Job Reference Number……SCO6-2235
Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies.
Please see below Job Description/Specification and General Conditions of Service.
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae,
Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net (quoting the
Post Reference Number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General
Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the
closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been
made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is
important that you check your emails regularly, including your spam/junk box.
This process takes approximately six weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted
regarding interview within six weeks of the closing date, your application has been
unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
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NHS TAYSIDE – AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1
JOB
IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Department(s)/Locati
on
Number of Job
Holders
2
Specialist Nephrology / Supportive Care
Nurse
Renal Service
1
JOB PURPOSE
As part of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will participate in the provision of an
integrated specialist service providing clinical expertise, information and support with
responsibility for the assessment of care needs, development, implementation and evaluation of
programmes of care for a defined caseload/client group and the provision of specialist advice to
healthcare professionals, other agencies, carers, clients and relatives for the renal service.
The post holder will contribute to setting standards of care and working collaboratively
across healthcare boundaries, developing, implementing, reviewing and evaluating evidence
based standards, guidelines and policies
ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Director of Nursing
Associate
Head of Nursing
Specialist Nephrology / Supportive Care Nurse ( this post )
Registered Nurses
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4
SCOPE AND RANGE
To lead the implementation and establishment of pre-dialysis / supportive care within an integrated renal service. Contribute to and participate in
practice developments e.g. implementation of individualised prescription haemodialysis.
To provide a high quality, safe and supportive environment in order to care for patients, clients,
carers, relatives and staff within the renal service and to meet identified care needs. The renal
service provides a regional service for patients and their families throughout Tayside and North
East Fife.
The post holder will be required to provide care/expert advice in the following types of
environment, for acute and chronic patients
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:Multi- disciplinary clinics
Nurse led clinics
Patients home; Residential homes; Nursing homes; Hospices
Wards / departments within NHS Tayside Hospitals
Haemodialysis Units within NHS Tayside Hospitals
Home Therapies Service
The post holder has responsibility for :
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Staff Management and Supervisory responsibilities :
Contribute and raise issues regarding workforce planning
Recruitment and selection of staff for own area.
Provide specialist advice within and outwith direct clinical area.
Provide clinical supervision and mentorship
Liase with other agencies including community nurses; doctors; PAMS; care managers;
specialist nurses and palliative care teams.
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Budgetary Responsibilities
Contribute to and influence effective use of physical, human and financial resource
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MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
 Care Delivery
1. Responsible for the management of a caseload/client group within an integrated renal
service, ensuring that care needs are assessed and programmes of care are developed,
implemented and evaluated in partnership with patients/carers/clients/relatives, for
patients whose needs may be predictable or unpredictable to ensure delivery of a high
standards of care.
2. Provide high level of specialised expert patient care in renal supportive care in the
community and hospital setting by exercising high levels of judgment and decisionmaking in clinical care.
3. Develop comprehensive specialised care programmes for a defined caseload e.g. patients
approaching end stage renal disease who will require renal replacement therapy and
those who choose conservative management of their illness, to meet physical and
psychosocial needs to enable people to develop effective coping mechanisms and self
care strategies to enhance quality of life.
4. Responsible for the prescription, monitoring and evaluation of individualised
haemodialysis treatments.
5. Demonstrates ability to develop ways of working to improve practice in the assessment
and development of care programmes
6. Establish, maintain and review systems to ensure effective communication with various
individuals and groups on complex and potentially stressful matters in a range of
situations.
7. Contribute to the development of systems that support and involve patients/client/
carers and relatives in the planning and delivery of individualised care
8. Ensure that standards for record keeping are maintained, reviewed on a regular basis in
order that the patient record is reflective of their current care needs and the delivery of
high quality evidence based care
9. Initiate ongoing referrals for further assessment, diagnostic tests and to other
professionals
10. Accept direct referrals to assess, plan deliver and evaluate care.
11. As part of a multi-disciplinary team manage and co-ordinate the patients journey from
point of referral through to commencement of treatment option and follow-up care
(within agreed policies and guidelines)
12. Effectively contribute to infection control policy and practice
13. Prescribe medicines within agreed clinical management plans to ensure safe, and timely
access to treatment.
