A Respiratory Nurse Specialist in a Primary Care Network (PCN) plays a pivotal role in managing and improving respiratory health within the community. They provide expert care for patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments, supporting diagnosis (e.g., spirometry), and creating individualized management plans.
They lead on patient education, empowering individuals to self-manage their conditions through advice on medication adherence, inhaler techniques, and lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation. They collaborate with GPs, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to care.
These specialists also drive quality improvement initiatives, such as auditing respiratory care within the PCN, implementing evidence-based guidelines, and leading on staff training. They may run clinics, manage exacerbations, and provide follow-up care, reducing hospital admissions and improving patient outcomes.
Ultimately, their role ensures a proactive and preventative approach to respiratory health, enhancing both individual well-being and community health outcomes.
Main duties of the job
Patient Assessment:
Conduct comprehensive evaluations for patients with respiratory conditions. Support Diagnosis:
Perform and interpret diagnostic tests, including spirometry. Care Planning:
Develop and implement individualized management plans. Patient Education:
Teach patients about medication use, inhaler techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Smoking Cessation Support:
Provide advice and resources for smoking cessation. Clinical Management:
Manage acute exacerbations and provide follow-up care. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
Work with GPs, pharmacists, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care. Training and Education:
Train primary care staff in respiratory care and guideline updates. Quality Improvement:
Lead audits, implement best practices, and improve respiratory services. Community Engagement:
Promote respiratory health and preventative measures in the PCN. About us
The Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network (PCN) is located in West Dorset. It comprises three member practices, including Ammonite Health Partnership, Barton House and Lyme Bay Medical, working together to enhance patient care in the region. Serving a predominantly rural area, the PCN focuses on delivering integrated and accessible healthcare services to its community. Our vision emphasizes a joined-up care system, ensuring timely and effective access to necessary services. To achieve this, we concentrate on four key themes: Prevention, Supported Self-Management, Education and Empowerment, and New Models of Care. By fostering collaboration among healthcare providers and focusing on patient-centred approaches, Jurassic Coast PCN aims to improve health outcomes and enhance the well-being of its community members. Job responsibilities
To provide expert care and management for patients with respiratory diseases within the community and primary care settings. The postholder will lead in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based care for individuals with acute and chronic respiratory conditions, fostering high standards of practice and promoting patient-centred care. Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
Act as a clinical expert in the management of respiratory conditions, including COPD, asthma, and other complex respiratory diseases. Lead respiratory clinics, providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plans. Support primary care teams in delivering spirometry, FeNO testing, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Facilitate seamless care pathways across primary, secondary, and community services. Provide home visits for patients during exacerbations and post-hospital discharge. Education and Training
Deliver education sessions for healthcare professionals, patients, and carers. Mentor and supervise Band 6 respiratory nurses and other team members. Participate in the training of practice nurses in spirometry and respiratory reviews. Research and Audit
Promote evidence-based practice through active participation in research and audit projects. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of care pathways and interventions. Lead quality improvement initiatives related to respiratory care. Service Development
Contribute to the development of respiratory services, ensuring alignment with local and national guidelines. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and represent the respiratory service in strategic planning discussions. Support the establishment of a diagnostic hub for spirometry and FeNO testing. Patient-Centered Care
Empower patients to manage their health through education and self-management plans. Coordinate care plans in collaboration with patients, carers, and multidisciplinary teams. Ensure the psychological and emotional needs of patients are addressed compassionately. Review Clause This job description is subject to periodic review to meet the evolving needs of the service. The postholder will be consulted on any changes and will be expected to adapt to reasonable modifications in duties. Person Specification
Experience
Experience in managing a caseload of patients with respiratory conditions. Competency in spirometry and FeNO testing. Experience in delivering virtual clinics and/or group consultations. Familiarity with home oxygen therapy and nebuliser assessments. Research or quality improvement project experience. Skills and Knowledge
Strong leadership and mentoring skills. Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Proficiency in using clinical systems (e.g., SystmOne) for patient documentation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Commitment to continuing professional development. Professional and Governance Expectations
Adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant regulations. Maintain confidentiality and uphold the highest standards of care and integrity. Participate in regular appraisal, supervision, and mandatory training programs. Qualifications
Registered Nurse with valid NMC Pin. Postgraduate qualification in respiratory care (e.g., COPD or asthma diplomas). Independent prescribing qualification or commitment to completing this training. ARTP accreditation in Spirometry or willingness to achieve this certification. Working Conditions
Flexible working across various community and primary care settings. Regular exposure to emotionally sensitive situations and complex family dynamics. Requirement to travel within the locality with access to a vehicle. 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. £46,148 to £52,809 a year depending on experience.
