Job summary We have an exciting opportunity for a Heart Failure Specialist Nurse to join us as part of the Community Diagnostic Centre at Queen Victoria Hospital. QVH is looking for a Heart Failure Specialist Nurse to run a new heart failure service alongside a consultant cardiologist to provide crucial heart failure diagnosis, education, support and treatment to our local community. It aims to reduce waiting times, increase diagnostic ability, and improve management and outcomes for this group of patients. Main duties of the job The post holder should have expertise in cardiac care with a specific interest in Heart Failure. The post holder should have an extensive experience of cardiology and the ability to work autonomously. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert nursing care and support to patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. As a crucial member of our multidisciplinary team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life. You will work alongside a consultant cardiologist and have direct access to tertiary level specialist cardiac services and a specialist heart failure MDT forum. About us Rated GOOD overall with outstanding care by the CQC. A specialist NHS hospital providing life-changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services across the South of England and beyond. We specialise in conditions of the eyes (corneoplastics), hands, head and neck cancer and skin cancer, reconstructive breast surgery, maxillofacial surgery and prosthetics, providing regional and national services in these areas of clinical expertise.Our world-leading clinical teams also treat more common conditions of the eyes, hands, skin, and teeth for the people of East Grinstead and the surrounding areas. In addition, QVH provides a minor injuries unit, expert therapies, a sleep service, and a growing portfolio of community-based services.Patients consistently rate QVH amongst the top hospitals in the country for quality of care. Our success is underpinned by the skills and enthusiasm of our staff and a strong culture of partnership. We are fully committed to training and development of the workforce with support for continuing education and learning. Date posted 14 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 276-6799253-AfC Job locations Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Holtye Road East Grinstead RH19 3DZ Job description Job responsibilities Please see job description for additional information. Key result areas: The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert nursing care and support to patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. As a crucial member of our multidisciplinary team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life. You will work alongside a consultant cardiologist and have direct access to tertiary level specialist cardiac services and a specialist heart failure MDT forum. Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other relevant healthcare technologies. The aim is to provide better access to heart failure services within a community setting to patients who require and will benefit from early diagnosis and treatment of suspected heart failure. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively educate and counsel patients and their families. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a proactive approach to patient care. Prescriber status is desirable but not essential. Triaging GP referrals with back up of consultant cardiologist as needed. Conducting comprehensive assessments of patients' cardiac health, including physical examinations, medication reviews, and lifestyle assessments. Educating patients and their families about heart failure management, including medication adherence, dietary modifications, symptom recognition, and self-care techniques. Communication and Relationship skills Close working relationship with consultant cardiologist, administrative staff, CDC coordinators, clinical leads and management teams. Senior clinicians, managers, service users, and partner organisations. This is a new role within QVH so forging these strong working relationships is essential. Excellent ability to communicate, educate and support patients and carers about their diagnosis Ensure a good method of communication within the department at all times and to encourage the exchange and implementation of new ideas and evidence based practice Direct, support, encourage and advise clinical teams, by the provision of specialist knowledge and advice in the care of patients within the area. Establish, develop and maintain effective working relationship between clinicians, practitioners and managers within the specialty, across the Trust Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other relevant healthcare technologies Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and adapt to a fast-paced healthcare environment. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, and social workers, to ensure coordinated and holistic care. Leadership You will help lead and deliver the new service alongside consultant cardiologist, CDC clinical leads and the CDC management and administrative team. Work autonomously, managing a caseload of patients within the specialty whilst working as part of the multidisciplinary team, delivering individualised and personalised direct patient care Communicate information on the progress of the service and Key Performance Indicators to project lead and key stakeholders, as required Liaise with leads for the service in attending meetings with clinicians, managers, patients and other partners to agree priorities and action plans Proactively problem solve and adapt the service when and improvement is identified Continually monitor the service to ensure it is meeting the key priorities and objectives Identify and escalate any key risks that present themselves and work with the leads to resolve Ensure any staff that you are responsible for is maintaining standards and expectations of the service. In conjunction with HR, performance manage any staff not meeting these standards. Ensure appraisals are completed and development plans in place for any staff you are responsible for. Clinical/ Clinical Governance Responsibility for inputting patient data into national heart failure audit data base. Participating in audit and quality improvement initiatives to enhance heart failure care delivery and outcomes You will have responsibility for delivering high quality, evidence based, clinical care to patients with heart failure alongside a consultant cardiologist Implement continuous improvement work in line with the framework used by the trust to develop the service Work with other members of the team to ensure they are maintaining best practice Ensure up to date guidelines, research and evidence based practice is used and embedded Liaise with other centres of excellence and advisory