Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at Basildon Hospital plays a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary team, providing expert nursing care and support to patients with a wide range of rheumatological conditions. The CNS is responsible for delivering specialised clinical assessment, treatment, and management of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue disorders.

• Conduct detailed patient assessments and manage complex treatment regimens, including immunosuppressive therapies and biologics.
• Provide patient education, support, and guidance on medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and symptom control.
• Coordinate care pathways to improve patient outcomes and support patients in self‑management.
• Collaborate closely with rheumatologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient care.
• Contribute to service development, clinical audit, and research initiatives to advance rheumatology nursing practice within the hospital.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care using clinical tools to monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
• Manage medication regimes, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic therapies, ensuring strict adherence to safety and monitoring protocols.
• Provide expert education, support, and guidance to patients and their families, helping them understand their diagnosis and treatment plans.
• Administer or supervise subcutaneous and intravenous therapies, ensuring all prescribing and treatment practices comply with national and local guidelines.
• Contribute to the creation and implementation of clinical guidelines, patient pathways, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in audit, research, and governance activities to deliver evidence-based care and continual service enhancement.
• Provide training and support to junior staff, students, and new team members, and facilitate educational sessions for patients and professionals.

• Registered nurse with substantial experience in rheumatology or related specialties.
• Demonstrated advanced clinical skills and excellent communication abilities.
• Patient‑centered approach to care.

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.