Job summary
We are seeking a skilled and motivated OPAT (Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy) and Vascular Access Nurse to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to provide specialist nursing care for patients receiving intravenous antimicrobial therapy in the outpatient or community setting, ensuring safe and effective treatment outside of the hospital environment.
The post holder will also provide expert knowledge and technical skills in vascular access, including the assessment, insertion, and maintenance of various vascular access devices (e.g., PICC lines, midlines, peripheral cannulas and port-a-caths). Working closely with infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, pharmacists, and other members of the healthcare team, you will play a key role in coordinating patient care, promoting antimicrobial stewardship, and supporting early hospital discharge.
You will contribute to service development, provide education and training to staff, and ensure high standards of clinical practice in line with local and national guidelines. This role is ideal for an experienced, autonomous, and compassionate nurse who is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in both acute and community settings.
Main duties of the job
As anOPAT and Vascular Access Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will:
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Deliver and develop the Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) and Vascular Access services, supporting high-quality, safe, and effective patient care across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
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Assess, insert, and manage vascular access devices (including peripheral cannulas, midlines, and PICC lines) using ultrasound guidance and evidence-based infection prevention practices.
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Assess patients for suitability for OPAT, coordinate care, provide patient and carer education, and act as a key point of contact for troubleshooting and ongoing support.
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Work collaboratively with the Infection Prevention & Control Team, microbiologists, pharmacists, and community staff to ensure seamless, patient-centred care and effective antimicrobial stewardship.
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Lead on audits, surveillance, and reporting related to vascular access , contributing to Trust-wide infection prevention strategies.
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Educate and train staff across clinical areas in vascular access management, fostering best practice and competency.
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Support service development and quality improvement initiatives, including policy updates and pathway development.
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Participate in research, audit, and governance activities to advance clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
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Provide telephone advice and outreach support to community staff and patients to prevent unnecessary admissions and ensure continuity of care.
About us
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.
We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.
Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff.This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.
We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.
Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s on this page.The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s on this page.The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- NMC registration (in date)
- Completed a PICC line insertion course
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to develop constructive working relationships with staff and managers at all levels
- Experience in managing central vascular access devices, including troubleshooting
- Able to use ultrasound technique for line insertions
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as an autonomous practitioner
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills
- Good skills in IT systems and use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & Powerpoint)
Experience
Essential
- Experience in PICC & midline insertion using ultrasound
- Experience in planning and delivering education sessions
- Experience of managing resources
Desirable
- Clinical experience of working as a Vascular Access and/or OPAT Nurse
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of audit, research and evidence based nursing care
Desirable
- Knowledge of current developments and complex issues related to clinical practice in Vascular Access, OPAT and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Other Requirements
Essential
- Understanding and demonstration of the Trust Values
- Commitment and adherence to equality, diversity and inclusion
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- NMC registration (in date)
- Completed a PICC line insertion course
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to develop constructive working relationships with staff and managers at all levels
- Experience in managing central vascular access devices, including troubleshooting
- Able to use ultrasound technique for line insertions
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as an autonomous practitioner
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills
- Good skills in IT systems and use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & Powerpoint)
Experience
Essential
- Experience in PICC & midline insertion using ultrasound
- Experience in planning and delivering education sessions
- Experience of managing resources
Desirable
- Clinical experience of working as a Vascular Access and/or OPAT Nurse
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of audit, research and evidence based nursing care
Desirable
- Knowledge of current developments and complex issues related to clinical practice in Vascular Access, OPAT and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Other Requirements
Essential
- Understanding and demonstration of the Trust Values
- Commitment and adherence to equality, diversity and inclusion
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
