Rheumatology Specialist Nurse

Transformationunitgm; Chichester; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS organization in Sussex seeks a dedicated Rheumatology Specialist Nurse to manage patient caseloads and lead a team in delivering high-quality care. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive environment committed to diversity and staff wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Clinically experienced rheumatology nurse with leadership skills.
• Experience of autonomous practice in rheumatology.
• Experience in managing biologic treatments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in providing high-quality nursing care for patients.
• Manage caseloads and undertake nurse led clinics.
• Advocate excellence in clinical practice.

Skills

Venepuncture and cannulation

Non-medical prescriber

Education

Valid NMC First Level Registered Nurse

MSC in a health related subject

Graduate certificate in rheumatology practice

Teaching certificate

Job description

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site St Richards Hospital Town Chichester Salary £46,148 - £52,809 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 25/06/2025 23:59

Rheumatology Specialist Nurse

Band 7

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

We would like to appoint a progressive and determined individual who is committed to excellence in rheumatology nursing to lead our skilled and professional team.

There is now an opening as a rheumatology specialist nurse within the Musculoskeletal Directorate at St Richards Hospital, Chichester. This is a unique opportunity for a senior nurse who believes they have the right aptitude and skills to lead a team of nurses in the provision of high-quality nursing care.

The post holder will be involved in all aspects of managing a caseload of patients within the speciality at an advance level. They will undertake nurse led clinics and work as an independent practitioner whilst promoting a collaborative and multi-professional approach to patient care pathways.

To be considered for the post the applicant must be a clinically experienced rheumatology nurse with proven skills in leadership. You will be expected to promote and monitor a safe and caring environment for patients. It is also essential that you are able to provide professional direction to your team, advocating excellence in clinical practice at all times.

We offer a friendly and stimulating professional environment for you to develop and work in. We can also offer training and support to help you advance in your career.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) led service for the assessment, education and management of patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in nurse led clinics and also manage a telephone advice line for patients under the care of Consultant Rheumatologists at University Hospitals Sussex.

The post holder will assess and monitor patients with inflammatory Rheumatological conditions being managed with biologic treatments and maintain the biologics database.

The post holder will work in conjunction with all members of the of multidisciplinary team based both in primary and secondary care.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop.

We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The main responsibilities and duties of the role can be reviewed in the accompanying job description an personal specification.

Person specification

Qualifications and Expereince

• Valid NMC First Level Registered Nurse
• Experience of rheumatology nursing at a senior Banding level e.g. 6/7
• Experience of autonomous practice with the rheumatology speciality
• Experience of requesting, assessing, interpreting and acting on findings of investigations including
• MSC in a health related subject
• Graduate certificate in rheumatology practice
• Teaching certificate

skills

• Venepuncture and cannulation
• Non- medical prescriber

Equality and Diversity

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria.For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Yvonne Thorp Job title Head of Nursing MSK Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 07825145301 Additional information

All information for the role is provided within the job description and personal specification.