We are seeking confident, motivated Registered Nurses (RNs) to join our Rheumatology Service and play an active role in the ongoing integration and transformation of a wider, joined-up Somerset service. The service operates across Somerset, and successful applicants will be required to travel to clinics held at various hospital sites. Therefore, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
Working alongside the Lead Rheumatology Specialist Nurse and multidisciplinary team members, the post holder will provide specialist nursing care and support for patients with inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue diseases across Somerset Foundation Trust
The role involves working independently and collaboratively in both hospital and community settings to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available. These positions have been created to strengthen and expand an established and supportive team. Comprehensive training and guidance will be provided by the Rheumatology Specialist Nursing Team and the wider multidisciplinary team, enabling successful candidates to develop specialist knowledge and skills. Opportunities for external study and professional development will also be available where appropriate.
Key responsibilities include assessing and supporting patients from diagnosis through treatment, providing education and advice to patients, families and healthcare professionals, discussing treatment options to support informed decision‑making, coordinating care across services, acting as a patient advocate, and ensuring timely delivery of care in line with NICE guidelines.
- Support the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care for patients with rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and connective tissue diseases.
- Provide patient education and advice on disease management, medications, lifestyle changes and self‑management strategies.
- Monitor patients receiving disease-modifying anti‑rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic therapies, ensuring appropriate safety checks and follow‑up.
- Assist with specialist nurse‑led clinics, patient reviews and telephone advice services under supervision.
- Recognise and elevate changes in patient condition, concerns regarding treatment effectiveness, or potential medication side effects.
- Coordinate care with multidisciplinary team members, including consultants, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and primary care services.
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation and contribute to service audits, quality improvement initiatives and data collection.
- Promote high standards of patient‑centred care while developing specialist rheumatology knowledge and skills.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we’re committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you’ll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away – and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it’s a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all – the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Qualifications
Hold an appropriate professional qualification recognised by the Royal College of Nursing E.g., RGN, Diploma in Nursing
Current NMC registration
Minimum 3 years post registration as Band 5 RGN. Evidence of up to date CPD
IT skill including a working knowledge of Microsoft office suite.
Car driving required as a core requisite for the post, commute to peripheral units during working hours for clinical commitments
- Knowledge of Rheumatology and/or long-term conditions.
- Knowledge and understanding of blood results
Experience
- Previous NHS experience (minimum 3 years)
- Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
- Ability to be able to cope with challenging behaviour and apply the appropriate management strategies.
Administration of SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy) drugs.
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.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
For help with your application, contact:
Rebecca.Rowland-axe@somersetft.nhs.uk
01935383022
Band
Band 6
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-Time, Full-Time
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