Physical Health Nurse INTERNAL

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; Wrexham; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) in North Wales invites applications for a Band 6 Substance Misuse Physical Health Nurse Specialist within the East Substance Misuse Service on a 6-month secondment from 01/09/2026 to 28/02/2027. This role focuses on early recognition and support for individuals open to SMS, addressing complex physical health issues.

The post requires registered nursing status with the NMC, postgraduate study progress, and senior nursing leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• Post registration experience in clinical speciality or senior nursing role.
• Holds or is actively working towards a relevant postgraduate degree.
• Demonstrate nursing leadership at a senior level.
• Demonstrate skills in nursing leadership and professional credibility.

Responsibilities

• Phlebotomy and monitoring CRP, WBC, lipids, HbA1c.
• Blood pressure and heart rate monitoring.
• Sepsis awareness and response.
• Spirometry and COPD review to reduce ED attendances.
• ECG review including QTc interval.
• Wound care and health promotion activities.
• Support home detoxes and early intervention in GP settings.
• Coordinate joint working with GP surgeries and Primary care mental health services.

Skills

NMC registered

Post-registration experience

Nursing leadership

Independent clinical judgement

Health promotion

Education

Postgraduate degree in nursing

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job Overview

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM STAFF CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY BETSI CADWALADR UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD

This will be a 6 month secondment from 01/09/2026 - 28/02/2027 due to funding

If you are interested in applying for the secondment position, you must obtain permission from your current line manager prior to applying for this post.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Substance Misuse Physical Health Nurse Specialist within East Substance Misuse Service.

Some of the physical health issues for individuals accessing substance misuse are listed below and this role will support the early recognition and support of individuals open to the SMS team.

• Diminished immune system function and infection.
• Cardiovascular problems- such as hypertension. DVT’s
• Gastrointestinal issues- such as nausea, changes in bowel movement, Gastric reflux caused by alcoholism.
• Respiratory problems. - diminished respiratory function, COPD, acute pulmonary syndromes caused by Crack cocaine.
• Liver damage.
• Kidney damage.
• Neurological issues

Main duties of the job

This post will be key to support early intervention, reduction on pressures in GPs, Emergency departments and acute hospital admissions by monitoring the following

• Phlebotomy – simple blood work – monitoring CRP, WBC, Lipids, HB1AC.
• Blood pressure and Heart rate.
• Sepsis awareness.
• BMI – dietary support. – Opiates are known appetite suppressant and it is important to note that alcohol-derived calories are produced at the expense of the metabolism of normal nutrients.
• Respiratory – early review of COPD through spirometry, reducing the attendance at ED for unstable COPD. Early identification of acute pulmonary syndromes such as those caused by smoking Crack cocaine.
• ECG – this should be a standard review for SMS, to review QTC interval. Prolonged Qtc interval can be caused by high dose methadone prescriptions or methadone prescriptions prescribed in conjunction with other drugs such as anti-psychotics.
• Sexual health – SMS service users are a higher risk population for sexually transmitted disease.
• Wernicke’s recognition – early intervention – administering Pabrinex on site as part of an early intervention plan or the prescribing of thiamine.
• Support home detoxes.
• Sit in GP surgeries supporting joint working.
• Linking in with Primary care mental health nurse in GPs.
• Wound care.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Working for our organisation

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales . Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and ‘Proud to Lead’ competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the “Disability Confident Employer” scheme.

Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Post registration experience working either in the clinical speciality or relevant senior nursing role
• Holds or is actively working towards a relevant post graduate degree. Degree to be completed within an agreed timeframe
• Demonstrate nursing skills comparable to senior nurse working at this level
• Demonstrate skills in nursing leadership

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience and credibility with the health care team as a professional resource in speciality / practice area
• Networking effectively in area of speciality / practice
• Demonstrated ability to articulate evidence based nursing to a multi disciplinary team
• Post registration practice within the defined scope of clinical speciality / practice

Skills

Essential criteria

• Exercise independent nursing judgement, apply advanced assessment skills, initiate appropriate clinical interventions, evaluate outcomes, advise others and provide sound rationale for actions in area of speciality / practice
• Work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team, using evidenced practice in area of speciality
• Initiate health promotion activities to encourage productive health behaviours and foster the strengths and potential of patients and staff
• Be a professional leader and role model, with proven ability to inspire, motivate and develop others , in area of speciality
• Be champions for, and promote the profession of nursing
• IT skills, eg. Microsoft Word
• Carry out catheter insertion, venipuncture dressings when in clinics or clinical care are bedside

Knowledge

Essential Criteria

• Current issues for nursing and health in Wales
• Current government policies, codes, guidelines, and legislation impacting area of speciality
• Current professional nurse standards and codes
• BCUHB Current vision, goals and objectives