Practice Nurse

Job responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Practice Nurse. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

To support the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) lead and to work to the IPC Policy supporting the implementation of audits, training, support and evidence of compliance to the practice manager.

To develop, implement and embed an effective care management programme for the frail and housebound patients registered at the practice

To assess the needs of patients ensuring the provision of healthcare is appropriate, incorporating evidence-based practice

To develop, implement and embed health promotion and wellbeing programmes

To implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients that promote health and wellbeing

To identify, manage and support patients at risk of developing long-term conditions, preventing adverse effects to patients health

As required, to provide routine nursing care to patients in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF

As required, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions

To prescribe medication for patients in accordance with PGDs and own scope of practice

To review patient medications to enhance compliance

To provide guidance to patients in the use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications regarding side effects and dosages

To request pathology services and process pathology results as required

To oversee the provision of chronic disease clinics, delivering patient care as necessary, referring patients to secondary/specialist care as required

To maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation

To ensure read/snomed codes are used effectively by all members of the nursing team

To ensure the appropriate maintenance and use of chronic disease registers

To ensure compliance with the practice chaperone policy

To undertake required nursing activities to help ensure the practice meets all targets eg QoF , IIF etc

To assist GPs with minor surgery when required

To prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately

Undertake ECG

Undertake Phlebotomy

Undertake Suture removal

Undertake dressings and wound care

Support the monitoring of emergency drugs and equipment as per the practice schedules and record appropriately

To support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies

To recognise, assess and refer patients presenting with mental health needs

To implement vaccination programmes for adults and children

To support patients in the use of their prescribed medicines or over-the-counter medicines (within own scope of practice)

To liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients etc.)

To delegate clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of practice of the individual)

To support the clinical team with all safeguarding matters, in accordance with local and national policies

To understand practice and local policies for substance abuse and addictive behaviour, referring patients appropriately

To deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

This list is not exhaustive and can be amended and added to as relevant training is undertaken.

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Practice Nurse may be requested to:

Support the development, review and implementation of nursing protocols in conjunction with the lead nurse

Support all members of the nursing team, providing guidance when necessary, conducting appraisals and training needs analyses as required

Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care

Support and participate in shared learning within the practice in order to improve patient care

Continually review clinical practices, responding to national policies and initiatives where appropriate

Participate in the review of significant and near-miss events applying a structured approach, i.e., SEAs

Support the planning and implementation of changes within the nursing team, enhancing the provision of services to patients

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and co-operative
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort
• Motivated, forward thinker
• Ability to work under pressure/in stressful situations

Desirable

• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• Effectively utilise resources

Other requirements

Essential

• Flexibility to work outside of core office hours
• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• Occupational Health Clearance
• Meet the requirements and produce evidence for nurse revalidation
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) commensurate with the role of a Practice Nurse

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

Desirable

• Mentor or teaching qualification
• Post graduate diploma or degree (Chronic Disease Management)
• Nurse prescriber
• Family planning qualification
• Phlebotomy certification
• Ear syringing certification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a primary care environment
• Experience of chronic disease management
• Experience of working autonomously
• Experience of infection prevention and control measures

Desirable

• Experience of working as a practice nurse or community nurse
• Experience of managing elderly and housebound patients
• Experience of quality initiatives, i.e., benchmarking

Clinical Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Wound care/removal of sutures and staples
• ECGs
• Venepuncture
• New patient medicals
• Requesting pathology tests and processing the results, advising patients accordingly
• Understanding the importance of evidence-based practice
• Understand the requirement for PGDs and associated policy
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to GPs
• Chaperone procedure
• Womens health (cervical cytology, contraception, etc.)
• Immunisations (routine, childhood and travel)
• Chronic disease management
• Spirometry

Desirable

• Travel medicine
• Broad knowledge of clinical governance
• Knowledge of public health issues in the local area
• Awareness of issues within the wider health arena
• Knowledge of health promotion strategies

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Effective time management (planning and organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure

Desirable

• Strong IT skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).