Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Undertake comprehensive assessment of patients with rheumatological conditions.

Monitor disease activity and treatment response.

Manage nurse-led clinics in accordance with local and national guidelines.

Provide specialist advice and support to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Recognise and respond appropriately to deteriorating patients and disease flares.

Develop and implement individualised care plans.

Contribute to the early diagnosis and ongoing management of inflammatory arthritis and other rheumatological diseases.

Medication Management

Monitor patients receiving DMARDs, biologic therapies, and other specialist treatments.

Review blood test results and identify abnormalities requiring intervention.

Educate patients regarding medication safety, side effects, and adherence.

Support biologic therapy initiation and ongoing monitoring.

Prescribe medication within competence and scope of practice where appropriately qualified.

Patient Education and Support

Provide education regarding disease processes, treatment options, self-management, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Support patients to make informed decisions regarding their care.

Facilitate patient empowerment and self-management.

Provide psychological support and signpost patients to relevant services and support organisations.

Care Coordination

Act as a key point of contact for patients and relatives.

Coordinate care across primary, secondary, and tertiary care services.

Liaise with GPs, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

Ensure timely referrals and follow-up arrangements.

Facilitate smooth transitions between inpatient and outpatient services.

Leadership and Management

Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives.

Assist in developing policies, protocols, and clinical guidelines.

Support the management of clinical risk within the service.

Participate in audit, governance, and service evaluation activities.

Deputise for the Lead Rheumatology Nurse as required.

Education and Training

Maintain specialist knowledge through continuing professional development.

Participate in teaching and training programmes for staff, students, and patients.

Provide clinical supervision and mentorship where appropriate.

Promote evidence-based practice within the rheumatology service.

Research and Audit

Participate in clinical research studies and service evaluations.

Contribute to data collection and audit programmes.

Implement findings from research and national guidance into clinical practice.

Support continuous service improvement through quality initiatives.

Communication

Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients and families.

Build therapeutic relationships with patients experiencing long-term conditions.

Maintain effective communication with multidisciplinary teams.

Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with Trust policies.

Professional Responsibilities

Maintain NMC registration and adhere to the NMC Code.

Practice within professional and organisational policies and procedures.

Maintain patient confidentiality and information governance standards.

Undertake mandatory and statutory training requirements.

Contribute to safeguarding and infection prevention activities.