Physical Health Nurse INTERNAL

Job Overview

This will be a 6 month secondment from 01/09/2026 - 28/02/2027 due to funding

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM STAFF CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY BETSI CADWALADR UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Substance Misuse Physical Health Nurse Specialist within East Substance Misuse Service.

Some of the physical health issues for individuals accessing substance misuse are listed below and this role will support the early recognition and support of individuals open to the SMS team.

• Diminished immune system function and infection.
• Cardiovascular problems- such as hypertension .DVT's
• Gastrointestinal issues- such as nausea, changes in bowel movement, Gastric reflux caused by alcoholism.
• Respiratory problems.
  
  - diminished respiratory function, COPD, acute pulmonary syndromes caused by Crack cocaine
• Liver damage.
• Kidney damage.
• Neurological issues

This post will be key to support early intervention, reduction on pressures in GPs, Emergency departments and acute hospital admissions by monitoring the following

• Phlebotomy – simple blood work – monitoring CRP, WBC, Lipids, HB1AC.
• Blood pressure and Heart rate
• Sepsis awareness
• BMI – dietary support. – Opiates are known appetite suppressant and it is important to note that alcohol-derived calories are produced at the expense of the metabolism of normal nutrients.
• Respiratory – early review of COPD through spirometry, reducing the attendance at ED for unstable COPD. Early identification of acute pulmonary syndromes such as those caused by smoking Crack cocaine
• ECG – this should be a standard review for SMS, to review QTC interval. Prolonged Qtc interval can be caused by high dose methadone prescriptions or methadone prescriptions prescribed in conjunction with other drugs such as anti-psychotics
• Sexual health – SMS service users are a higher risk population for sexually transmitted disease.
• Wernicke's recognition – early intervention – administering Pabrinex on site as part of an early intervention plan or the prescribing of thiamine.
• Support home detoxes
• Sit in GP surgeries supporting joint working.
• Linking in with Primary care mental health nurse in GPs.
• Wound care

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales .

Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and 'Proud to Lead' competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the "Disability Confident Employer" scheme.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

• Be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Post registration experience working either in the clinical speciality or relevant senior nursing role
• Holds or is actively working towards a relevant post graduate degree. Degree to be completed within an agreed timeframe
• Demonstrate nursing skills comparable to senior nurse working at this level
• Demonstrate skills in nursing leadership

• Experience and credibility with the health care team as a professional resource in speciality / practice area
• Networking effectively in area of speciality / practice
• Demonstrated ability to articulate evidence based nursing to a multi disciplinary team
• Post registration practice within the defined scope of clinical speciality / practice

• Exercise independent nursing judgement, apply advanced assessment skills, initiate appropriate clinical interventions, evaluate outcomes, advise others and provide sound rationale for actions in area of speciality / practice
• Work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team, using evidenced practice in area of speciality
• Initiate health promotion activities to encourage productive health behaviours and foster the strengths and potential of patients and staff
• Be a professional leader and role model, with proven ability to inspire, motivate and develop others , in area of speciality
• Be champions for, and promote the profession of nursing
• IT skills, eg. Microsoft Word
• Carry out catheter insertion, venipuncture dressings when in clinics or clinical care are bedside

• Current issues for nursing and health in Wales
• Current government policies, codes, guidelines, and legislation impacting area of speciality
• Current professional nurse standards and codes
• BCUHB Current vision, goals and objectives