Specialist Nurse

As a member of the PCPHS you will be responsible for carrying out physical health checks on service users who are currently registered as part of the SMI register. You will be an integral part of the enhanced primary care offer within the local area, where there will be opportunities for development and expansion., The PCPHS is responsible for improving the physical health monitoring of individuals with a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI) and/or learning disability in accordance with NICE Guidelines. We are also offering comprehensive health checks to people with a diagnosis of ASD, working closely with third party organisations who specialise in this area.

We have an exciting and rare opportunity for an experienced nurse (RMN, RNLD, RGN) to join the Primary Care Physical Health Service (PCPHS) in South Tyneside. It is essential that the post holder demonstrates an interest in working with long-term conditions.

The successful applicant will have knowledge of the safe management and treatment of physical and mental health conditions, using evidence based therapeutic interventions. They will possess excellent assessment skills, to support mental health review, and future care planning and or signposting to meet the changing needs of services users including accessing specialist service when required. They should have an interest in expanding their knowledge and skills, in particular working with people with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or learning disabilities and/or SMI

It is well recognised that people within these population groups have a far lower life expectancy than those in the general population (15-20 years for SMI and 20+ years lower for learning disabilities), often due to avoidable physical health conditions. This is due to a number of factors including poor access to health services, poor lifestyle choices and side effects to psychotropic medication., You will provide clinical supervision to members of the team, and provide a level of mental health expertise within the wider team. Excellent communication skills are essential as it the ability to adjust your approach and interventions accordingly.

We are looking for applications from candidates who have a range of clinical expertise with a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between physical health and mental health. The ideal candidate will be proactive and dynamic with evidence of leadership and an interest in the expansion and development of pathways.

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.