Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The purpose of this role is to support the provision of Epilepsy Specialist Services within the Trust. The postholder will provide direct expert nursing care and work collaboratively with healthcare professionals across primary, secondary, and tertiary care, voluntary organisations, and other agencies. Education, audit, and research are essential components of this role.

Expert Clinical Care

• Participate as an active member of the Neurology Nursing Team, being accountable for your own practice and role-modelling the highest standards of care.

• Support the development and delivery of an accessible, responsive, and user-friendly specialist nursing service for people with epilepsy throughout the course of their illness, from investigation to palliative care.

• Contribute to the assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of care for epilepsy patients admitted to either hospital site in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols.

• Initiate appropriate emergency treatment when required and support the coordination of staff to ensure a prompt and effective response.

• Work within and monitor the team’s adherence to medicines management policy, ensuring safe ordering, storage, and administration of medications.

• Develop the knowledge of people with epilepsy, their carers, and healthcare professionals regarding epilepsy management and associated symptoms.

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate care plans for patients, referring to members of the multidisciplinary team as necessary.

• Advise the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and GP services on appropriate symptom management strategies.

• Conduct annual reviews and complete epilepsy care plans for people with epilepsy.

• Facilitate early recognition of problems and initiate preventive measures to maintain good health and reduce the need for emergency interventions and unplanned admissions.

Communication and Team Working

• Use advanced communication skills to overcome barriers to understanding for all service users.

• Communicate proactively with staff regarding the clinical condition and treatment plans of patients with epilepsy, ensuring accurate records are maintained.

• Involve patients, relatives, and carers in treatment and care planning, promoting independence and self-management.

• Liaise effectively with colleagues and external agencies, including the voluntary sector, to enhance service delivery.

Education, Training, and Service Development

• Support and help improve existing epilepsy nurse-led clinics, providing patients and carers with information and support about epilepsy and its symptoms.

• Provide clinical advice and supervision to staff, promoting evidence-based practice and risk reduction.

• Participate in training and supervision of new staff, pre-registered nurses, and students.

• Support the review of national policy and guidelines, ensuring local compliance and best practice in epilepsy care.

• Identify personal and professional development needs and participate in appraisal, education, and training programmes.

• Support the teaching and education of healthcare professionals within the Trust and across the BLMK region.

• Establish links with other epilepsy nurse specialists and networks to share best practice.

Research, Audit, and Governance

• Contribute to and participate in clinical and nursing audits.

• Support research and quality improvement within the Neurology Department.

• Assist in the preparation for internal and external audits or inspections.

• Support the development and review of clinical guidelines and protocols in line with national recommendations.