Clinical Nurse Specialist - Heart Function

Job summary

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Heart Function

Band 6 / Band 7 (developmental role)

Heart Failure is a complex clinical syndrome whose early diagnosis and evidence based management can have a profound impact on the quality of life of patients and their carers. Heart failure admissions account for 2% of all NHS bed days and are projected to rise by 50% over the next 25 years - largely as a result of the ageing population.

The Royal Cornwall Hospital Heart Function Nursing service was launched in 2008 which provided clinical management advice primarily for patients who were admitted acutely with a primary diagnosis of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD). This service has evolved to one which fully participates in the national heart failure audit and delivers :

A 52 week a year in patient cover for patients who have been admitted with a primary diagnosis of Heart Failure.

Education and advice regarding pharmacological, non-pharmacological and complex device management to patients and members of the MDT.

Diagnostic, two & six week referral to review rapid access heart function clinic (as per NICE diagnostic pathway).

Out patient elective DC Cardioversion and associated follow up.

Follow up clinics for complex or high risk heart failure patients who require close clinical monitoring or focused medication optimisation.

Main duties of the job

An opportunity has arisen for a highly professional, compassionate, adaptable, focused and committed individual to join the team. The successful applicant will be registered with the NMC, and have substantive post registration experience within the speciality, will be able to provide evidence of personal and professional development and have the passion and drive to fully support further evolution of the service to meet the needs of our cardiac patients.

Due to the specialist and educational nature of this role there will be an expectation that shortlisted candidates will deliver a short presentation and complete a 'priorities of care' scenario at interview.

About us

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is the biggest provider of healthcare services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our three main sites are Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro, St Michael's Hospital Hayle and West Cornwall Hospital Penzance, our staff and services are available across the region.

The Trust employs 5,000 staff, has a budget of £380 million and 750 beds. We work with health and social care organisations -including NHS Kernow and NHS England- to ensure local healthcare needs are met. We provide acute medical, surgical and specialist services to around 500,000- which can increase significantly during busy holiday periods.

The Trust has teaching hospitals status as part of the University of Exeter Medical School. Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we continually develop clinical services and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care offered locally.

We can offer you a rewarding career in a supportive working environment. We have extensive educational links to help you realise your full potential and develop skills to provide outstanding healthcare to the local community.

Enjoy an outstanding quality of life in a place that offers surfing beaches and fishing harbours to beautiful countryside and historic towns. With clean air, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and excellent schools, colleges and universities (including adult education) it is the ideal place for families and for you to develop your own career.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE NOTE : To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.

To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following :

• Identity Checks
• Professional registration and qualification checks
• Employment history and reference checks
• Occupational Health clearance
• Satisfactory