Job summary
The post holder will be a clinical specialist in neuromuscular diseases and will provide specialist nursing care to patients in line with NICE guidance and nationally agreed standards of care.
Will be a point of contact for patients, carers, families and other healthcare professionals to provide specialist advice and support.
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. Job seekers should be aware that not all roles will be eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration - (
**Please note we are unable to support applicants who require OSCE, as the Trust has a separate and limited application process**
Main duties of the job
The post holder will act as Clinical Nurse Specialist within the Neuromuscular multidisciplinary team (MDT) which provides a specialist diagnostic and management service for infants/children/adolescents and adult patients with a wide range of neuromuscular conditions across a vast area including West Midlands, North Wales and parts of Cheshire.
The post holder will provide and co-ordinate specialist care and support for patients, have specialist knowledge of a wide range of neuromuscular diseases and will provide specialist professional advice and education to patients, carers and colleagues within the health, social care, education and voluntary sector including hospices.
The post holder will act as a deputy for Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist on nursing issues within the Neuromuscular MDT.
About us
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust (RJAH) is one of the leading orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for research and innovation.
Joining RJAH is more than just a job - we want our people to have the best opportunities to thrive in their have a range of fantastic staff benefits on offer to everyone who joins RJAH and you'll have access to outstanding professional development opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities - including our recently-opened £6 million Headley Court Veterans' Orthopaedic Centre (the first unit of its kind in the UK).RJAH has strong links with a range of universities including Staffordshire, Keele, Glyndwr, Chester and hospital is located on a site outside Oswestry in Oswestry, just off the A5. The nearest train station is in Gobowen, approximately two miles from the hospital. The station is part of the Chester to Birmingham are based in North Shropshire, close to the border with North and Mid Wales. It is one of the most attractive parts of the country, with a rich historic culture and excellent transport links. It offers outstanding opportunities for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle or is looking to raise a family.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Support patients and their families at the time of diagnosis, progression of illness and pre and post bereavement, in conjunction with the clinical psychologist.
Formulate individual management plans, including Advance Care plans and Emergency Care plans for Neuromuscular patients. Evaluate and modify management plans according to patient needs.
Provide spontaneous and planned advice on housing, adaptations, care packages, education, employment, and equipment.
Work autonomously and collaboratively with other members of the neuromuscular MDT
Complete home visits, and/or hospice, other hospital visits as and when required
The postholder will have the ability to support patients using cough assist, non-invasive ventilation and sleep monitoring equipment.
Organise and participate in nurse led clinics including mobile muscle clinics, and symptom control clinics.
With other members of the clinical MDT organise and support patients undergoing muscle investigations including neurophysiology, muscle biopsies, spinal surgery and sleep studies.
Liaise with and make referrals to other health professionals across primary and secondary care such as community nurses, therapists, GPs and consultants.
Act as a key worker for children/adolescents and adult patients whilst undergoing care at RJAH, other hospitals, community and hospice settings across the tertiary area.
To help and support transition pathways across paediatric and adult services
Provide accurate and detailed assessments/ reports by utilising excellent clinical knowledge and physical assessment skills.
Be able to request routine investigations including blood sampling.
Attend MDT meetings weekly and be able to present cases and discuss management plans
Recognise and identify vulnerable children and adults, making referrals and liaising with the relevant safeguarding Trust leads.
Participate in safeguarding meetings and as when required.
Attending child death overview panel (CDOP) meetings as and when required.
Communicate effectively using advanced skills to overcome any barriersParticipate in neuromuscular research and apply research findings to nursing practice.
Active participation in local and national conferences in order to share knowledge to others and learn from others.
Assist the senior CNS with the development of policies and procedures for the management of patients with neuromuscular conditions.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
1. Registered Children's Nurse or Registered General Adult Nurse
2. Current NMC pin Registration
3. Level 3 safeguarding Children and Adult Training
4. Evidence of continued professional development
5. Mentorship, teaching/assessing or equivalent qualification
Desirable
6. Post graduate qualification in any of the following: Neuromuscular Disease, Palliative Care, Research, Genetic
7. Principals of Physical Assessment course at Degree or Masters level or working towards
8. Independent non-medical prescriber
Experience
Essential
9. Significant experience working with patients with long term complex conditions in hospital and community settings
10. Leadership and management experience at band 6 and above.
11. Palliative care experience for children and/or adults
12. Ability to deal with complex and difficult emotional situations
Desirable
13. Experience of working as a specialist practitioner.
14. Experience in teaching/delivering training and public speaking
Skills and Competencies
Essential
15. Able to work on own initiative, manage competing priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines
16. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to achieve and deliver better patient care for neuromuscular patients
17. Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
18. Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions to resolve problems
19. Lead by example and offer flexibility to meet the demands of the neuromuscular service
20. Skills - to use IT systems such as Microsoft applications and data bases
21. Driving license holder and own transport
Desirable
22. Participation in policy and service development.
23. Participation in Research studies
Knowledge
Essential
24. Specialist knowledge of a range of neuromuscular conditions including diagnosis, therapies, treatment and interventions.
25. Good working knowledge of adult and child safeguarding practices nationally and locally
26. Understanding of disability awareness, current legislation and benefit entitlement
27. Knowledge of holistic approach required in management of long-term conditions, emotional, psychological and behavioural effects and management strategies
Desirable
28. Awareness of relevant NICE guidance, Standards of Care and legislation related to care of Neuromuscular patients