Job responsibilities
PRACTICE NURSE - JOB DESCRIPTION
ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS.
Managerially Accountable to: Business
Manager/Assistant
Practice Manager
Clinically Accountable to: GP Partners
Professionally accountable to: GP Partners & NMC
JOB PURPOSE
The practice nurse will undertake a range of nursing procedures and
provide appropriate care/treatment in conjunction with GPs, and Practice Nurses
or independently as appropriate for the need and according to practice policy,
protocols. The practice nurse will strive to improve standards of care, be
involved in identifying practice population needs and enhance nursing services
within the Practice. Chronic Disease management will form part of the role as
well as the mentoring of the Health Care Assistant. Knowledge of the GMS/PMS
contract, eg The Quality and Outcomes Framework, is a vital element of the
post. Practice Nurses are encouraged and supported to undertake any further
training required to ensure appropriate role development.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional
Responsibilities
Assist GPs to help deliver effective implementation
of management of patients with chronic diseases as detailed by the Quality and
Outcomes framework.
Contribute to the development of policies/protocols/guidelines
within the practice.
Aid the
practice team with implementation of new initiatives in the delivery of chronic
disease management services.
Formulate
reports as required for the Practice Manager.
Support the
implementation of evidence-based guidelines in conjunction with the practice
nursing team.
Encourage the
development of integrated services within Primary Care to include integrated
practice based teams and multidisciplinary working.
Promote the
continuing professional development of yourself and other Nurses and HCAs
within the Practice.
Recognise the
opportunities for working in partnership with the Primary Health care Team.
Participate in an annual appraisal.
Leadership
Provide professional and managerial support to the
Health Care Assistant and review and monitoring of patients within primary
care.
Offer guidance and support to the Health Care Assistant
to improve standards of care if needed.
Participate in chronic disease management within
the practice and provide practical assistance and professional advice to
achieve minimum standards of care.
Provide clinical input where required alongside the
GPs to assist in skill development and sharing of best practice.
Delegate to others, with appropriate skills,
knowledge and competence.
Act as a resource to the general public, patients
within the health care system and their families, carers and various healthcare
professionals.
Clinical
Work alongside the Health Care Assistant to help
develop their skills.
Support the practice in achieving quality
indicators and targets of the GMS contract and any relevant National Service
Frameworks.
Undertake opportunistic screening when clinically
required.
Perform ECGs and 24 Hour BP Monitoring.
Undertake
wound care/management/dressing techniques.
Carry out ear
examination and syringing, following appropriate training and assessment.
Perform
cervical screening and promote breast awareness - following appropriate
training.
Administer
adult and paediatric injections/immunisations under an individualised
prescription or Patient Group Direction, ensuring safe storage, rotation and
disposal of vaccines and drugs.
Undertake
accredited training in specific chronic disease management as or if required eg
diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension, CHD etc. following appropriate training.
Contribute to
the maintenance of the practice diseases registers.
Provide advice on lifestyle issues, assist and
support patients in changing their unhealthy behaviours and refer appropriately.
Delivers travel
health care, including vaccinations and advice for patients - following
appropriate training if required.
Recognise the
signs of child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse,
addictive behaviours, and suicidal tendencies and is aware of local referral
procedures.
Apply
infection control measures when collecting and handling of laboratory
specimens, disposing of waste materials, dealing with blood and body fluids
spillages and report and treat sharps injuries.
Ensure that
Infection Control standards are maintained within the Practice premises
Undertake
first aid and management of emergencies, eg burns, haemorrhage,
hypo/hyperglycaemic emergencies/asthma attacks.
Undertake
annual training and demonstrates competency in anaphylaxis and resuscitation
techniques
Education and
Training
Provide professional advice/support to health care
professionals within the Primary Health Care Team
Following identified training needs, participate in
training and facilitation of other practice nurses & health care
assistants.
Provide
mentorship and guidance for the Health Care Assistant
Maintain a level of expertise in specific chronic
disease management (when appropriate) and other pertinent areas of health care,
and seek to develop new and improved skills.
Advise members of the public on the concepts of
health promotion, education, prevention and protection
Take
responsibility for personal development and education including in-service
training.
Direct, supervise and help mentor the Health Care Assistant
in the clinical setting.
Actively participate in multidisciplinary education
and training.
Monitor and
maintain consistency of professional standards and take appropriate action if
standards are not met.
Maintain
professional development by attending relevant courses and study days to keep
abreast of current knowledge and developments.
Abide by the
legal requirements and statutory rules relating to practice and record and
maintain periodic professional registration with RCN & NMC
Participate
in an annual appraisal.
Communication
Maintain communication and liaise with other
disciplines across primary, secondary and tertiary care services as and when
necessary
Contribute to and work effectively within the
primary care team
Assist in clinical audit and the setting and
monitoring of standards of care.
Maintain accurate patient records
Advise and
support other members of the team aiming towards common objectives.
COMPETENCE
You are
responsible for limiting your actions to those which you feel competent to
undertake, working within NMC code of conduct guidelines. If you have any doubts about your competence
during the course of your duties you should immediately speak to the Practice
Manager in the first instance.
REGISTERED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
All employees
of Lyndhurst Medical Centre who are required to register with a professional
body, to enable them to practice within their profession, are required to
comply with their code of conduct and requirements of their professional
registration.