Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology

ABOUT MEDEFER

Medefer is an innovative CQC registered healthcare provider that aims to transform the way that healthcare is delivered by enabling healthcare systems to provide patients with the best healthcare experience - timely, efficient and effective.

Founded by Consultants and GPs working in the NHS, our culture is driven by a deeply held commitment to the NHS and delivering transformational change to the patient experience. We are a passionate, dedicated and patient-focused team striving to make healthcare fit for the 21st century. Our vision is to completely re-frame the way that healthcare is delivered.

Medefer’s technology platform delivers world-class leading safety, whilst delivering a unique approach in delivering a national service to patients, from referral, to treatment and discharge.

AT MEDEFER WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY NHS PATIENT DESERVES THE BEST POSSIBLE HEALTHCARE.

JOB TITLE :  Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology

REPORTING TO :  Clinical Lead 

LOCATION : Hybrid, able to work remotely and participate in 1-2 face to face rheumatology clinics per month in Staffordshire  

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

• Provide advanced specialist assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for patients with early inflammatory arthritis and other complex rheumatological diseases.
• Conduct face to face and 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 nurse-led clinics (virtual and in-person) 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.