TTP/ITP Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job responsibilities

Assist patients in resuming their lives after diagnosis; address early the psychological impact of their experience; teach disease and long term follow up surveillance; provide counselling; empower patients to self monitor; promote good health; appropriate and prompt referral to specialist services.

Participate in consultant led outpatient clinics where patients with a diagnosis of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) or Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) are reviewed

Participate in nurse led telephone clinic for patients with a diagnosis of Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) alongside an Advanced Pharmacy Practitioner.

Provide support and advice to patients, carers and staff looking after inpatients and outpatients with known diagnosis of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) or Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Co-ordinate follow up and regular monitoring of ADAMTS13 activity in patients with a diagnosis of acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP).

Participate in monthly regional Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) MDT meeting, and co-ordinate and participate in the quarterly regional Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) MDT meeting.

Support the development and distribution of patient information materials related to Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Refer patients newly diagnosed with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) to Clinical Psychology, as well as any patients with a previous diagnosis of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) who require ongoing support.

Support with research and clinical trials for patients with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Prescribe medications used for the treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Support the apheresis team within the Clinical Haematology department in performing plasma exchange.

Support the Apheresis service at times of high activity and during periods of leave in the care of patients who are undergoing therapeutic apheresis treatment, including the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of that care, to ensure continuity of service. This includes the on call out of hours Apheresis service.

Assist in developing and maintaining the ethos of the apheresis service and the delivery of a standard approach to excellent nursing care.

Assist in the preparation process prior to internal/external peer review visits.

Assist the Apheresis Lead Nurse in data entry and maintaining the national apheresis patient registry.

Act as an expert resource for patients/relatives/colleagues relating to the care of their caseload of patients.

Maintain patients confidentiality, privacy, dignity, religious and cultural needs at all times.

Supply and administer medicines according to Patient Group Directions/ protocols and / or prescribe drugs as a non-medical independent prescriber following suitable qualification.

Maintain an environment for safe and effective patient care in accordance with the Trust Risk Management Policy.

Work effectively within the Trust's adult multidisciplinary haematology team as required ensuring an individualised, evidence based optimum service for each patient and their family.

Act as advocate for TTP and ITP patients, enabling them to express their needs effectively when dealing with the multidisciplinary team.

Promote collaborative relationships with other health care professionals for the benefit of quality patient care.

Maintain effective channels of communication within the multidisciplinary team and promote effective interpersonal skills.

Be aware of the legal implications of all patient-related records.

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's "We are here for you" behavioural standards

Training & Qualifications

Essential

• NMC registration.
• Portfolio demonstrating continuous personal, professional and academic development.
• Recognised teaching and assessing course/programme.
• Degree in health related subject.

Desirable

• Non-medical prescribing
• Competent to perform apheresis procedures/willingness to learn.
• Clinical assessment skills
• Leadership development programme
• Management development programme.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of applying evidence based practice to clinical practice.
• Minimum 5 years post registration experience in speciality.
• Demonstrate professional autonomy and exhibit effective decision making skills.
• Demonstrate experience of teaching Up to date knowledge and expertise in the speciality
• Evidence of the ability to work autonomously
• Knowledge of key professional issues and NMC guidelines relating to professional practice and coaching.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Previous experience of formal and informal teaching of patients and staff.
• Previous experience of leading development of standards, guidelines and policies.
• Previous experience in audit and evaluation of practice/services.
• Experience in acting as a clinical supervisor and mentor to others.
• Skills in critical analysis and application of research to practice.

Desirable

• Evidence of developing and leading nurse led clinics/services.
• Understanding of risk. /clinical governance.
• Understanding of research and audit.
• Central Line Placement.

Communication and relationship skills

Essential

• Ability to initiate, sustain and evaluate change.
• Evidence of clear effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of initiating and implementing change effectively in response to clinical or organisational demands.
• Able to present and receive relevant clinical information to or from a multi-professional audience.
• Able to convey sensitive information in an empathic manner to staff and patients.
• Can produce timely, accurate written / electronic records and documents.
• Can minimise interpersonal conflict and barriers to communication.
• Commitment to ongoing implementation of the Trust Nursing and Midwifery strategy, CNO 10 key roles and relevant NSF's. Ability to work across organisational and professional boundaries.
• Ability to negotiate effectively with different disciplines.
• Understanding of relevant national strategy/policy and how this relates to the service. Demonstrates a clear vision of the role and service.
• Ability to resolve complex problems.
• Presentation skills.

Desirable

• Good team building skills able to demonstrate how to motivate and lead.

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

• Evidence of data collection, evaluation and analysis.
• Able to respond to problems / situations and to ensure that effective interventions are put in place.
• Able to critically analyse and evaluate research findings and to apply these to clinical practice. Evidence of data collection, evaluation and analysis.

Desirable

• Experience of audit, developing and monitoring quality standards

Planning and organisation skills

Essential

• Able to prioritise actions and to provide advice to the multi professional team.
• Able to organise own workload.
• Able to develop, implement and monitor local protocols and objectives.
• Evidence of leadership experience.

Physical skills

Essential

• Possess clinical skills relevant to role.
• Able to use standard computer systems.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the service needs.
• Satisfactory attendance record, reliable and punctual.

Desirable

• Competent to perform apheresis procedures.

Other requirements specific to the role (e.g. be able to drive or work shifts)

Essential

• Understanding of equal opportunities.
• Commitment to maintaining own fitness for practice through maintaining a personal profile of practice competences.
• Understanding of appropriate health and safety legislation.

Desirable

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).