Job summary We are looking for a dynamic, autonomous practitioner who currently works as a band 8a grade, or has extensive experience as a band 7. If you currently work as a band 7 specialist nurse you will recognise that this role will then become a Trainee ACP whilst continuing to work as a band 7 throughout your training. We will support you to attend study and practice to gain your ACP qualification through a local university. Candidates will need to have self drive and determination to assist with developing our expanding rheumatology service across Somerset.This is an integrated way of working as a joint service between 2 Acute hospitals and community. You will be part of a team striving to deliver and adapt a service that is ever changing.Ultimately, we are looking to achieve optimised specialist patient centred care that can be recognised nationally for its excellence. What you bring to this role will need to be impactful and influential. Main duties of the job To work interactively with a team of experienced practitioners that are providing an evolving service for patients.To deliver clinical excellence for all patients through various ways for the service.Adhering to National guidelines for practice and development and to update clinical pathways in the patients best interest.Integrate ways of working to create a streamlined service of clinics, face to face, online communications and telephone reviews. Candidates need to have autonomous judgement through their own clinical expertise to be able to cascade their knowledge effectively and confidently with patients. About us At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Date posted 13 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 184-OL-OR-1666 Job locations Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Yeovil District Hospital Higher Kingston Yeovil Somerset BA21 4AT Job description Job responsibilities Please ensure that you have read and understood the attached job description as there is a huge scope of variety for what this job will entail.This role is for someone who is keen to develop themselves and their expertise and for you to cascade your knowledge in the interest of your patients diagnosis and longer term care. Job description Job responsibilities Please ensure that you have read and understood the attached job description as there is a huge scope of variety for what this job will entail.This role is for someone who is keen to develop themselves and their expertise and for you to cascade your knowledge in the interest of your patients diagnosis and longer term care. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered nurse, BSC or working at specific level. Mentorship course Leadership or Management certificate. Non medical prescribing qualification. Desirable Post graduate degree or relevant Rheumatology qualification competencies Experience Essential Significant experience working within the rheumatology field within practice of acute or primary care. Ideally looking for a minimum of 4years experience to be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge for rheumatology. Demonstrate relevant knowledge of guidelines and clinical speciality within rheumatology. Desirable To denote practice of teaching and training staff within your previous teams. To determine involvement in management changes or service improvement through Quality Improvement. Additional Criteria Essential To highlight excellent standards of English language and literacy through all aspects of communication Demonstrate interpersonal skills that will be utilised effectively with patients Compelling use of Trust values of kindness, Teamwork, Working Together, Everyday as daily role modelling as ways of working Being inspirational as a team member to ensure everyone is valued as individuals. Desirable Self awareness of clinical expertise showing wider insight into rheumatology. Developing practice of new drugs available for treatments now offered within the speciality. Knowledge of GIRFT and impact of practice. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered nurse, BSC or working at specific level. Mentorship course Leadership or Management certificate. Non medical prescribing qualification. Desirable Post graduate degree or relevant Rheumatology qualification competencies Experience Essential Significant experience working within the rheumatology field within practice of acute or primary care. Ideally looking for a minimum of 4years experience to be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge for rheumatology. Demonstrate relevant knowledge of guidelines and clinical speciality within rheumatology. Desirable To denote practice of teaching and training staff within your previous teams. To determine involvement in management changes or service improvement through Quality Improvement. Additional Criteria Essential To highlight excellent standards of English language and literacy through all aspects of communication Demonstrate interpersonal skills that will be utilised effectively with patients Compelling use of Trust values of kindness, Teamwork, Working Together, Everyday as daily role modelling as ways of working Being inspirational as a team member to ensure everyone is valued as individuals. Desirable Self awareness of clinical expertise showing wider insight into rheumatology. Developing practice of new drugs available for treatments now offered within the speciality. Knowledge of GIRFT and impact of practice. 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. 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. 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 Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)