Job summary
We are seeking a motivated, dynamic and passionate Band 7 Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Specialist Nurse to work within our Community Specialist Nursing team across Bedfordshire.

The post holder will lead and deliver a high-quality specialist Multiple Sclerosis nursing service, managing a defined caseload of patients with MS across the community. Working autonomously and in close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, primary care, secondary care and partner organisations, the role focuses on providing holistic, evidence-based and patient-centred care throughout the course of the condition.

As a key specialist resource, the Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Specialist Nurse will provide expert clinical assessment, advice, treatment, education and support to patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals. The post holder will undertake nurse-led clinics and home visits, support symptom and treatment management, and contribute to service development, audit, quality improvement and strategic planning in line with local and national guidance.

Main duties of the job
This is an excellent opportunity to develop and utilise specialist knowledge and skills within a Community Multiple Sclerosis service. The role focuses on the assessment, management and ongoing support of people living with Multiple Sclerosis, providing expert symptom management, treatment monitoring, education and support to patients, families and carers across community settings.

You will work autonomously to deliver holistic, evidence-based care through nurse-led clinics and home visits, supporting patients to maintain independence, quality of life and self-management throughout the course of their condition. The role includes advanced clinical assessment, complex decision-making, prescribing, monitoring and interpreting investigations, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, primary care, secondary care and partner organisations.

You will also have the opportunity to further develop leadership, service development and educational skills, contributing to the ongoing development of the Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Nursing Service and supporting the training and development of other healthcare professionals.

About us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Job responsibilities
We offer excellent development opportunities and training directed towards your needs/goals.

Experience and an NMP qualification in the field of palliative care is desirable but a willingness to learn and contribute is more important.

You must have a driving license and have access to a vehicle in order to carry out your duties.

Person Specification
Education
Essential

• Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
• Clear evidence of ongoing clinical and professional development
• First degree relevent to clinical field or willing to work towards or able to demonstrate relevent equivalent experience
• Nurse Prescribing Qualification or willingness to work towards
• Evidence of advanced clinical assessment skills
• Teaching/ mentoring qualification or able to demonstrate relevant experience
• Evidence of working clinically with MS patients

Desirable

• Evidence of significant post registration experience in Neurology nursing including experience at Band 6

Other
Essential

• Current driving licence
• Ability to travel across sites and across Trust boundaries to attend meetings, etc.

Experience
Essential

• Evidence of working clinically with MS patients
• Extensive experience of complex assessment of health and social needs.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the current evidence based practice in the management of MS
• Ability to work professionally and safely in a variety of settings including patients home environments and Nurse led clinics
• Excellent written communication skills, to include record keeping, report writing, data collection, and evaluations

Desirable

• Evidence of significant post registration experience in Neurology nursing including experience at Band 6

Knowledge & Skills
Essential

• Able to work both independently and as an effective, flexible team member
• Excellent written communication skills, to include record keeping, report writing, data collection, and evaluations
• Ability to assess , review and evaluate complex patient situations
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels using a variety of mediums

Desirable

• Experience in teaching both patients and staff, and developing/ facilitating appropriate learning sessions
• Leadership and managerial skills
• Experience in developing guidelines, audit, evaluation and report writing

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.

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).