Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology: Remote...

ABOUT MEDEFER

Medefer is a pioneer in virtual-first specialist healthcare. Founded by NHS consultants over a decade ago, we were delivering consultant-led virtual outpatient care well before “virtual hospitals” became a national priority. Our model has since been cited in government and NHS England material on the NHS Online vision as one of the service models informing this direction.

We sit at the intersection of clinical provider and technology company. Our CQC-registered service is powered by Medefer’s own electronic health record and referral platform, connecting GPs, consultants, diagnostic providers and hospitals into a single coordinated system. This approach has won multiple national awards for elective recovery, innovation and impact, and we now serve both NHS partners and private patients across the UK.

Medefer is built on three principles: innovate to solve real system problems, collaborate with clinicians and partners, and put patients first in every decision. As we scale across Integrated Care Systems and grow our private services, joining now means helping to define what modern specialist care looks like.

JOB TITLE: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology

REPORTING TO: Clinical Lead

LOCATION: Remote

Join us in our mission to transform patient care and be part of a dynamic and innovative team. We pride ourselves on a supportive, collaborative and inclusive culture and you will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of intelligent, driven and compassionate people who care deeply about transforming the way healthcare is delivered.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

We are inviting applications from highly motivated and experienced Clinical Nurse Specialists in Rheumatology to join our expanding Rheumatology service, by supporting both our remote rheumatology advice service and our in-person early inflammatory arthritis (EIA) and complex disease clinics.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in improving early diagnosis, supporting patients to self-manage their condition, and ensuring safe, evidence-based treatment in accordance with NICE and BSR guidelines. The successful candidate will work autonomously and collaboratively, providing clinical expertise and compassionate care to patients living with a range of inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

If you are passionate about improving early diagnosis pathways in Rheumatology and delivering outstanding patient care, we’d love to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Practice

• Assist in providing advanced specialist assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for patients with early inflammatory arthritis and other complex rheumatological diseases.

• Conduct remote consultations (via telephone) for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and long-term condition management.

• Support patients receiving DMARDs and biologic therapies, including education, monitoring, and managing adverse effects in line with local and national protocols – both F2F and remote aspects.

• Run virtual nurse-led clinics for disease monitoring, flare management, and medication review.

• Provide specialist advice, education, and psychosocial support to patients and their families, promoting shared decision-making and self-management.

• Escalate concerns and collaborate effectively with consultants, pharmacists, and other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Leadership and Service Development

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of clinical guidelines, pathways, and protocols for hybrid care.

• Represent the nursing perspective at MDT meetings and service planning discussions.

• Maintain awareness of current legislation, NHS policy, and professional guidance relevant to rheumatology nursing.

• Support Medefer in the delivery of a safe, effective and high-quality service. Actively participate in the development and review of remote service pathways, clinical guidelines, and patient protocols to ensure safe, effective, and evidence-based care delivery.

• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive electronic patient records in compliance with UK professional and organisational standards.

• Contribute to clinical audit, research, and quality improvement initiatives related to remote rheumatology care.

• Provide patient education programmes and resources specifically tailored for remote delivery, covering topics such as new diagnoses, medication initiation, injection technique, and symptom management.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Adult) with current NMC registration

• Minimum 5 years’ post-registration experience in the NHS, including at least 2 years in Rheumatology.

• Evidence of post-registration rheumatology qualification or equivalent clinical experience.

• Strong knowledge of DMARDs, biologics, and immunomodulatory therapies.

• Proven ability to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Proficient IT skills, with experience in electronic patient records and remote consultations.

• Compassionate and caring

• Advanced communication and listening skills, excellent communication, counselling, and patient education skills.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and autonomously

Desirable

• Independent Nurse Prescriber (V300) qualification (or working towards) – desirable but not essential

• MSc or postgraduate diploma in Rheumatology or Advanced Clinical Practice.

• Experience in clinical audit, quality improvement, or service redesign.

Medefer is a Disability Confident Employer.

We commit to interviewing applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum essential criteria for the job. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please let us know in your application or by contacting our recruitment team.

Medefer fully complies with the Equality Act 2010. We are an equal opportunities employer, value diversity and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

This job description is non-contractual and the postholder will be expected to perform additional duties and tasks that may be assigned by management from time to time to suit business needs.

Medefer contact details are provided for the specific purpose to support potential candidates and are not to be used to market services. The named individual has not consented to unsolicited marketing emails. ‘Direct marketing’ means the communication, by whatever means, of marketing material which is directed at individuals. Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) apply to unsolicited emails, for which the individual has not provided consent. Medefer takes the privacy of individuals very seriously and failure to abide by this notice will result in action taken.