groups to benchmark and ensure the service is working to evidence based standards Maintain the clinical safety, privacy and dignity of patients in the clinical area taking necessary action when deficiencies in care are identified or urgent care required Demonstrate appropriate expert practice and highly specialist advice in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. This includes history taking, physical examination and the requesting of agreed diagnostic procedures/clinical investigations Participate in service development, set, monitor and review standards of care on a regular basis and implement improvements where necessary Key Responsibilities: Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care plans for patients with heart failure, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Monitoring patients' progress closely and adjusting care plans as necessary to optimize treatment outcomes. Providing emotional support and counselling to patients and their families, addressing their concerns and helping them cope with the challenges of living with heart failure. Participating in audit and quality improvement initiatives to enhance heart failure care delivery and outcomes. It is expected that all patients diagnosed and seen with heart failure will be fed into the National Heart Failure audit database. Keeping accurate and up-to-date medical records, including electronic documentation, in compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies. Education and Training Responsible for updating and maintaining own professional Development and revalidation In the future, as the service expands there may be a role in education and training for further heart failure nurses as they joining our team. To provide clinical training and education to all staff within the nursing team as necessary working in partnership with the education team. Maintaining current knowledge of best practices, guidelines, and advancements in heart failure management through ongoing professional development activities. Professional A role in service development desirable. This is a new service which will adapt and improve over the next few years. Responsibility for patient care will be shared between the specialist heart failure nurse and the consultant cardiologist. Personal and Professional Development Participate in the Trusts annual appraisal system designed to identify objectives and personal development opportunities. Participate in the Trusts annual pay progression review (if applicable). Ensure that all mandatory training is up to date The post holder will be responsible for continually maintaining their working knowledge of local and national practices, policies and procedures and highlight ongoing training and development needs to their manager. Job description Job responsibilities Please see job description for additional information. Key result areas: The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert nursing care and support to patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. As a crucial member of our multidisciplinary team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life. You will work alongside a consultant cardiologist and have direct access to tertiary level specialist cardiac services and a specialist heart failure MDT forum. Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other relevant healthcare technologies. The aim is to provide better access to heart failure services within a community setting to patients who require and will benefit from early diagnosis and treatment of suspected heart failure. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively educate and counsel patients and their families. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a proactive approach to patient care. Prescriber status is desirable but not essential. Triaging GP referrals with back up of consultant cardiologist as needed. Conducting comprehensive assessments of patients' cardiac health, including physical examinations, medication reviews, and lifestyle assessments. Educating patients and their families about heart failure management, including medication adherence, dietary modifications, symptom recognition, and self-care techniques. Communication and Relationship skills Close working relationship with consultant cardiologist, administrative staff, CDC coordinators, clinical leads and management teams. Senior clinicians, managers, service users, and partner organisations. This is a new role within QVH so forging these strong working relationships is essential. Excellent ability to communicate, educate and support patients and carers about their diagnosis Ensure a good method of communication within the department at all times and to encourage the exchange and implementation of new ideas and evidence based practice Direct, support, encourage and advise clinical teams, by the provision of specialist knowledge and advice in the care of patients within the area. Establish, develop and maintain effective working relationship between clinicians, practitioners and managers within the specialty, across the Trust Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other relevant healthcare technologies Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and adapt to a fast-paced healthcare environment. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, and social workers, to ensure coordinated and holistic care. Leadership You will help lead and deliver the new service alongside consultant cardiologist, CDC clinical leads and the CDC management and administrative team. Work autonomously, managing a caseload of patients within the specialty whilst working as part of the multidisciplinary team, delivering individualised and personalised direct patient care Communicate information on the progress of the service and Key Performance Indicators to project lead and key stakeholders, as required Liaise with leads for the service in attending meetings with clinicians, managers, patients and other partners to agree priorities and action plans Proactively problem solve and adapt the service when and improvement is identified Continually monitor the service to ensure it is meeting the key priorities and objectives Identify and escalate any key risks that present themselves and work with the leads to resolve Ensure any staff that you are responsible for is maintaining standards and expectations of the service. In conjunction with HR, performance manage any staff not meeting these standards. Ensure appraisals are completed and development plans in place for any staff you are responsible for. Clinical/ Clinical Governance Responsibility for inputting patient data into national heart failure audit data base. Participating in audit and quality improvement initiatives to enhance heart failure care delivery and outcomes You will have responsibility for delivering high quality, evidence based, clinical care to patients