Become an expert today
Join us as a nurse practitoner in Therapeutic Apheresis Services and help save and enhance people’s lives on a daily basis
I love my role; I am now a highly skilled apheresis practitioner, utilising clinical skills daily whilst also being given the opportunity to cultivate leadership and managerial skills– it’s the perfect balance for a Band 6 nursing role
Rebekah Burnham
Nurse Practitioner – Therapeutic Apheresis Services
The Therapeutic Apheresis Services (TAS) deliver a range of apheresis treatments to adults and children with diseases across a range of clinical specialities. Apheresis is a procedure which involves removing, collecting or exchanging components of the blood from patients or donors using cell separator technology. Treatments carried out by TAS include plasma exchange, red cell exchange, extra corporeal photopheresis, stem cell harvest, low density lipid removal, platelet and white cell depletion.
No two days are ever the same
As a nurse practitioner in TAS, I work in a team of six nurses at St James’ Hospital in Leeds. We have other TAS units located in hospitals across the country, and each unit will provide treatments to hospitals within their region. This means there’s lots of opportunity for travel to alternate hospitals and in turn, meet other incredible medical professionals. This has been really beneficial for my development to both understanding about the wider NHS and different specialities.
Our team works closely with the lead nurse to provide all aspects of clinical care for patients however, as part of the role, you are responsible for the daily coordination of the TAS unit; from managing patient allocation, managing new referrals, right down to auditing! This variation is one of the numerous reasons I love my role; I am now a highly skilled apheresis practitioner utilising clinical skills daily whilst also being given the opportunity to cultivate leadership and managerial skills– it’s the perfect balance for a Band 6 nursing role.
Before joining NHS Blood and Transplant, I had worked in surgery and intensive care for three years after qualifying as a registered nurse. I was looking for a new challenge, and one that would utilize my leadership experience. The specialised nature of TAS and the autonomy the role requires provided me with just that. NMC registration is essential, as is experience of mentoring and daily clinical/ward management; it’s a great role for any registered nurse who’s looking to develop their clinical and leadership skills in a unique, specialised area. Previous apheresis or paediatric experience is not essential as full in house training is provided.
There’s real culture of continuous improvement
Throughout my 18 months in the role, it has been clear that NHSBT understands the importance of not just developing clinical skills, but leadership and professional skills too. I recently had the opportunity to present about red cell exchange at the Sickle Cell Transfusion Committee Conference. The conference was attended by many health care professionals, and is an opportunity that I just wouldn’t have had without this role in NHSBT.
Do you have what it takes to join our team?
Our people don’t just enjoy coming to work, they are keen to develop their careers, and that’s something we’re determined to continue. We’re all working towards the shared goal of saving and improving lives, but the way we do our work gives us an edge. We’re proud of the supportive culture we’ve built within our teams; from friendly and inclusive workplaces, to offering you extensive training and development opportunities – we’re committed to helping our people succeed.
Of course, our flexible working hours, competitive benefits package and 27 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays) are of importance too!