Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced nurse to join the Liverpool Cardiovascular Surgery (LCS) multidisciplinary team as a Band 7 Aortic Dissection Nurse Specialist. This role focuses on the care of patients with acute and chronic aortic dissection, supporting clinical management, service coordination, education, audit, research, and patient support.
You will act as the first point of contact for patients and families, coordinating complex care pathways across regional and national networks. The post holder will play a key role in implementing the NHS England Acute Aortic Dissection Toolkit, contributing to improved outcomes and reduced variation in care.
You will be supported by the Lead Aortic Advanced Clinical Practitioner and the Aorto-Vascular Consultant team, with access to structured professional development and mentorship.
Main duties of the job
The Aortic Dissection Nurse Specialist will play a central role in the multidisciplinary management of patients with acute and chronic aortic dissection. Working closely with the Lead Aortic ACP, Aorto-Vascular Fellows, and Consultant teams, the post holder will:
- Attend ward rounds and outpatient clinics, ensuring accurate documentation and continuity of care.
- Manage patients across the full pathway -- from acute presentation to long-term follow-up -- in line with national and local protocols.
- Provide specialist advice and education to patients, families, and referring clinicians.
- Coordinate imaging, investigations, and referrals across regional and national networks.
- Support genetic screening and counselling in collaboration with the Consultant Geneticist.
- Prepare and present cases for MDT meetings, ensuring decisions are documented and implemented.
- Lead on audit, data collection, and service evaluation to support governance and quality improvement.
- Deliver education sessions to acute trusts and emergency departments.
- Act as a clinical resource across the Trust and wider network.
- Support patient engagement initiatives and signpost to national charities for ongoing support.
About us
As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, we, at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, have a clear vision 'to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation'.
We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine both in the hospital and out in the community.
We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly we receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics.
Our reputation for strong performance is important in delivering the best care for our patients and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and our encouragement of flexible working in a variety of forms.
Please visit our website - https://www.lhch.nhs.uk/
Please follow this link for a tour of our site - https://bit.ly/36ylsoq
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will work closely with a wide range of professionals and stakeholders, including:
- Aortic surgeons (cardiac and vascular)
- Cardiologists, intensivists, anaesthetists
- Geneticists
- Radiologists and imaging cardiologists
- Advanced Care Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialist colleagues
- Administrative, audit, and data management staff
- Surgical ward staff
- University of Liverpool academic partners
- Referring hospitals across the UK
- Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust
- Aortic Dissection Awareness UK Charity
Clinical
- Attend ward rounds with Lead Aortic ACP and Aorto-Vascular Fellows, ensuring appropriate documentation on EPR.
- Manage acute patients in line with national and local protocols.
- Manage follow-up care for patients with acute and chronic aortic dissection, including outpatient clinic coordination.
- Provide specialist advice, education, and support to patients, families, and referring clinicians.
- Coordinate imaging and investigations, liaising with local hospitals.
- Deliver genetic screening and counselling where appropriate, in conjunction with Consultant Geneticist.
- Support clinical decision-making independently and within the MDT.
MDT Preparation and Documentation
- Ensure all patients requiring review are listed for MDT meetings.
- Collate and present clinical data to the MDT in conjunction with Aortic Fellows and ACP Lead.
- Document MDT decisions on EPR and ensure timely implementation.
- Manage onward referrals and care pathways.
Audit, Data & Governance
- Contribute to accurate data collection in line with regional and national requirements.
- Lead and participate in audits and service evaluation.
- Support clinical governance and patient safety initiatives.
Education & Training
- Develop and deliver regional aortic dissection education sessions for acute trusts and emergency departments.
- Provide training for colleagues, patients, and carers.
- Act as a resource for clinical expertise across the Trust and wider network.
- Maintain own professional development.
Patient Engagement & Support
- Help coordinate patient engagement days and support initiatives.
- Refer patients to national charities for support and resources.
Research & Innovation
- Support recruitment into clinical trials.
- Participate in current and future research projects in collaboration with the University of Liverpool.
Professional
- Maintain and develop clinical expertise in aortic disease.
- Engage in CPD, supervision, and appraisal processes.
- Contribute to service redesign and innovation.
- Demonstrate excellent values and behaviours in line with Trust standards.
