Job summary The Departments of Rheumatology and Specialist Medicines Infusions at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are delighted to be recruiting a Lead Nurse. The Rheumatology service provides nationally recognised services for long term, acute and complex rheumatological conditions e.g. inflammatory arthritis, Lupus, andSarcoidosis. We operate a large regional biologic therapy service and provide diagnosis, long-term condition management for our local population. We are looking for an exceptional candidate who already possess or will be working towards fostering the key attributes of advanced clinical practice. Main duties of the job Key Responsibilities: Provide clinical and operational leadership to the Rheumatology nursing team and Infusion Unit. Ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients with rheumatological conditions and those requiring infusions. Lead the development and implementation of protocols, guidelines, and best practices in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Oversee the management of staffing, resources, and service delivery, ensuring efficiency and compliance with relevant standards. Drive quality improvement initiatives and contribute to service development. Promote education and professional development within the team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Work closely with medics, allied health professionals, and operational managers to enhance patient pathways and outcomes. About us We are a Foundation Trust at the heart of an integrated healthcare system. One that delivers improved patient care at a community, hospital and specialist setting, supported by a unique and nationally recognised programme of research, education and employee engagement. We expect all our staff to share the values that are important to the Trust, being Excellent, Kind, Responsible & Respectful, and behave in a way that reflect these. St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest healthcare units in the United Kingdom and provides general acute services alongside all major tertiary disciplines including neurosciences, cardiothoracic, gastroenterology and hepatology, intestinal failure and specialist children's services. St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC). Date posted 31 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £61,927 to £68,676 a year per anum inc HCAS (pro-rata) Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 200-6904742-GO-LP Job locations St George's University Hospital Blackshaw Road London SW17 0QT Job description Job responsibilities Please see the attached supporting document which contains more and person specification information about the role. Job description Job responsibilities Please see the attached supporting document which contains more and person specification information about the role. Person Specification Education/Qualifications Essential NMC Level 1 Registered Nurse with minimum 5 years post reg experience within Dermatology Of which must have held Band 7 CNS post An advanced practitioner either through formal qualifications and or extensive clinical experience pertinent to the area at MSc level with Masters degree or working towards one Leadership RCN course or equivalent Relevant post-registration Rheumatology & or Infusion training/experience Experience/Knowledge Essential Evidence of continuing professional development Experience of undertaking clinical audit/research Experience in the clinical supervision of students Experience of multidisciplinary team working Formal teaching/lecturing experience Completed advanced communication course Relevant demonstrable experience in speciality area Desirable Counselling qualification To have proven experience of service development Skills and Abilities Essential Good oral and written communication skills with people from a wide variety of backgrounds Ability to impart complex information to patients, relatives and carers, with different levels of understanding Advanced clinical assessment skills or willingness to develop these Presentation skills and ability to work effectively single handily with individuals and groups Ability to prioritise own workload Ability to work independently and as part of a team Basic computer skills Motivation and counselling skills Strong leadership skills Basic counselling skills Personal Attributes Essential Confident Self-motivated Flexible, adaptable and creative Able to respond to unpredictable work patterns and frequent interruptions Able to set priorities and meet daily deadlines Able to reflect and appraise own performance Able to deal with distressed client's and their relatives Able to maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders Person Specification Education/Qualifications Essential NMC Level 1 Registered Nurse with minimum 5 years post reg experience within Dermatology Of which must have held Band 7 CNS post An advanced practitioner either through formal qualifications and or extensive clinical experience pertinent to the area at MSc level with Masters degree or working towards one Leadership RCN course or equivalent Relevant post-registration Rheumatology & or Infusion training/experience Experience/Knowledge Essential Evidence of continuing professional development Experience of undertaking clinical audit/research Experience in the clinical supervision of students Experience of multidisciplinary team working Formal teaching/lecturing experience Completed advanced communication course Relevant demonstrable experience in speciality area Desirable Counselling qualification To have proven experience of service development Skills and Abilities Essential Good oral and written communication skills with people from a wide variety of backgrounds Ability to impart complex information to patients, relatives and carers, with different levels of understanding Advanced clinical assessment skills or willingness to develop these Presentation skills and ability to work effectively single handily with individuals and groups Ability to prioritise own workload Ability to work independently and as part of a team Basic computer skills Motivation and counselling skills Strong leadership skills Basic counselling skills Personal Attributes Essential Confident Self-motivated Flexible, adaptable and creative Able to respond to unpredictable work patterns and frequent interruptions Able to set priorities and meet daily deadlines Able to reflect and appraise own performance Able to deal with distressed client's and their relatives Able to maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders 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 St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address St George's University Hospital Blackshaw Road London SW17 0QT Employer's website https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)