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Management /Leadership
14. Contribute to the development and implementation of systems, which co-ordinate,
monitor, assess and prioritise workload ensuring that the interests of patients/clients are
met for defined caseload
15. Contributes to the effective use of physical, human and financial resources
16. Provide leadership and collaborate with multi-professional, multi-agency and all other
appropriate staff to enhance the healthcare experience for patients/clients
17. Participate in performance review and appraisal and devise a personal development plan
18. Lead and implement change in practice, initiate discussion and debate to influence,
implement and action quality improvement in practice
19. Contribute to effective teamwork and healthy working relationships, through consistent
and visible support within multi-disciplinary team
20. Contribute to implementation of local risk management and health and safety strategies
acting on any identified risks in accordance with local policy
21. Adopt a sensitive and positive approach to the review of complaints, learning from the
experience of users to improve healthcare experience
22. Influence and identify areas for implementation of nurse-led services, contribute to
implementation and evaluation of nurse-led services
23. Act as a role model to staff, support the development of vision, purpose and direction of
the area and be proactive in maintaining the motivation and morale of staff
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Education & Continuing Professional Development
23 Develop a personal/career development plan aimed at improving health care,
maintaining and developing attitudes, skills and knowledge, facilitating personal and
professional growth in order to meet service users, professional and individual needs
24 Identify, analyse, prioritise and negotiate own training and development needs taking
cognisance of mandatory training, physical, human and financial resources
25 Develop and deliver educational activities for patients/clients/carers/relatives and
healthcare professionals and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of educational
strategies used e.g. organisation and participation in patient information evenings.
26 Ensure standards for supervision and support are implemented, monitored and evaluated
to facilitate acquisition of skills required for patients/clients/carers/relatives to develop
effective coping mechanisms and self care strategies to enhance quality of life
27 Contribute to health promotion activity, in relation to health and wellbeing and the
actions that can be taken to address issues
28 Contribute to and influence the development of pre/post registration curriculum and
teaching multiprofessional/multi agency groups e.g. organisation, delivery and
evaluation of university renal fitness for practice module.
29 Act as a role model and expert resource for multiprofessional and multiagency groups
Quality/Research and Development
30 Demonstrate ability to lead on a specific aspect of research and contribute to and
participate in supporting ongoing research in nursing practice. Assist in the coordination of clinical drug trials. Lead on quality improvement initiative in clinical
practice e.g. pre-dialysis service audit, dialysis adequacy audit
31 Work within an ethical and legal framework, utilising defined policies, procedures,
standards and protocols of the department, organisation and NHS Tayside to promote
safe and effective evidence based practice and contribute to quality improvement
32 Lead on the development, implementation and evaluation of evidence based policies,
procedures and guidelines
33 Actively seek views of service users and carers to improve the health care experience for
individual
34 Influence and support implementation of the organisations Clinical Governance
framework
35 Contribute to the service redesign and modernisation programme
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5.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONISHIPS
Communicates continuously on routine, sensitive, highly complex and potentially
distressing matters e.g. chronic kidney disease process and prognosis; treatment choices and
impact on lifestyle; possibility of patient receiving renal replacement therapy / kidney
transplant/ conservative management/ palliative care. Communicates to a wide range of
health and social care workers, patients, families other relevant departments/agencies
utilising a wide range of media such as telephone, information technology, verbal and
written communications and overcomes any difficulties in communication with people
involved identifying, negotiating and ensuring appropriate actions are executed. e.g.
communicates directly to GP through clinic letters; member of national working groups i.e.
.SIGN and QIS, development of patient information materials and events.
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy when communicating with people.
Establish and maintain relationships based on mutual respect, communicating on a regular
basis with the patient/relatives/multidisciplinary team and external agencies involved in the
provision of care.
Establish and maintain networks and relationships with other professionals e.g. Scottish
Renal Association and
National Pre Dialysis Nurses Group.
6.
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Part 1 or 12 of the NMC register
Evidence of ongoing professional development, working towards degree or equivalent
experience (i.e portfolio of evidence)
Ideally should have extensive post registration within a relevant area, incorporating
expertise in renal nursing
Ability to lead practice, use own initiative and work effectively as part of a multiprofessional team.
Basic information technology skills.
7.
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT [
The Registered Nurse is expected to have the knowledge and skills necessary to use all equipment safely
in the area.
The Registered Nurse is responsible for ensuring that self and others have the knowledge
and skills to use, maintain and store equipment safely. Ensure that all staff adhere to local
policies and procedures and contribute to the development of local policies and procedures.