Managerial and Leadership
- Identify own development needs and set personal development objectives in discussion with reviewer.
- Take responsibility for own personal development and maintain a Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- Make effective use of learning opportunities and contribute to developing the workplace as a learning environment.
- Actively participate in continuing education programmes, including staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions, clinical supervision, and reflective practice.
- Undertake annual mandatory training updates and other relevant courses in line with Trust and local policies.
- Share responsibility for delivering training and development programmes for the multidisciplinary team, internally and externally.
- Identify and contribute to ongoing clinical and service developments to enhance quality care.
- Act as a role model, providing mentorship and/or clinical supervision to other staff and learners.
- Promote the service and disseminate good practice both internally and externally to the Trust.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of people, adapting to their level of understanding.
- Use communication skills to gain informed consent and be aware of barriers to effective communication.
- Assess capacity, gain valid informed consent, and work within legal frameworks for patients lacking capacity.
- Explore complex issues and make decisions that encourage effective participation.
- Communicate highly sensitive condition-related information empathetically and reassuringly.
- Receive and manage highly sensitive information concerning patients medical conditions.
- Adapt delivery of information using appropriate methods and environments, including breaking bad news and supporting patients with special needs.
- Provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching, and instruction to relatives, carers, and professionals.
- Maintain comprehensive and accurate assessment and treatment records in line with legal and directorate requirements.
- Communicate assessment and treatment results to appropriate disciplines via letters and reports.
- Ensure safeguarding concerns are managed and escalated appropriately in line with Trust policy, including MCA and DOLS considerations.
Planning and Organising
- Accept clinical responsibility for a diverse and often complex caseload of patients, including clinics, and organise and plan this efficiently and effectively regarding clinical priorities and use of time.
- Decide priorities for own work area, balancing patient-related and professional demands and ensuring that these remain in accordance with those of the service.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of Governance and Risk Management and apply to work situations.
- Attend staff meetings and participate in discussions concerning the running of the service.
- Actively contribute to and support agreed developments and directorate/Trust objectives.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will work closely with a wide range of professionals and stakeholders, including:
- Aortic surgeons (cardiac and vascular)
- Cardiologists, intensivists, anaesthetists
- Geneticists
- Radiologists and imaging cardiologists
- Advanced Care Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialist colleagues
- Administrative, audit, and data management staff
- Surgical ward staff
- University of Liverpool academic partners
- Referring hospitals across the UK
- Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust
- Aortic Dissection Awareness UK Charity
Clinical
- Attend ward rounds with Lead Aortic ACP and Aorto-Vascular Fellows, ensuring appropriate documentation on EPR.
- Manage acute patients in line with national and local protocols.
- Manage follow-up care for patients with acute and chronic aortic dissection, including outpatient clinic coordination.
- Provide specialist advice, education, and support to patients, families, and referring clinicians.
- Coordinate imaging and investigations, liaising with local hospitals.
- Deliver genetic screening and counselling where appropriate, in conjunction with Consultant Geneticist.
- Support clinical decision-making independently and within the MDT.
MDT Preparation and Documentation
- Ensure all patients requiring review are listed for MDT meetings.
- Collate and present clinical data to the MDT in conjunction with Aortic Fellows and ACP Lead.
- Document MDT decisions on EPR and ensure timely implementation.
- Manage onward referrals and care pathways.
Audit, Data & Governance
- Contribute to accurate data collection in line with regional and national requirements.
- Lead and participate in audits and service evaluation.
- Support clinical governance and patient safety initiatives.
Education & Training
- Develop and deliver regional aortic dissection education sessions for acute trusts and emergency departments.
- Provide training for colleagues, patients, and carers.
- Act as a resource for clinical expertise across the Trust and wider network.
- Maintain own professional development.
Patient Engagement & Support
- Help coordinate patient engagement days and support initiatives.
- Refer patients to national charities for support and resources.
Research & Innovation
- Support recruitment into clinical trials.
- Participate in current and future research projects in collaboration with the University of Liverpool.
Professional
- Maintain and develop clinical expertise in aortic disease.
- Engage in CPD, supervision, and appraisal processes.
- Contribute to service redesign and innovation.
- Demonstrate excellent values and behaviours in line with Trust standards.
