Job summary We are looking for an experienced Band 6 Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialist to cover a 12 month maternity leave in the Rheumatology Team at Orpington Hospital. Applicants should have been working in a similar role with the ability to demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of any patients receiving treatment in the department. Main duties of the job To adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and adhere to this at all times. To demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of any patients receiving treatment in the department To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the needs of patients an ongoing basis, coordinating the care given by all members of the clinical team. To accurately assimilate and interpret clinical information about the patients' condition, promptly report changes and instigate remedial action as appropriate. To ensure that Clinical Guidelines are implemented and to be actively involved in auditing practice in conjunction with Line Manager and practice development staff. To ensure that practice is evidence based and with support assist in the development of policies and protocols within the clinical area. To uphold high standards of nursing care, according to existing policies and standards. To support the ACP/trainee ACP and Modern Matron in processes of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and assisting in the implementation of changes in the light of such findings. To contribute to the health education of patients and their families, ensuring that all patients receive appropriate advice and support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. About us King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and around 15,000 staff based across 5 main sites in South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its different sites, and specialist services from King's College Hospital (KCH) sites at Denmark Hill in Camberwell and at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) site in Bromley. Our values at King's, are that we're a kind, respectful team; Kind. We show compassion and understanding and bring a positive attitude to our work Respectful. We promote equality, are inclusive and honest, speaking up when needed Team. We support each other, communicate openly, and are reassuringly professional The trust-wide strategy Strong Roots, Global Reachis our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (EDI) at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we can take Team King's to another level Date posted 06 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £42,939 to £50,697 a year per annum, including high cost allowance Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 213-PRUH-7048277 Job locations Orpington Hospital Sevenoaks Road Orpington, Kent BR6 9JU Job description Job responsibilities To provide direct access to a Telephone Helpline for all users of the Rheumatology Service, giving advice, education, counselling or arranging appropriate interventions over the telephone for patients, relatives and other health care professionals thus addressing their queries, problems and/or concerns. To provide guidance and advice to general practitioners and the general public when requested. Carry out blood monitoring of all patients attending the department on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Using agreed evidenced based guidelines he/she will ensure the blood results are within agreed limits or carry out the required interventions whilst liaising with both primary care and the appropriate consultant. To assess patients suitability for biologic therapies/ biosimilars transfer utilising the British Society of Rheumatology criteria. To organise access to and administration of the prescribed medication, educate the patients and monitor them once they have commenced a biologic therapy, liaising with medical staff, pharmacy and the relevant pharmaceutical companys home care delivery service. To identify and participate in biologics specific research. To ensure practice is evidence based and that clinical guidelines are developed and implemented taking into account the scope of practice and patient group directives. To utilise specialist knowledge, skills to identify patient problems promptly, and coordinate with medical staff relating to the admission of Rheumatology patients where appropriate. To support the lead specialist nurse and matron in management issues regarding the Rheumatology Service, in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary Rheumatology team To provide face to face and telephone consultations in allocated clinic times Job description Job responsibilities To provide direct access to a Telephone Helpline for all users of the Rheumatology Service, giving advice, education, counselling or arranging appropriate interventions over the telephone for patients, relatives and other health care professionals thus addressing their queries, problems and/or concerns. To provide guidance and advice to general practitioners and the general public when requested. Carry out blood monitoring of all patients attending the department on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Using agreed evidenced based guidelines he/she will ensure the blood results are within agreed limits or carry out the required interventions whilst liaising with both primary care and the appropriate consultant. To assess patients suitability for biologic therapies/ biosimilars transfer utilising the British Society of Rheumatology criteria. To organise access to and administration of the prescribed medication, educate the patients and monitor them once they have commenced a biologic therapy, liaising with medical staff, pharmacy and the relevant pharmaceutical companys home care delivery service. To identify and participate in biologics specific research. To ensure practice is evidence based and that clinical guidelines are developed and implemented taking into account the scope of practice and patient group directives. To utilise specialist knowledge, skills to identify patient problems promptly, and coordinate with medical staff relating to the admission of Rheumatology patients where appropriate. To support the lead specialist nurse and matron in management issues regarding the Rheumatology Service, in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary Rheumatology team To provide face to face and telephone consultations in allocated clinic times Person Specification Education and Qualifications Essential NMC Registered Nurse Further professional studies relevant to the clinical area (Rheumatology) Mentorship programme or equivalent teaching qualification Desirable Degree in Nursing or Equivalent Knowledge and Experience Essential Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area. (Rheumatology) Experience of providing nurse led clinics/telephone clinics Knowledge of relevant clinical guidelines Desirable An understanding of HR processes and issues pertaining to staff management Person Specification Education and Qualifications Essential NMC Registered Nurse Further professional studies relevant to the clinical area (Rheumatology) Mentorship programme or equivalent teaching qualification Desirable Degree in Nursing or Equivalent Knowledge and Experience Essential Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area. (Rheumatology) Experience of providing nurse led clinics/telephone clinics Knowledge of relevant clinical guidelines Desirable An understanding of HR processes and issues pertaining to staff management 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 King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Address Orpington Hospital Sevenoaks Road Orpington, Kent BR6 9JU Employer's website https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)