Hepatology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

• The Hepatology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role requires practice that is informed by higher levels of judgement, decision-making and discretion.
• The Hepatology CNS will work as part of the multidisciplinary team, using clinical, communication and interpersonal skills to identify the needs of patients to ensure a co-ordinated quality service and will be actively involved in education, audit, and research.
• The Hepatology CNS will work as an integral member of the hepatology team providing specialist nursing advice and support to patients and families from the time of diagnosis and throughout care.
• The Hepatology CNS role involves demonstrating leadership, education, and management to ensure a seamless service for patients, carers, and staff.
• The Hepatology CNS will be responsible for the duties of a clinical nurse specialist, including facilitating face-to-face and telephone clinics and remote surveillance of patients.
• The Hepatology CNS will continue to develop, implement, monitor, and review standards/policies and guidelines.
• The Hepatology CNS will aim to undertake paracentesis after appropriate training.

Main duties of the job

• Run independent nurse led clinics for patients being assessed for liver transplantation and post-transplant surveillance.
• Streamline the service to ensure transplant patients can access prompt imaging and follow-up, and ensure that imaging is coordinated such that transplant work up is achieved in a timely manner.
• Co-ordinate and manage an independent nurse led clinic for the viral hepatitis B patient cohort using the existing model of FibroScan support.
• Liaise with UBHW for the care of NBT patients with hepatitis C undertaking viral
• Aim to complete a non-medical prescribing (NMP) course within the first year of CNS role.
• Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, in accordance with evidence-based practice, national protocols, legislation (non-medical prescriber or under Patient Group Directions) and within scope of practice.
• Undertake an IRMA course at NBT within 12 months of starting the post, to request relevant imaging.
• To undertake FibroScans.
• Demonstrate the pathways and data collection from clinics and innovations for audit and service development.
• Participate in regional and national training and updates within their field and be an active participant in relevant associations such as BASL BLNS and BSG.
• Outpatient paracentesis service: with support the CNS should aim to undertake paracentesis for outpatient patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The hepatology CNS will provide liaison between NBT, Kings College Hospital and other transplant centres. To coordinate the transplant assessment pathway, coordinating the necessary investigations in a timely and efficient manner. The successful applicant will work with the NBT MDT to identify potential liver transplant candidates and support the patient through the listing process up to the time of transplantation.  Once listed the applicant will coordinate care both pre- and post-transplant.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details