Job summaryThe Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Respiratory Care is an advanced practice nurse who provides expert clinical leadership, specialist assessment, and evidence-based interventions to patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. This role focuses on improving patient outcomes through advanced clinical practice, education, consultation, and service development. The CNS collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality respiratory care across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Responsibilities include leading respiratory care initiatives, managing complex patient cases, developing clinical protocols, supporting staff education, and promoting best practices in areas such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and oxygen therapy.
CNS within respiratory service will support the individuals referred with suspected lung cancer. Additionally, you'll be involved in the virtual surveillance of lung nodules, adhering to The British Thoracic Society guidelines. Your tasks will include requesting CT scans, responding to findings, coordinating with the diagnostic MDT, and keeping patients informed about their results while referring them to appropriate services when necessary.
Main duties of the job- To work with the multidisciplinary team across an integrated pathway of care to deliver quality standards in line with NICE guidance.
- To work with the nurse specialist team to ensure that all patients have equitable access to investigations, treatment and follow-up care.
- To work with the nurse/midwifery specialist team to develop best practice in line with NICE guidance.
- To work with the team to develop guidelines to enhance optimal management of patients.
- To collect appropriate data against NICE guidance. To use audit as a tool to improve practice and evaluate services.
- To work with the team to implement recommendations from National audits and benchmarking.
- To identify objectives for own professional development which reflect local and national service needs, accessing advice, guidance and support as appropriate.
About usOur people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
- Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
- Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
- Improving the experience of staff with disability
- Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
- Making equalities mainstream
Job responsibilitiesTo demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills and share this with others to positively influence patient care.
- To develop own specialist clinical knowledge and skills and participate in the development of other staff
- To reflect on own practice through clinical supervision/mentorship
- To provide a comprehensive nursing service for patients with conditions within the specialty.
- To work in close liaison with the multi-disciplinary team across the pathway in order to meet the needs of patients and their famillies, and to aim for seamless care.
- To use clinical judgement and skills in decision making to manage this caseload of patients. To develop skills of history taking and physical assessment to direct appropriate intervention.
- To assist in the development of the service
- To vigorously promote the patients participation in decision-making, enabling informed choice of treatment.
- To contribute to any audits requested by the Trust, Commissioners or Nationally.
- To identify deteriorating patients and take the appropriate action to manage the situation, liaising with interdisciplinary team as appropriate.
- To obtain valid and effective consent from patients prior to any investigations and treatment.
QualificationsEssential- RN - Part 1
- Teaching and assessing qualification
- Non-medical prescribing
Desirable- Advanced Respiratory Module
- Advanced assessment module
- Counselling course
ExperienceEssential- Minimum two years post-registration experience
- Experience in patient advocacy
- Ability to prioritise and organise workload
- Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a multi-professional team
- Excellent time management and prioritisation skills
- Venepuncture/phlaebotomy
Desirable- Some experience working with patients with a variety of respiratory diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, COPD, Lung Cancer
KnowledgeEssential- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Computer Skills
- Knowledge and understanding of the relevant local and national guidance
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Knowledge of respiratory anatomy and physiology
Desirable- Knowledge of respiratory conditions including Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, COPD, Lung Cancer
- Understanding of the Rapid Respiratory pathway
- Knowledge of research and audit
- Understanding of spirometry as a diagnostic tool
Personal QualitiesEssential- Creative, lateral thinker
- Flexible and positive approach to work and learning
- Effective decision-making skills
- Full driver's license and access to a car
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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
