Aortic Dissection Specialist Nurse

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in England is seeking a highly motivated Band 7 Aortic Dissection Nurse Specialist to join the multidisciplinary team. This role involves managing care for patients with acute and chronic aortic dissection, coordinating clinical management, and participating in research. The candidate should have experience in patient education and clinical decision-making and will be supported by an advanced clinical practitioner. This position offers opportunities for professional development and a chance to make a significant impact on patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing patients with aortic dissection and related conditions.
• Ability to provide clinical education and support to patients and families.
• Experience in audit and participation in clinical trials.

Responsibilities

• Attend ward rounds and outpatient clinics.
• Lead MDT meetings and ensure decision implementation.
• Coordinate care pathways across various networks.

Skills

Clinical management

Patient education

Coordination of complex care pathways

Research participation

Effective communication

Education

Registered Nurse qualification

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced nurse to join the Liverpool Cardiovascular Surgery (LCS) multidisciplinary team as a Band 7 Aortic Dissection Nurse Specialist. This role focuses on the care of patients with acute and chronic aortic dissection, supporting clinical management, service coordination, education, audit, research, and patient support. You will act as the first point of contact for patients and families, coordinating complex care pathways across regional and national networks. The post holder will play a key role in implementing the NHS England Acute Aortic Dissection Toolkit, contributing to improved outcomes and reduced variation in care. You will be supported by the Lead Aortic Advanced Clinical Practitioner and the Aorto-Vascular Consultant team, with access to structured professional development and mentorship. The Aortic Dissection Nurse Specialist will play a central role in the multidisciplinary management of patients with acute and chronic aortic dissection. Working closely with the Lead Aortic ACP, Aorto-Vascular Fellows, and Consultant teams, the post holder will:

Ward Rounds and Clinics

• Attend ward rounds and outpatient clinics, ensuring accurate documentation and continuity of care.
• Manage patients across the full pathway - from acute presentation to long-term follow-up - in line with national and local protocols.
• Provide specialist advice and education to patients, families, and referring clinicians.
• Coordinate imaging, investigations, and referrals across regional and national networks.
• Prepare and present cases for MDT meetings, ensuring decisions are documented and implemented.
• Lead on audit, data collection, and service evaluation to support governance and quality improvement.
• Deliver education sessions to acute trusts and emergency departments.
• Act as a clinical resource across the Trust and wider network.
• Support patient engagement initiatives and signpost to national charities for ongoing support.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Aortic surgeons (cardiac and vascular)
• Cardiologists, intensivists, anaesthetists
• Geneticists
• Radiologists and imaging cardiologists
• Advanced Care Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialist colleagues
• Administrative, audit, and data management staff
• Surgical ward staff
• University of Liverpool academic partners
• Referring hospitals across the UK
• Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust
• Aortic Dissection Awareness UK Charity

Clinical Practice

• Attend ward rounds with Lead Aortic ACP and Aorto-Vascular Fellows, ensuring appropriate documentation on EPR.
• Manage acute patients in line with national and local protocols.
• Manage follow-up care for patients with acute and chronic aortic dissection, including outpatient clinic coordination.
• Provide specialist advice, education, and support to patients, families, and referring clinicians.
• Coordinate imaging and investigations, liaising with local hospitals.
• Deliver genetic screening and counselling where appropriate, in conjunction with Consultant Geneticist.
• Support clinical decision‑making independently and within the MDT.

MDT Preparation and Documentation

• Ensure all patients requiring review are listed for MDT meetings.
• Collate and present clinical data to the MDT in conjunction with Aortic Fellows and ACP Lead.
• Document MDT decisions on EPR and ensure timely implementation.
• Manage onward referrals and care pathways.

Audit, Data and Governance

• Contribute to accurate data collection in line with regional and national requirements.
• Lead and participate in audits and service evaluation.
• Support clinical governance and patient safety initiatives.

Education and Training Sessions

• Develop and deliver regional aortic dissection education sessions for acute trusts and emergency departments.
• Provide training for colleagues, patients, and carers.
• Act as a resource for clinical expertise across the Trust and wider network.
• Maintain own professional development.

Patient Engagement and Support

• Help coordinate patient engagement days and support initiatives.
• Refer patients to national charities for support and resources.

Research and Innovation

• Support recruitment into clinical trials.
• Participate in current and future research projects in collaboration with the University of Liverpool.

Professional Development

• Maintain and develop clinical expertise in aortic disease.
• Engage in CPD, supervision, and appraisal processes.
• Contribute to service redesign and innovation.
• Demonstrate excellent values and behaviours in line with Trust standards.

Managerial and Leadership

• Identify own development needs and set personal development objectives in discussion with reviewer.
• Take responsibility for own personal development and maintain a Personal Development Plan (PDP).
• Make effective use of learning opportunities and contribute to developing the workplace as a learning environment.
• Actively participate in continuing education programmes, including staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions, clinical supervision, and reflective practice.
• Undertake annual mandatory training updates and other relevant courses in line with Trust and local policies.
• Share responsibility for delivering training and development programmes for the multidisciplinary team, internally and externally.
• Identify and contribute to ongoing clinical and service developments to enhance quality care.
• Act as a role model, providing mentorship and/or clinical supervision to other staff and learners.
• Promote the service and disseminate good practice both internally and externally to the Trust.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people, adapting to their level of understanding.
• Use communication skills to gain informed consent and be aware of barriers to effective communication.
• Assess capacity, gain valid informed consent, and work within legal frameworks for patients lacking capacity.
• Explore complex issues and make decisions that encourage effective participation.
• Communicate highly sensitive condition‑related information empathetically and reassuringly.
• Receive and manage highly sensitive information concerning patients' medical conditions.
• Adapt delivery of information using appropriate methods and environments, including breaking bad news and supporting patients with special needs.
• Provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching, and instruction to relatives, carers, and professionals.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate assessment and treatment records in line with legal and directorate requirements.
• Communicate assessment and treatment results to appropriate disciplines via letters and reports.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are managed and escalated appropriately in line with Trust policy, including MCA and DOLS considerations.

Planning and Organising

• Accept clinical responsibility for a diverse and often complex caseload of patients, including clinics, and organise and plan this efficiently and effectively regarding clinical priorities and use of time.
• Decide priorities for own work area, balancing patient‑related and professional demands and ensuring that these remain in accordance with those of the service.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of Governance and Risk Management and apply to work situations.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in discussions concerning the running of the service.
• Actively contribute to and support agreed developments and directorate/Trust objectives.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Therefore, interested applicants are advised to apply as early as possible.