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Patient Assessment:
Conduct comprehensive evaluations for patients with respiratory conditions. Support Diagnosis:
Perform and interpret diagnostic tests, including spirometry. Care Planning:
Develop and implement individualized management plans. Patient Education:
Teach patients about medication use, inhaler techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Smoking Cessation Support:
Provide advice and resources for smoking cessation. Clinical Management:
Manage acute exacerbations and provide follow-up care. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
Work with GPs, pharmacists, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care. Training and Education:
Train primary care staff in respiratory care and guideline updates. Quality Improvement:
Lead audits, implement best practices, and improve respiratory services. Community Engagement:
Promote respiratory health and preventative measures in the PCN. About us
The Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network (PCN) is located in West Dorset. It comprises three member practices, including Ammonite Health Partnership, Barton House and Lyme Bay Medical, working together to enhance patient care in the region. Serving a predominantly rural area, the PCN focuses on delivering integrated and accessible healthcare services to its community. Our vision emphasizes a joined-up care system, ensuring timely and effective access to necessary services. To achieve this, we concentrate on four key themes: Prevention, Supported Self-Management, Education and Empowerment, and New Models of Care. By fostering collaboration among healthcare providers and focusing on patient-centred approaches, Jurassic Coast PCN aims to improve health outcomes and enhance the well-being of its community members. Job responsibilities
To provide expert care and management for patients with respiratory diseases within the community and primary care settings. The postholder will lead in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based care for individuals with acute and chronic respiratory conditions, fostering high standards of practice and promoting patient-centred care. Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
Act as a clinical expert in the management of respiratory conditions, including COPD, asthma, and other complex respiratory diseases. Lead respiratory clinics, providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plans. Support primary care teams in delivering spirometry, FeNO testing, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Facilitate seamless care pathways across primary, secondary, and community services. Provide home visits for patients during exacerbations and post-hospital discharge. Education and Training
Deliver education sessions for healthcare professionals, patients, and carers. Mentor and supervise Band 6 respiratory nurses and other team members. Participate in the training of practice nurses in spirometry and respiratory reviews. Research and Audit
Promote evidence-based practice through active participation in research and audit projects. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of care pathways and interventions. Lead quality improvement initiatives related to respiratory care. Service Development
Contribute to the development of respiratory services, ensuring alignment with local and national guidelines. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and represent the respiratory service in strategic planning discussions. Support the establishment of a diagnostic hub for spirometry and FeNO testing. Patient-Centered Care
Empower patients to manage their health through education and self-management plans. Coordinate care plans in collaboration with patients, carers, and multidisciplinary teams. Ensure the psychological and emotional needs of patients are addressed compassionately. Review Clause This job description is subject to periodic review to meet the evolving needs of the service. The postholder will be consulted on any changes and will be expected to adapt to reasonable modifications in duties. Person Specification
Experience
Experience in managing a caseload of patients with respiratory conditions. Competency in spirometry and FeNO testing. Experience in delivering virtual clinics and/or group consultations. Familiarity with home oxygen therapy and nebuliser assessments. Research or quality improvement project experience. Skills and Knowledge
Strong leadership and mentoring skills. Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Proficiency in using clinical systems (e.g., SystmOne) for patient documentation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Commitment to continuing professional development. Professional and Governance Expectations
Adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant regulations. Maintain confidentiality and uphold the highest standards of care and integrity. Participate in regular appraisal, supervision, and mandatory training programs. Qualifications
Registered Nurse with valid NMC Pin. Postgraduate qualification in respiratory care (e.g., COPD or asthma diplomas). Independent prescribing qualification or commitment to completing this training. ARTP accreditation in Spirometry or willingness to achieve this certification. Working Conditions
Flexible working across various community and primary care settings. Regular exposure to emotionally sensitive situations and complex family dynamics. Requirement to travel within the locality with access to a vehicle. 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. £46,148 to £52,809 a year depending on experience.
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