Information Technology
Central vision laboratory system
Literature Reviews
TOPAS
Word Processing
Database management
Report incidents via Adverse Incident Management System
Fax, internet, intranet, e-mail, paging systems
Clinical information system
Computer based Urea Kinetic Modelling programme ( Aids prescription of Haemodialysis
treatments)
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Manual Handling
Mechanical aids e.g. Hoists, ambulifts
General manual handling equipment e.g., Slide aids
Wheelchairs/walking aids
Infusion stands
Bedpans
Commodes
Pressure relieving equipment
Fire evacuation equipment
Renal replacement therapies equipment and supplies
Near Patient Testing
Blood Pressure monitoring
Blood glucose monitoring
Chemical Reagents
Pulse Oximetry
Cardiac Monitoring
Urinalysis
Blood clotting monitoring
Peritoneal fluid tests
Blood sampling
Medical Devices
Infusion Devices
Vascular access monitor
Examination equipment
Permanent and temporary central venous catheters
Peritoneal dialysis catheters
Renal replacement therapy machines and associated equipment
Treatments
Oxygen therapy
All types of renal replacement therapies
Basic life support
Intravenous therapy
Prescription of medicines
Prescription of haemodialysis treatments
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8.
ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical Skills:
Administer intravenous injections and or intra-muscular injections, syringe pumps and
infusions. (occasionally)
Insertion of venous access devises. (occasionally)
Blood sampling. ( several times a week)
Drug administration. (occasionally)
Fistula and graft cannulation. (infrequently)
Preparation, priming, connection and disconnection of all types of renal replacement therapy
machines. (infrequently)
Manipulation of cannula, lines, equipment in response to alarm states of renal replacement
therapy machines. (infrequently)
Provision of personal care to patient. (infrequently)
Physical Demands:
Driving to patients home/ care homes/ NHS Tayside Hospitals. (weekly)
Patient movement with use of mechanical aides, manoeuvre patients. (several times per week)
Push trolley’s, wheelchairs. (several times per week)
Sitting/working at computer. (daily)
Mental Demands:
Concentration required whilst delivering highly complex, sensitive and potentially distressing
information to patients/relatives/carers whilst subject to frequent interruptions from team
members. (many times per week)
Concentration required whilst delivering highly complex, sensitive and potentially distressing
information to patients/ relatives carers where there may be barriers to understanding e.g.
English not first language, sensory impaired, learning difficulties. (occasionally)
Concentration required when checking documents/patient notes and calculating drug
dosages / haemodialysis prescriptions, whilst subject to frequent interruptions from
patient/relatives/team members. ( daily)
Concentration required when observing patient behaviours which may be unpredictable.
(many times per week)
Concentration required when performing nurse led activities whilst subject to frequent
interruptions from members of staff, phone etc. (many times per day)
Concentration required when documenting and interpreting clinical observations and
responding to subtle physiological changes in patient condition. ( several times per week)
Concentration required when operating specialised renal equipment. (infrequently)
Challenging the values, beliefs and decisions of the multiprofessional team. (occasionally)
Balancing clinical and administrative demands on time. (daily)
Maintain high level and consistent professional behaviour in unpredictable and stressful
situations. (many times per week)
Ability to react swiftly and appropriately to sudden changes in patient clinical conditions.
(occasionally)
Keeping abreast of international, national and local policy directives and evidence based
practice, interpreting applicability and adapting for local implementation. ( ongoing)
Support senior management to motivate, enthuse and maintain morale of staff within an ever
changing environment. (ongoing)
Demonstrate strategic and political awareness responding to the rapidly changing health
care agenda. (ongoing)
Balancing attendance at local and national conventions whilst maintaining visibility and
accessibility in environment of care. (occasionally)
Concentration required while preparing and delivering oral presentations. (occasionally)
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Concentration required whilst monitoring standards and quality of clinical practice through
audit etc. (several times per week)
Emotional Demands:
Communicating with distressed/anxious/worried patients/relatives. (many times per week)
Caring for the terminally ill /conservative management patients. (occasionally)
Caring for patients following receipt of bad news. ( several times per week)
Dealing with patients with severely challenging behaviour. (occasionally)
Communicating with sensory impaired people (vision, hearing/voice etc). (occasionally)
Support patient with altered body image. ( weekly)
Managing aggressive patients/relatives. ( occasionally)
Care of patients with special needs e.g. learning disability. (occasionally)
Supporting patients awaiting diagnosis, recently diagnosed. ( many times per week)
Supporting/educating patients/relatives/carers to participate in the planning and provision of
care. ( many times per week)
Caring for patients with progressive disease and supporting their relatives. ( many times per
week)
Working Conditions:
Exposure to body fluids, i.e. cleaning up of urine and blood spillage. ( weekly)
Exposure to verbal aggression. (weekly)
Exposure to physical aggression. ( infrequently)
Exposure to infected and infectious materials and patients. (occasionally)
Temperature. (daily)
Lone working within a closed environment i.e. private room within ward or clinic consulting
room. (many times per week)
Lone working whilst visiting patients homes. (monthly)
RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public
records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other
electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS
Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with
any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.
