Applications are invited for the post of Clinical Pain Nurse Specialist with the Centre for Active Lifestyle Management (CALM) service. This is a part-time post (0.4 WTE) based at University Hospital Lewisham, London and involves working with patients with chronic pain as part of a multi-professional team. This role would suit a nurse specialist with experience in chronic pain & /or palliative care. The CALM service was established in 2009 and has a small but dedicated team comprising a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Physiotherapy Specialist, Pain Nurse Specialist, Assistant Psychologist and an Administrator (all 0.4 WTE) as well as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Specialist (0.2 WTE). It aims to improve the quality of life of adult patients with chronic pain, helping them achieve their optimal level of function and self-reliance in managing pain through a programme of psychologically informed education and guided practice.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Clinical Pain Nurse Specialist is to work individually and jointly with other members of the CALM team to help patients develop their understanding of chronic pain as well as their knowledge of evidence-based coping strategies to help them improve their quality of life. The Clinical Pain Nurse Specialist will lead on the medication issues relating to chronic pain, advising and supporting patients in optimising and reducing their pain medication as appropriate. They will also be involved in the delivery of the group pain management programme as well as undertaking individual and joint work with patients as required

This is an interesting and rewarding job, with the opportunity to work with supportive colleagues. The service encourages innovation and research as it strives to develop new and engaging ways to support patients with chronic pain.

About us

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development

Widening access (anchor institution) and employability

Improving the experience of staff with disability

Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development

Making equalities mainstream

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide a high-quality, advanced, expert nursing and cost-effective service to patients referred to the Centre for Active Lifestyle Management (CALM) Service. This comprises a multi-professional team (Psychology, Physiotherapy and Nursing) who work with patients with chronic pain to help them improve their quality of life.

The role of the Chronic Pain Nurse Specialist is to be an important member of the multi-professional team which takes a holistic approach to chronic pain, helping patients to develop coping strategies to manage the physical, psychological and social problems it causes. In addition, the Chronic Pain Nurse Specialist in the CALM Service is to provide expert advice on optimising medications used for chronic pain, as well as medical interventions, in order to help patients to make informed decisions about their care

The Division aims to provide an environment conducive to the on-going development of all staff and advancements in the quality of the service by ensuring provision of a high standard of training, teaching and clinical care.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist will be an advanced and experienced practitioner within the field of chronic pain and they will be expected to provide clinical support, working independently or assisting with multi-professional interventions in which full training has been undertaken based on clinical practice standards.

The role of Clinical Nurse Specialist requires a high degree of personal and professional autonomy in making clinical judgements. Taking sole and joint responsibility as appropriate for patients during their time in the care of the CALM service to ensure a successful patient-based outcome, which will require assessment, planning and implementation of treatment.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist will be required to give advice and guidance to other health professionals regarding chronic pain interventions and clinical practice.

They will be responsible for the nursing leadership within the CALM service, giving support and guidance within the multidisciplinary team and contributing to the high-quality care given to patients in accordance with clinical governance. The postholder will ensure the delivery and expansion of an expert and advanced nursing service through effective interdisciplinary care, utilising clinical and managerial expertise. This will include a review of the effectiveness of treatments offered.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• MSc level learning o RN / RM - Part 1 o Relevant specialist course or similar
• Mentorship course (supervising and assessing) o Advanced training/skills in chronic pain
• In-depth knowledge of anatomy related to chronic pain o Knowledge of conditions, management and treatment

Desirable

• knowledge of quality standards o Counselling course o Non-Medical Prescribing

Experience

Essential

• Senior clinical experience within chronic pain o Experience in Practice Guideline Development
• Audit and Research Experience o Evidence of clinical leadership qualities o Ability to prioritise and organise workload
• Evidence of using primary and secondary healthcare teams and resources
• Ability to clinically lead and direct staff

Desirable

• Lead an audit and/or research study o Presentation and publishing experience o Caseload management o Leading a service

Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledge of NICE and professional guidelines on chronic pain
• Knowledge of medical interventions and medications recommended for chronic pain
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Counselling skills
• Computer Skills
• Ability to conduct own project successfully and follow them through

Desirable

• Change management
• Statistics and report writing

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Maturity and self-awareness
• Flexible and positive approach to work
• Evidence of clinical leadership qualities
• Creative, lateral thinker
• Sensitivity based on knowledge
• Enthusiasm and motivation
• Commitment to nursing

Employer details

Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Lewisham

Lewisham High Street

London

SE13 6LH

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

197-LC5984-A