NHS Foundation Group with South Warwickshire University NHS FT, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.



Located on the border with Wales in the shadow of the Black Mountains, we provide acute and community services across Herefordshire and into parts of Powys. We run Hereford County Hospital as well as community hospitals in Bromyard, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.



We are a progressive and forward looking trust with ambitious plans to improve quality and integrate patient pathways through close collaborative working with our partners to deliver the quality of care wed want for our family and friends.



More than 3,000 people work for the Trust they tell us its a great place to work, blending the busyness of a DGH with the benefits of working in a beautiful rural and unspoilt county like Herefordshire.



We can offer a great work-life balance and have a fine tradition of working with staff to help them achieve their full potential.

Russell Hardy, Trust Chairman:

"The strength of the Trust is its amazing staff; a great place to work, a great place to develop your career and a great place to reach your potential."



Our values - Care, Accountability, Respect and Excellence - are at the heart of all we do. We believe in providing the right care in the right place at the right time.



This post offers an exciting opportunity to join the Rheumatology Team as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. It is advertised as a development role (Band 5-7) , with appointment at the most appropriate band depending on skills and experience.



Band 5 applicants will be supported through a structured development programme, including supervision, shadowing, and rheumatology-specific training, with the expectation of achieving Band 6 competencies and then Band 7 competencies. Band 6 applicants will build on their existing knowledge and skills, taking on greater responsibility for independent practice, patient management, and service delivery, with expectations of achieving Band 7 competencies. Band 7 applicants will be experienced Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialists who are able to work autonomously, lead elements of the service, and contribute to the education and development of colleagues.

Provide specialist advice, support and education to patients and carers regarding diagnosis, treatment and self-management of rheumatological conditions.



Work as part of the multidisciplinary team, supporting patients on disease-modifying therapies and biologics, including education, monitoring and treatment delivery.



Undertake training and development, including completion of the RCN Rheumatology Competency Framework , with a structured pathway for progression through the bands.



Contribute to service development, audit, research and quality improvement.



Act as a role model, supporting the education and development of colleagues and students.



Please see the and Person Specification for full details.