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Job Title:

Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Specialist

Department:

Cardiology

Reports To:

Assistant Director of Nursing, Cardiology

Date:

2026

Overall Purpose of the Role

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides advanced, evidence-based nursing care, professional leadership, education, and coordination in developing and maintaining cardiac rehabilitation services within the hospital.

The post holder will take responsibility for assessing patients, creating tailored care plans, supporting patient and family education, and collaborating closely with the multidisciplinary team to optimise recovery and long-term outcomes.

The CNS will also contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based pathways and quality improvement initiatives to ensure the highest standards of patient care.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Work in partnership with the Assistant Director of Nursing and Head of Cardiology Services to lead, expand, and manage the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme in collaboration with physiotherapy.

• Deliver high-quality, patient-centred care and exercise autonomy in the assessment, planning, and management of patients in the cardiac rehabilitation setting.

• Provide education to patients and families regarding lifestyle changes, exercise, medication adherence, and dietary management to support cardiac health.

• Ensure that each patient receives an individualised care plan appropriate to their clinical needs.

• Act as a patient advocate at all stages of care delivery.

• Apply the nursing process to clinical practice, education, competency assessment, and service development.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation using relevant hospital information systems.

• Participate in ongoing audits, research, and quality improvement initiatives that align with departmental and organisational goals.

• Collect, analyse, and report clinical data to support continuous service review and improvement.

• Contribute to the annual cardiology education plan, strategic objectives, and quality management framework.

• Engage in staff education, act as a mentor for colleagues, and support the development of team competency.

• Demonstrate accountability for professional practice, working within defined scope and governance standards.

• Use resources efficiently and ensure timely delivery of patient care.

• Promote effective communication within the team, particularly in high-pressure situations.

• Support and participate in research, guideline development, and quality improvement projects, including accreditation processes.

• Take an active role in the Cardiology Clinical Nurse Specialist group and contribute to multidisciplinary education across the hospital.

• Provide cross-cover for other cardiology CNS roles (e.g., Heart Failure, Electrophysiology, Structural Cardiology) within scope of practice.

• Prepare and submit monthly service activity reports to the Head of Service.

Interrelationships

• Build effective working relationships with medical, nursing, and allied health colleagues, patients, families, and external agencies.

• Communicate effectively with Nurse Managers and the Nursing Supervisor as required.

• Delegate appropriately and maintain clear, professional communication.

• Demonstrate teamwork and willingness to support colleagues when needed.

Quality and Governance Responsibilities

Contribute to the hospital’s Total Quality Management processes by:

• Identifying and addressing quality, policy, and guideline issues.

• Reviewing and improving current practices against best practice standards.

• Setting and maintaining quality benchmarks using structure, process, and outcome indicators.

• Participating in hospital-wide and national audits.

• Supporting accreditation and health promotion initiatives.

Personal and Professional Responsibilities

• Attend all mandatory training sessions on time.

• Maintain an up-to-date professional portfolio.

• Represent the nursing profession and the hospital positively in all professional interactions.

• Identify and pursue relevant research and professional development opportunities.

• Participate in clinical teaching for patients, families, and staff.

• Attend study days, workshops, and relevant educational courses.

• Act as a preceptor and mentor to students and new staff members.

• Engage in regular performance reviews and take responsibility for ongoing learning and development.

Other Duties and Expectations

• Demonstrate effective time management and prioritisation skills.

• Maintain a professional appearance and comply with the hospital dress code.

• Adhere to attendance and punctuality guidelines.

• Attend staff meetings and stay informed through internal communications.

• Remain flexible and willing to be redeployed to other departments as service needs change.

• Always wear the approved staff identification badge.

This job description serves as a general guide to the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. The post holder may be required to undertake additional tasks relevant to the position following discussion with management.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registered General Nurse with a current NMBI licence (or equivalent).

• Postgraduate qualification in Cardiology or Cardiovascular Nursing.

• Advanced Health Assessment qualification desirable.

• Minimum of five years post-registration experience in an acute hospital environment.

• Experience in cardiac rehabilitation required.

• Evidence of ongoing professional education and development.

• Current ACLS/BLS certification.

Experience and Skills

• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate clinical policies and protocols.

• Strong leadership, communication, teaching, and problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Excellent documentation and record-keeping skills.

• Commitment to infection prevention and control standards.

• Proficient use of information systems and technology relevant to clinical care.

Competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in cardiology nursing within an acute care setting.

• Up-to-date knowledge of advances and national strategies in cardiac care.

• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.

• Strong communication and presentation abilities.

• Demonstrated planning, organisational, and time management skills.

• Flexibility with rostering and service requirements.

• Commitment to providing compassionate, respectful, and dignified patient care.

To know more contact Sonal Tikariha