Visa sponsorshipHome Office sponsor register · Skilled Worker route
This role is listed by an employer that holds a live Home Office sponsor licence on the Skilled Worker route.
Salary for this role£39,959 – £48,117 a year
Health and Care route minimum£25,000 a year
Pay basisNational pay scales (NHS bands)
This occupation falls under the Health and Care Worker route. Salaries set by national pay scales (NHS bands) at or above the relevant band rate typically meet the occupation's requirement.
Closest occupation match: SOC 2233, Registered specialist nurses. Pay for this occupation is set by national pay scales (NHS bands), so no single Home Office going rate applies.
Individual eligibility depends on personal circumstances. These figures are public reference information, not advice or a verdict on this job.
Role description
Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Specialist Nurse within the
Rheumatology speciality. Based in the Outpatient Department at Sunderland Royal
Hospital, the Rheumatology Unit is exceptionally busy, with clinics held daily.
This post may require cross-site and off-site working to meet service demands.
We are seeking a caring and committed Rheumatology Specialist Nurse who is
able to work effectively in a demanding and fast-paced environment, to join our
established team of dedicated professionals.
The multidisciplinary team comprises 8 consultants, 5 specialist nurses, 6
healthcare assistants, 2 specialist physiotherapists, 1 specialist pharmacist,
and a specialist occupational therapist.
Main duties of the job
Rheumatology is a rapidly evolving speciality, with significant advances in
the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis,
and ankylosing spondylitis in recent years. These developments have contributed
to an increase in service demand.
The role will support the existing Rheumatology Nurse Specialist team in
delivering patient education and support, drug monitoring, advice line support,
and patient assessment. The successful candidate will be supported to utilise
their existing skills while developing the additional competencies required to
work within rheumatology, ensuring the delivery of safe and high-quality
patient care. The RCN Rheumatology Nursing Framework will be used to guide
development and ensure all aspects of practice are appropriately addressed.
The Rheumatology service is research-active and contributes to studies aimed
at improving patient outcomes and care. Nurse-led clinics will form a
significant part of the role following successful completion of the training
period. Strong communication and listening skills are essential, with a focus
on delivering a positive patient experience and maintaining high levels of
patient satisfaction.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI,
and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we
may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Details
Date posted
21 October 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 a year
PRO RATA
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
C9155-MDNM-1026-24
Job locations
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Kayll Road
Sunderland
SR4 7TP
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
Specialist Nurse - Band 6 20 Hours Per Week
A specialist nurse is defined as a qualified nurse whose primary role is to provide care,
guidance and support which is based on an advanced level of knowledge to patients, carers
and health professionals concerning a specific disease/condition.
The specialist nurse will:
Work as part of the multidisciplinary team working under the direction of line
manager/Matron.
Continue to develop advanced knowledge and skills within the specialist sphere of
practice.
Support with the planning, delivery and evaluation of care pathways for a designated
group of patients under the direction of the line manager/Matron.
Support the development of nursing practice within the specialist field through the
use of evidence based practice and in line with agreed national standards, and
contribute to the body of nursing knowledge.
Work as an autonomous practitioner within their sphere of practice.
Continuously improve clinical standards in line with clinical governance framework.
Exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code.
Contribute to training and education within the specialist area.
Provide specialist clinical advice and support to patients and clinical staff within the
Trust on the management and care of patients within the specialist area.
Provide direct access for patients, either face to face or telephone consultation
Represent the service nationwide in the absence of the line manager/Matron.
Play a key role in ensuring that national and local standards/targets for the specialist
area are met.
FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Current 1st level NMC registration
Degree in nursing studies or relevant clinical degree or evidence that
currently working towards this (UK equivalent)
Mentorship certificate/Practice Assessor training or demonstrable
equivalent experience
Clinical skills accreditation or willingness to complete within 12 months are staring in post
Desirable
Leadership and Management Course
Basic knowledge of financial management
Non-medical prescribing or willingness to complete
Experience
Essential
Experience of care delivery
Experience of the specialism, which would normally be gained
through working at Band 5
Evidence of leading a team
Evidence of leading innovation in practice
Evidence of leading change management
Evidence of practice development
Desirable
Experience of coordinating care for a caseload of patients
Budget Management
Participation in recruitment and selection process
Current Rheumatology experience
Experience in conducting research and critiquing clinical evidence
Experience in implementing quality frameworks
Physical skills
Essential
Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling
Policy.
Carrying teaching equipment such as laptop, stationary etc.
Manual dexterity and up to date working knowledge of equipment e.g.
syringe drivers, infusion pumps etc
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
Basic IT skills
Understanding of contemporary nursing issues
Evidence of continuous professional development
Knowledge of how to facilitate learning
Leadership skills
Knowledge of current professional and clinical governance issues
Knowledge of research and clinical audit
Knowledge and experience of handling complex relationships and
interpersonal dynamics
Venepuncture, cannulation and IV drug administration
Proven interpersonal skills
Practice assessor / practice assessor skills
Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post
Time management
Ability to assess, deliver, evaluate and benchmark quality care
Desirable
Qualification in specialty Resource management skills
Counselling and appraisal skills
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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.
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.
Interested? Apply while it's open.Closes 4 November · South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has 14 other sponsored roles if this one goes.
.png){kind=logo}
