Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Clinical Nurse Specialist will act as the clinical expert and professional resource to the Multi-Professional team, patients and carers within their Speciality Service.
The post holder will take overall responsibility to develop the specialist area of 
practice in partnership with other members of the speciality team (General Manager, 
Lead Clinician, Matron, Service Manager etc) will work collaboratively to develop 
services and quality of care delivered.
The post holder will be expected to provide first-line management and lead a team of 
specialist nurses (Sisters).
This will be achieved through the core dimensions of the role, clinical practice 
leadership, acting as the patient advocate and through audit and education.
The post holder will carry responsibility for either a defined case load or offering 
“highly specialist service advise” this will include setting standards of care, the 
assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of 
programmes of care.
The post holder will contribute to achieving the objectives of the clinical service group 
/ speciality corporate objectives and work within the clinical governance framework.
They will lead the development and delivery of a programme of practice and 
professional development for staff within the speciality.
Key responsibilities
Clinical
Sep 2021

Perform specialist assessment of patients nursing needs, plan, implement and 
evaluate care delivery using advanced clinical knowledge and clinical skills.
Lead clinical care by managing a patient caseload providing expert assessment, 
planning and evaluation. Co-ordinate and manage nurse-led clinics (within Speciality).
Contribute towards a multi-professional approach in the management of patients 
within the specialist area, especially in relation to ongoing care needs and 
discharge arrangements.
 Establish and maintain effective communication with patients and carers / 
relatives.
Support patients and their families and ensure that they receive the required 
information to enable them to self manage, lead or participate in their care 
delivery.
 Recognise changes in patients condition that require the intervention of others 
and refer on as appropriate.
To support, assist and encourage the multi-disciplinary team in resolving patient 
problems, by the provision of new and innovative models of case management.
To lead the specialist nursing contribution to the service, in the delivery of high 
standards of patient care. 
To lead the specialist nursing contribution to the service, work in partnership with 
lead clinicians, General Managers, Matron to ensure the delivery of high 
standards of patient care.
 Work with the Matron to promote the development of nurses undertaking the 
CNO ‘Ten Key Roles’ as considered appropriate e.g. Nurse Prescribing.
Leadership Act as a role model and expert nurse providing in depth specialist clinical 
knowledge to colleagues through MDT meetings, for patients and carers / 
relatives.
 Undertake clinical supervision of nursing colleagues on an individual or group 
basis.
Act as a resource for health care professionals by being visible, available, and 
accessible for support and advice in relation to the management of patients in the 
speciality.
Provide leadership to the team of nurse specialists and working with the matron, 
develop new roles / ways of working (High Impact Changes). Linked to 
directorate business plans.
 Ensure the effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources.
 Lead consultations on and develop strategies for delivering effective care within a 
changing environment that improves the quality of care and health outcomes in 
the specialist area.
 Responsible for monitoring health, safety and security of self, the team and 
others and promote best practice in the ward area.
 Ensure systems are in place for risk assessment and minimisation including 
promoting “no blame“ cultures in order that near misses and incidents are 
reported.
 Take the lead in investigation of incidents / complaints when required, including 
detailed reports / letters to complainants.
 Act as an innovative, enthusiastic role model providing leadership, guidance and 
advice to staff on operational and professional issues promoting an open and 
honest and transparent culture.
 Demonstrate clinical leadership and challenge speciality and directorate 
boundaries to enhance and support the patient’s journey.
Management / Operational
Sep 2021
 Lead a team of specialist sisters/ CNS’s towards achieving directorate, and Trust 
objectives.
 To identify and develop proposals and business cases as required for future 
service innovation.
 Take the lead and develop and influence the development of practice / services 
in the clinical area through the business planning process / service development 
and in conjunction with Matron, General Manager, Lead Clinician and Assistant 
Chief Nurse.
 Ensure appropriate skill mix, cover is provided when planning rotas and 
delegating workload.
 Delegate work to match capabilities and workload of team members.
 Manage own and other resources effectively ensuring efficient service delivery.
 Undertake performance development reviews including reviewing the 
performance measures framework.
 Monitor sickness, absence and competence issues in line with Trust Policy.
 Lead recruitment and selection of staff in line with Trust Policy.
Advocate
Ensure that high standards of nursing care are given and maintained and act 
when standards are not being met.
 Involve patients and carers in the planning and delivery of care.
 Act as the patients advocate and ambassador.
 Lead the development of a patient focussed education and information giving 
strategy within the speciality
 Recognise, prevent and diffuse potential areas of conflict and take a key role in 
the management of the outcome.
* The post holder shall as necessary provide cover for and undertake duties of 
absent colleagues.
* The post holder shall follow all the policies and procedures of the organisation.