Managerial and Leadership
- Identify own development needs and set personal development objectives in discussion with reviewer.
- Take responsibility for own personal development and maintain a Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- Make effective use of learning opportunities and contribute to developing the workplace as a learning environment.
- Actively participate in continuing education programmes, including staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions, clinical supervision, and reflective practice.
- Undertake annual mandatory training updates and other relevant courses in line with Trust and local policies.
- Share responsibility for delivering training and development programmes for the multidisciplinary team, internally and externally.
- Identify and contribute to ongoing clinical and service developments to enhance quality care.
- Act as a role model, providing mentorship and/or clinical supervision to other staff and learners.
- Promote the service and disseminate good practice both internally and externally to the Trust.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of people, adapting to their level of understanding.
- Use communication skills to gain informed consent and be aware of barriers to effective communication.
- Assess capacity, gain valid informed consent, and work within legal frameworks for patients lacking capacity.
- Explore complex issues and make decisions that encourage effective participation.
- Communicate highly sensitive condition-related information empathetically and reassuringly.
- Receive and manage highly sensitive information concerning patients medical conditions.
- Adapt delivery of information using appropriate methods and environments, including breaking bad news and supporting patients with special needs.
- Provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching, and instruction to relatives, carers, and professionals.
- Maintain comprehensive and accurate assessment and treatment records in line with legal and directorate requirements.
- Communicate assessment and treatment results to appropriate disciplines via letters and reports.
- Ensure safeguarding concerns are managed and escalated appropriately in line with Trust policy, including MCA and DOLS considerations.
Planning and Organising
- Accept clinical responsibility for a diverse and often complex caseload of patients, including clinics, and organise and plan this efficiently and effectively regarding clinical priorities and use of time.
- Decide priorities for own work area, balancing patient-related and professional demands and ensuring that these remain in accordance with those of the service.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of Governance and Risk Management and apply to work situations.
- Attend staff meetings and participate in discussions concerning the running of the service.
- Actively contribute to and support agreed developments and directorate/Trust objectives.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or Equivalent Experience
- Registered Nurse (NMC)
Desirable
- Post basic qualification in speciality
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 5 years post registration experience
- Evidence of professional/clinical knowledge within Aorto-vascular surgery/medicine.
- Evidence of involvement in teaching & mentoring learners
- Evidence of involvement in clinical audit or research.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Aortic dissection and aneurysm care.
- Awareness of the National Aortic Dissection Toolkit.
- Evidence of involvement in policy and practice change
- Evidence of experience in clinical examination
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work across professional and organisational boundaries.
- Strong organisational and coordination skills
- Computer literacy, IT and clinical data management skills.
Desirable
- Highly developed effective communication skills
- Excellent clinical reasoning / clinical decision making
- Ability to work independently in the clinic setting with distant consultant support
- Experience of a screening process/initiative
- Experience of Teaching and presentation skills
Values & Behaviours
Essential
- Adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the service in conjunction with other members of the team.
- Commitment to CPD and reflective practice.
- Positive role model.
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
- Compassionate and patient centred
Desirable
- Prepared to undertake additional training
- Demonstrated leadership qualities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or Equivalent Experience
- Registered Nurse (NMC)
Desirable
- Post basic qualification in speciality
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 5 years post registration experience
- Evidence of professional/clinical knowledge within Aorto-vascular surgery/medicine.
- Evidence of involvement in teaching & mentoring learners
- Evidence of involvement in clinical audit or research.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Aortic dissection and aneurysm care.
- Awareness of the National Aortic Dissection Toolkit.
- Evidence of involvement in policy and practice change
- Evidence of experience in clinical examination
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work across professional and organisational boundaries.
- Strong organisational and coordination skills
- Computer literacy, IT and clinical data management skills.
Desirable
- Highly developed effective communication skills
- Excellent clinical reasoning / clinical decision making
- Ability to work independently in the clinic setting with distant consultant support
- Experience of a screening process/initiative
- Experience of Teaching and presentation skills
Values & Behaviours
Essential
- Adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the service in conjunction with other members of the team.
- Commitment to CPD and reflective practice.
- Positive role model.
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
- Compassionate and patient centred
Desirable
- Prepared to undertake additional training
- Demonstrated leadership qualities.
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).