with heart failure alongside a consultant cardiologist Implement continuous improvement work in line with the framework used by the trust to develop the service Work with other members of the team to ensure they are maintaining best practice Ensure up to date guidelines, research and evidence based practice is used and embedded Liaise with other centres of excellence and advisory groups to benchmark and ensure the service is working to evidence based standards Maintain the clinical safety, privacy and dignity of patients in the clinical area taking necessary action when deficiencies in care are identified or urgent care required Demonstrate appropriate expert practice and highly specialist advice in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. This includes history taking, physical examination and the requesting of agreed diagnostic procedures/clinical investigations Participate in service development, set, monitor and review standards of care on a regular basis and implement improvements where necessary Key Responsibilities: Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care plans for patients with heart failure, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Monitoring patients' progress closely and adjusting care plans as necessary to optimize treatment outcomes. Providing emotional support and counselling to patients and their families, addressing their concerns and helping them cope with the challenges of living with heart failure. Participating in audit and quality improvement initiatives to enhance heart failure care delivery and outcomes. It is expected that all patients diagnosed and seen with heart failure will be fed into the National Heart Failure audit database. Keeping accurate and up-to-date medical records, including electronic documentation, in compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies. Education and Training Responsible for updating and maintaining own professional Development and revalidation In the future, as the service expands there may be a role in education and training for further heart failure nurses as they joining our team. To provide clinical training and education to all staff within the nursing team as necessary working in partnership with the education team. Maintaining current knowledge of best practices, guidelines, and advancements in heart failure management through ongoing professional development activities. Professional A role in service development desirable. This is a new service which will adapt and improve over the next few years. Responsibility for patient care will be shared between the specialist heart failure nurse and the consultant cardiologist. Personal and Professional Development Participate in the Trusts annual appraisal system designed to identify objectives and personal development opportunities. Participate in the Trusts annual pay progression review (if applicable). Ensure that all mandatory training is up to date The post holder will be responsible for continually maintaining their working knowledge of local and national practices, policies and procedures and highlight ongoing training and development needs to their manager. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered nurse with current registration NMC PIN. Batchelor's degree in nursing (BSc) Post registration qualification in appropriate area of speciality or equivalent post qualification experience To have or working towards a Master's degree in nursing or related field preferred To have or be working towards Independent prescriber qualification To have or working towards a non-medical physical assessment course Mentorship Course Desirable Leadership Course Experience Essential Experience in the nursing field of cardiology Specific heart failure experience highly desirable Knowledge Essential Advanced knowledge of cardiac physiology and pharmacology Knowledge of evidence based practices in heart failure care Able to use skills of history taking and physical assessment to direct patient care Skills Essential Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other relevant healthcare technologies Basic ECG interpretation skills, good understanding of echo reports Evidence of teaching skills in particular teaching patients in how to manage their conditions and raise their awareness of their condition Demonstrate an understanding of the National agenda for speciality. Knowledge of quality standards & NICE recommendations/NSF Desirable Ability to interpret and analyse complex data and findings Undertaken clinical & nursing research Attributes Essential Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively council, provide emotional support and educate patients and families. Strong critical thinking, problem solving, decision making abilities. Proactive approach to patient care. Ability to work collaboratively as part of MDT and adapt to a fast paced healthcare environment. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered nurse with current registration NMC PIN. Batchelor's degree in nursing (BSc) Post registration qualification in appropriate area of speciality or equivalent post qualification experience To have or working towards a Master's degree in nursing or related field preferred To have or be working towards Independent prescriber qualification To have or working towards a non-medical physical assessment course Mentorship Course Desirable Leadership Course Experience Essential Experience in the nursing field of cardiology Specific heart failure experience highly desirable Knowledge Essential Advanced knowledge of cardiac physiology and pharmacology Knowledge of evidence based practices in heart failure care Able to use skills of history taking and physical assessment to direct patient care Skills Essential Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other relevant healthcare technologies Basic ECG interpretation skills, good understanding of echo reports Evidence of teaching skills in particular teaching patients in how to manage their conditions and raise their awareness of their condition Demonstrate an understanding of the National agenda for speciality. Knowledge of quality standards & NICE recommendations/NSF Desirable Ability to interpret and analyse complex data and findings Undertaken clinical & nursing research Attributes Essential Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively council, provide emotional support and educate patients and families. Strong critical thinking, problem solving, decision making abilities. Proactive approach to patient care. Ability to work collaboratively as part of MDT and adapt to a fast paced healthcare environment. 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 Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Address Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Holtye Road East Grinstead RH19 3DZ Employer's website https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)