Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic nurse to join a friendly and innovative team of specialist nurses to train and work in the care of patients with Rheumatic Diseases. The post holder will need to have access to transport in order to travel across the Northumberland Healthcare Trust. Following a framework of training to achieve competencies the post holder will be expected to become an independent practitioner after 18 months, becoming responsible for running their own caseload of patients. Providing effective care, expertise and support to the multidisciplinary team and ensure the provision of high quality care to patients. Annex 20 This post falls within the provisions of Agenda for Change Annex 20 - Development of Professional Roles, whereby upon completion of an agreed set of competencies you may move onto the next pay band without the need for an application for a post at a higher level. At the end of 18 months if all competencies are satisfactorily met the candidate will advance to a band 6 Specialist nurse role. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received. Main duties of the job Following a period of training and development in line with the RCN Rheumatology Competency Framework the post-holder will become involved in the running of nurse-led outpatient and telephone clinics, supporting the patient advice line and participating in multi-disciplinary meetings. The candidate will also participate in the monitoring programme for patients on disease modifying medications. Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills are required. About us We manage three major locality hospitals at North Tyneside, Wansbeck and Hexham, plus a number of smaller community hospitals and clinics from Tynemouth to Berwick on Tweed, covering one of the largest geographical areas of any NHS trust in the country. Leading in innovation and quality - opening a state of the art Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, the first of its kind in England. Do you want to work in one of the best performing NHS organisations in England? Work in an organisation that supports its staff and focuses on staff experience as much as it does the experience of its patients? You can live and breathe in an area that has the cleanest air, cost effective living, great nightlife, some of the best schools with a wealth of history available on your doorstep. Sound too good to be true? Well it isn't, this is what you get when you work for Northumbria Healthcare, this is the Northumbria Way Please read 'applicant guidance notes' before submitting your application. Date posted 01 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year Per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 319-7090422SC Job locations Wansbeck General Hospital Woodhorn Road Ashington NE63 9JJ Job description Job responsibilities The specialist nurse role requires an awareness of the mechanism of the diverse diseases under the rheumatology speciality and how to assess disease activity. A full understanding of the many disease modifying drugs used to manage these conditions. Teaching patients to safely self-administer biologic and DMARD therapies. An empathy and understanding of the patients social, emotional and health needs, acting as an advocate for the patient at all times. Ensure effective communication between all members of the MDT both internally and externally to the Trust. Request and interpret diagnostic and monitoring investigations as required. To act as an expert nurse, advising and supporting other healthcare workers in the management of patient care. To support the medical team. To maintain confidentiality at all times. To continue to develop clinical skills and personal knowledge. Job description Job responsibilities The specialist nurse role requires an awareness of the mechanism of the diverse diseases under the rheumatology speciality and how to assess disease activity. A full understanding of the many disease modifying drugs used to manage these conditions. Teaching patients to safely self-administer biologic and DMARD therapies. An empathy and understanding of the patients social, emotional and health needs, acting as an advocate for the patient at all times. Ensure effective communication between all members of the MDT both internally and externally to the Trust. Request and interpret diagnostic and monitoring investigations as required. To act as an expert nurse, advising and supporting other healthcare workers in the management of patient care. To support the medical team. To maintain confidentiality at all times. To continue to develop clinical skills and personal knowledge. Person Specification Education and Qualification Essential Registered nursing qualification Registered Mentor. Mentorship Qualification or relevant equivalent qualification (essential requirement for post, expectation this wil be completed within an 18 month period). Desirable Degree level qualification Knowledge Essential Knowledge of infection control policies & procedures Desirable Knowledge of rheumatological diseases Previous experience of working in a rheumatology setting Person Specification Education and Qualification Essential Registered nursing qualification Registered Mentor. Mentorship Qualification or relevant equivalent qualification (essential requirement for post, expectation this wil be completed within an 18 month period). Desirable Degree level qualification Knowledge Essential Knowledge of infection control policies & procedures Desirable Knowledge of rheumatological diseases Previous experience of working in a rheumatology setting 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 Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Address Wansbeck General Hospital Woodhorn Road Ashington NE63 9JJ Employer's website https://www.northumbria.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)