Job summary An opportunity has arisen for an exceptional individual to join the forward thinking dedicated team of COPD assessment services at RAEI. This is a permanent (37.5 hours) position. The post holder will support the unit manager in all aspects of management. They will have a key role in co-ordinating and developing the nursing team and ensuring that patients receive the required standard of care. They will support the unit manager in ensuring all staff comply with Trust policies and professional and legal standards. Candidates are required to present original certificates for qualifications at interview stage. Please note this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received. Main duties of the job The COPD assessment unit provides both acute and early supported discharge, nurse led clinics and a full COPD service. We also provide education, advice and support for all involved in the management of COPD. If you possess excellent skills, are highly motivated, flexible, have a passion for and want to make a real difference to the quality of patient care and can rise to the challenge of becoming an effective member of small but established team, then we would be very keen to hear from you. About us Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that 'happy staff, makes for happy patients'. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values 'the WWL Way'. WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs. At WWL we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society. Date posted 15 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pa pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 302-25-7114954M Job locations Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Wigan Lane Wigan WN1 2NN Job description Job responsibilities Key results from the job holder Maintain and develop appropriate levels of specialist knowledge and skills to ensure the service remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of the patients and the Trust. Assessment of the acutely ill COPD patient for the Acute and Early discharge service, perform domiciliary home visits and ultimately discharge patients from the service. Perform nurse led clinics at 6 weeks post exacerbation Perform a full COPD assessment Nurse led discharge and follow up as appropriate, providing extensive support in regard to this condition Assess patients and administer specialist therapies and supportive treatments in accordance with agreed protocols. Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, carers, significant other, wider MDT. Provide information to patients and their families regarding the treatments being administered. Involve patients and carers in the planning and delivery of services within the COPD services. Perform venepuncture, ECG, Blood gas collection, Spirometry with an understanding of results analysis and order chest xra as appropriate Assist the unit manager in the running of the COPD service. Refer patients as necessary to other health care professionals within the multidisciplinary team to ensure a co-ordinated approach to meeting the needs of patient managed within the service Support peoples equality, diversity and rights. Work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure patient needs are met. Planning and Organisational Duties The post holder will participate in, and influence, care delivery by: Deputise for Lead specialist nurse in their absence. Identify needs and assess priorities of own area of work and organise accordingly. Run nurse led 6 week and generic respiratory clinics and acute and early assessment service. Provide both face to face and telephone advice to patients, carers and all medical/nursing staff. Review patients condition in line with service suitability protocols and liaise with Respiratory consultants in regard to treatment choice when required. Administer under group directive individualised patient treatment pack. Liaise with unit clerk/clinic prep clerk/receptionist to facilitate appropriate and timely bookings to maximise the capacity of COPD services. Schedule,and attend meetings relevant to the service. Assist the Lead Specialist Nurse in referral management and provide advice to general practitioners and other health care professionals. Ensure patient records are maintained and that documentation reflects care provided. Communications and Key Working Relationships Ensure Electronic patient records are maintained Ensure GP received admission summaries/discharge letters in a timely manner according to Trust Protocol, Ensure the COPD lead nurse is updated on COPD activity/ audits/standards/datix. Assist in providing professional support and advice to other nurses within the Trust who care for patients under the care or COPD and/or who require specialist investigations. Recognise patients changing needs throughout their journey and liaise with appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team within the Trust, referring hospitals, GP/community teams or refer to relevant services. Attend multidisciplinary team meetings and provide input in determining the most appropriate course of action for individual patients undergoing the care of COPD services. Act as a resource of clinical expert knowledge, ensure all knowledge is updated. Assist in data collection as appropriate. Responsibility for Finance To assist the lead nurse in managing service budget Responsibility for Human Resources Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and clinical guidelines for self and others. Assist the lead specialist nurse in performing individual performance reviews for COPD staff. Adhere to Trust policies and maintenance of the professional Code of Conduct. Responsibility for Health & Safety Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Responsibility for Teaching The post holder will promote life-long learning through the use of appropriate coaching, teaching and assessment in practice by: Ensure own compliance of mandatory/compulsory training and PREP requirements, maintaining records of training and development undertaken. Participate in the teaching/education of Trust staff by participating in the education events/teaching sessions. Communicating the specialist needs of COPD patients when admitted to general wards, including the individual plans for patients. Assist in education and training of COPD staff as required. Any other duties appropriate to grade Job description Job responsibilities Key results from the job holder Maintain and develop appropriate levels of specialist knowledge and skills to ensure the service remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of the patients and the Trust. Assessment of the acutely ill COPD patient for the Acute and Early discharge service, perform domiciliary home visits and ultimately discharge patients from the service. Perform nurse led clinics at 6 weeks post exacerbation Perform a full COPD assessment Nurse led discharge and follow up as appropriate, providing extensive support in regard to this condition Assess patients and administer specialist therapies and supportive treatments in accordance with agreed protocols. Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, carers, significant other, wider MDT. Provide information to patients and their families regarding the treatments being administered. Involve patients and carers in the planning and delivery of services within the COPD services. Perform venepuncture, ECG, Blood gas collection, Spirometry with an understanding of results analysis and order chest xra as appropriate Assist the unit manager in the running of the COPD service. Refer patients as necessary to other health care professionals within the multidisciplinary team to ensure a co-ordinated approach to meeting the needs of patient managed within the service Support peoples equality, diversity and rights. Work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure patient needs are met. Planning and Organisational Duties The post holder will participate in, and influence, care delivery by: Deputise for Lead specialist nurse in their absence. Identify needs and assess priorities of own area of work and organise accordingly. Run nurse led 6 week and generic respiratory clinics and acute and early assessment service. Provide both face to face and telephone advice to patients, carers and all medical/nursing staff. Review patients condition in line with service suitability protocols and liaise with Respiratory consultants in regard to treatment choice when required. Administer under group directive individualised patient treatment pack. Liaise with unit clerk/clinic prep clerk/receptionist to facilitate appropriate and timely bookings to maximise the capacity of COPD services. Schedule,and attend meetings relevant to the service. Assist the Lead Specialist Nurse in referral management and provide advice to general practitioners and other health care professionals. Ensure patient records are maintained and that documentation reflects care provided. Communications and Key Working Relationships Ensure Electronic patient records are maintained Ensure GP received admission summaries/discharge letters in a timely manner according to Trust Protocol, Ensure the COPD lead nurse is updated on COPD activity/ audits/standards/datix. Assist in providing professional support and advice to other nurses within the Trust who care for patients under the care or COPD and/or who require specialist investigations. Recognise patients changing needs throughout their journey and liaise with appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team within the Trust, referring hospitals, GP/community teams or refer to relevant services. Attend multidisciplinary team meetings and provide input in determining the most appropriate course of action for individual patients undergoing the care of COPD services. Act as a resource of clinical expert knowledge, ensure all knowledge is updated. Assist in data collection as appropriate. Responsibility for Finance To assist the lead nurse in managing service budget Responsibility for Human Resources Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and clinical guidelines for self and others. Assist the lead specialist nurse in performing individual performance reviews for COPD staff. Adhere to Trust policies and maintenance of the professional Code of Conduct. Responsibility for Health & Safety Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Responsibility for Teaching The post holder will promote life-long learning through the use of appropriate coaching, teaching and assessment in practice by: Ensure own compliance of mandatory/compulsory training and PREP requirements, maintaining records of training and development undertaken. Participate in the teaching/education of Trust staff by participating in the education events/teaching sessions. Communicating the specialist needs of COPD patients when admitted to general wards, including the individual plans for patients. Assist in education and training of COPD staff as required. Any other duties appropriate to grade Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered nurse with BA/BSc/Diploma in Health ENB 998/Preparation for Mentorship level III. Experience Essential Experience of working with respiratory /COPD patients Experience of working with clinical protocols Skills Essential Demonstration of highly developed clinical reasoning skills for effective patient management. Skills/competency in Acute COPD patient assessment Excellent Communication Skills Knowledge Essential Professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma/post registration courses Specialist clinical knowledge and skills within appropriate field Additional Essential Flexibility and adaptability To undertake this post, you must be able to drive and have access to a vehicle. Should you not meet this requirement due to a disability, you are of course able to apply and a discussion regarding whether reasonable adjustments could be made to the role would take place before any offer is confirmed Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered nurse with BA/BSc/Diploma in Health ENB 998/Preparation for Mentorship level III. Experience Essential Experience of working with respiratory /COPD patients Experience of working with clinical protocols Skills Essential Demonstration of highly developed clinical reasoning skills for effective patient management. Skills/competency in Acute COPD patient assessment Excellent Communication Skills Knowledge Essential Professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma/post registration courses Specialist clinical knowledge and skills within appropriate field Additional Essential Flexibility and adaptability To undertake this post, you must be able to drive and have access to a vehicle. Should you not meet this requirement due to a disability, you are of course able to apply and a discussion regarding whether reasonable adjustments could be made to the role would take place before any offer is confirmed Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Wigan Lane Wigan WN1 2NN Employer's website http://www.wwl.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)