Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialist Trainee

The closing date is 19 November 2026

Job summary
The post holder will provide specialist nursing care, advice and support for people with inflammatory arthritis. This will involve autonomously managing a case load of patients with Inflammatory joint disease in nurse led outpatient clinics with Clinical Supervision from the senior Rheumatology Nurse Specialists and Consultant Rheumatologist. The post holder will, undertake all relevant forms of nursing care and patient management, supported by evidence-based practice, liaising with the multi-disciplinary team, with the objective of providing high quality, safe nursing care. The post holder must always act in an accountable manner, adhering to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust polices

Main duties of the job

• Develop skills to undertake nurse led clinics for patients with inflammatory joint disease accepting referrals from members of the rheumatology team. Develop skills to provide specialist care (assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation) within defined guidelines and protocols
• Referring to other disciplines and agencies
• Ordering and interpreting relevant tests and investigations
• Support Specialist Nursing team to provide expert advice and guidance to nurses & other disciplines
• Assist specialist nursing team to set and monitor standards of rheumatology care and treatment ? Participating in audit and research activity
• Disseminating good practice
• Develop professional leadership skills
• Ensuring effective communication between all service providers across the care pathway
• To receive referrals within the specialty from the health care team and respond to requests for expert advice and guidance.
• To work within an agreed job plan to meet service needs which should be reviewed annually.
• To conduct holistic assessment and develop in skilled history taking, physical examination, observation and ordering, conducting and interpreting relevant tests and investigations.

About us
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.

We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.

We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.

If you haven't heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.

Details
Date posted: 06 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year, per annum plus HCAS
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 289-EI-211
Job locations: West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, TW7 6AF, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities

• To work in collaboration with the multi professional team, contributing expert, evidence based knowledge and skills to relevant aspects of the patients care and treatment.
• To contribute to the nurse-led service in assessing and monitoring patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs according to the national and local guidelines.
• To assist in the outpatient service to administer, assess and monitor NICE approved IV and SC treatment to patients with inflammatory arthritis.
• To maintain boundaries of own practice within agreed guidelines and protocols, use professional judgment in managing complex and unpredictable situations and seek guidance from other relevant experts.
• To address patients risk factors and health promotion needs through comprehensive assessment of individuals for risk factors and early signs of illness.
• To builds an environment of trust and rapport, enabling patent empowerment in their healthcare and acting as an advocate for the patient in treatment decisions and choices.
• To draw upon an appropriate range of multi-agency and inter-professional resources to ensure that patients receive appropriate services, making referrals to other professions and services as appropriate.
• To use effective communication and interpersonal skills to provide information, explanation and reassurance to patients and families.
• To assist in providing the telephone advice line service for patients and healthcare professionals in conjunction with the senior rheumatology nurses.
• To further develop and provide education to patients and their families regarding their disease and its treatment, on an individual and/or group basis.
• To plan and conduct appropriate follow up, closure or transition of care for the patient.
• To maintain accurate and contemporaneous records of patients assessment, care and treatment.

Person Specification
Essential

• First level/NMC Registered Nurse
• Experience of working in inpatients or outpatients relevant to Rheumatology
• Experience of working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Relevant Degree in nursing/midwifery or health related field
• Experience of teaching on formal & informal education programmes
• Presentation skills

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent written & verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to plan care with all members of the MDT
• Ability to contribute to service development
• Computer literate: able to use word, email, excel and manage databases
• Awareness of current NHS issues & appreciation of the issues surrounding governance & quality initiatives.
• The ability to order and interpret relevant tests and investigations

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.

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: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, TW7 6AF, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Lead Nurse, Tracy La Rocque, tracy.larocque@nhs.net, 07785609618

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