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9.
DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The Registered Nurse will be responsible to the Senior Nurse/Manager for guidance and
professional management, work review and formal appraisal of performance.
The Registered Nurse has responsibility for standards and quality of clinical practice and
ongoing management of own client group.
The Registered Nurse has responsibility to reflect upon and review their own decisions in
relation to care management and the effectiveness of care programmes for their own client
group.
The Registered Nurse will be responsible for supporting and supervising
patients/clients/carers/relatives to reflect upon and review their decisions in relation to care
management and effectiveness of their care programmes.
10. MOST CHALLENGING / DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Communicating with and supporting patients who choose not to undergo lifesaving, renal
replacement therapy.
The unpredictable reaction of patients to the information given, regarding their disease,
prognosis and treatment options.
Effective management and prioritisation of competing demands within a specific field of
practice.
Balancing the demands of all stakeholders to provide an efficient, safe and effective
service.
11. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
The job description will need to be signed off using the attached sheet by each postholder to
whom the job description applies.
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Job Reference Number……SCO6-2235
Person Specification
POST REF NO:
D/JM/115/15
JOB TITLE/BAND:
Specialist Nephrology / Supportive Care Nurse - Band 7
LOCATION:
NHS Tayside – Renal Out-patient clinics, Ward 22
Ninewells Hospital, Ninewells Renal Dialysis Unit, PRI
Renal Dialysis Unit, Arbroath Infirmary Renal Dialysis Unit.
HOURS:
37.5 hours per week
CRITERIA
EXPERIENCE:
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE

Extensive post registration experience
within renal nursing.
Demonstrate expert clinical and
professional practice
Currently working at band 6 level.
First level Degree.
Registered General Nurse.
Evidence of continued professional
development.

Currently working at
band 7 level.

Clinical expertise, knowledge and
practical experience in renal nursing.
Ability to work calmly under pressure.
Excellent prioritisation, coordination of
workload and time management skills.
Leadership skills that promotes an
empowered and inspiring clinical working
environment.
Ability to work autonomously and part of
the multi professional team.
Demonstrates awareness and
participation in audit
Contemporary knowledge and
understanding of Infection control
practice.
Excellent communication skills.
Team player.
Professional and Personal integrity.
Effective role model.
Calm and objective in challenging
situations.

Working towards Msc
qualification.
Evidence of study in
Speciality.
Non medical
prescribing
qualification or
willingness to work
toward gaining
qualification.
Evidence of post
registration continuing
development.
Awareness of local,
organisational and
national policies,
drivers and agendas.
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KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
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PERSONAL
QUALITIES:
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Job Reference Number……SCO6-2235
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OTHER:
(eg travel across
Tayside)
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
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Personally and professionally mature.
Self aware and recognises own
limitations.
Personal and team motivational skills.
To cover clinics in P&K, Angus and
domiciliary visits; ability to travel across
NHS Tayside Locality.
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General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/JM/115/15
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
SPECIALIST NEPHROLOGY/SUPPORTIVE CARE NURSE,
BAND 7
LOCATION:
TAYSIDE RENAL SERVICE
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £31,383 to £41,373 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.15 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,828
£15,829 to £21,601
£21,602 to £27,089
£27,090 to £49,967
£49,968 to £71,337
£71,338 to £111,376
£111,377 and over
Annual Leave
Contribution
5.2%
5.8%
7.3%
9.5%
12.7%
13.7%
14.7%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for part-
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time staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
references.
Occupational Health
Clearance
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
The successful applicant will be required to become a member of
the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of
regulated work with protected adults and regulated work with
children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who does not
have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ You should have current and continuing professional registration
Induction Standards &
with NMC and hold the appropriate qualification(s).
Code of Conduct
Smoking Policy
NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking
is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Completed forms should be returned to:
Applications
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the
subject line or to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside,
Level 9, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of Friday 18th December 2015.
Once this decision has been made, all shortlisted applicants
will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is
important that you check your emails regularly, including your
spam/junk box.
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