Maternity/Locum Cover Practice Nurse

Job responsibilities

To deliver the highest standards of care to patients, using advanced autonomous clinical skills, and a broad and in-depth theoretical knowledge base.

To manage a clinical caseload, dealing with presenting patients needs in a primary care setting.

To assist the practice in developing the nursing services offered and to provide an element of clinical leadership within the practice

To manage their own clinical workload in general practice, responding effectively to patient need and ensuring patient choice and ease of access to services.

To use appropriate referral pathways for Practice Nurses to local acute and community NHS Trust services.

Maintain their professional registration (as evidenced by UKCC NMC PIN) throughout this employment.

Work within the latest NMC Code of Professional Conduct.

Record accurate, contemporaneous and complete consultation data in patients records in accordance with the latest NMC guidance and other pertinent standards.

Promote evidence-based practice through the use of the latest research-based guidelines.

Work collaboratively with colleagues within and external to the practice.

Identify and manage nursing care risks on a continuing basis.

Participate in continuing professional development opportunities to ensure that up-to-date evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspects of the role is maintained, as well as undertaking mandatory and statutory training on a regular basis.

Monitor the effectiveness of their clinical practice through practice quality assurance strategies such as the use of audit and peer review.

Use computer technology as a means to manage information searches for the purpose of identifying particular patient need and/ or to retrieve relevant information for patients.

Keep up to date with pertinent health-related policy and work with the practice team to consider the impact and strategies for implementation.

Understand and apply statutory child and vulnerable adult health procedure and local safeguarding guidance.

Ensure that all practice policies are fully implemented.

Participate in practice meetings, reporting progress as required.

Work closely with the doctors and Practice Manager in improving practice systems for monitoring/measuring performance against Clinical Governance and Quality Indicator targets, and participate in audits (e.g. of chronic disease management) and inspections as appropriate.

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of appropriate continuing professional development activity to maintain up-to-date knowledge and on-going competence
• Experience in management of long term conditions e.g. asthma, COPD, diabetes, CHD, etc.
• Evidence of working autonomously and as part of a team
• Proven ability to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of their own clinical practice

Desirable

• Minimum of 5 years post registration experience

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered General Nurse (currently registered with Nursing & Midwifery Council)

Desirable

• Recognised Practice Nurse qualification (or relevant experience)

Skills & Ability

Essential

• Clinical skills cervical cytology, immunisation and vaccination, venepuncture ear care, wound care and minor surgery, etc.
• Ability to assess and manage patient risk effectively and safely
• Well-developed word processing/data collection/IT skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Reflective practitioner
• Time management and ability to prioritise workload
• Able to analyse data and information, drawing out implications for the individual patient/impact on care plan
• Able to establish and maintain effective communication pathways within the organisation, the local CCG and with key external stakeholders

Desirable

• Use of a medical software package such as EMIS web
• Proven record of effective use of networking and influencing skills
• Proven record of motivational interviewing skills and ability to support patients to change lifestyles

Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding and knowledge of policy developments related to the delivery of primary care services including General Practice, the GMS/PMS contract, Clinical Governance, Quality & Outcomes Framework
• Knowledge of the need of patients with long-term conditions
• Understanding of systems to gain an understanding of the health needs of the practice population as they relate to primary care
• Understanding of evidence based practice
• Understanding of equal opportunity and diversity issues
• Knowledge of national standards that inform practice (e.g. National Service Frameworks, NICE guidelines, etc.)
• Understanding of their accountability arising from the NMC Code of Professional Conduct (2004) and medico-legal aspects of the Practice Nurse role

Desirable

• Ability to identify determinants on health in the local area
• Knowledge of public health issues in the local area
• Awareness of local and national health policy
• Awareness of issues within the wider health economy

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Cheerful disposition
• Patient, tolerant, tactful and discreet
• Honest and reliable
• Degree of physical health to fulfil the role

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).