Practice Nurse with Respiratory Diplomas

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Role

The Practice Nurse Respiratory Specialist (Asthma & COPD) & Treatment Room Care will work as a key member of the clinical team, delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based care to our patient population. The post holder will provide expert assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), alongside delivering a full range of treatment room services to patients across all age groups.

You will be expected to act both as an autonomous practitioner and as part of the wider multidisciplinary team, maintaining high clinical standards, contributing to service development, and supporting the practice in meeting contractual and quality targets. The role will be varied, with a mix of pre-booked clinics, urgent appointments, and ad-hoc nursing support where required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Respiratory Specialist Duties:

• Conduct nurse-led clinics for asthma and COPD, ensuring patients are reviewed in accordance with current national and local guidelines.

• Undertake comprehensive respiratory assessments, including detailed history taking, symptom evaluation, physical examination, and use of appropriate diagnostic tools.

• Perform and interpret spirometry in line with current ARTP (Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology) standards, ensuring accurate diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of respiratory conditions.

• Conduct FeNO (Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide) testing as part of asthma diagnosis and monitoring, integrating results into personalised care plans.

• Initiate, adjust, and monitor treatment plans for asthma and COPD patients, within the scope of professional practice and according to agreed protocols.

• Provide patient education on disease understanding, self-management strategies, lifestyle changes, and the correct use of inhalers and other devices.

• Review and optimise inhaler technique at every opportunity, ensuring patients are confident in their medication delivery.

• Liaise with GPs, pharmacists, and other members of the team to escalate care where necessary, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

• Contribute to the achievement of QOF indicators, enhanced services, and other performance targets related to respiratory care.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date clinical records and participate in regular clinical audits to monitor and improve respiratory services.

Treatment Room Duties:

• Provide a full range of treatment room services, including but not limited to:

  • Wound management and dressings.

  • Removal of sutures and clips.

  • Ear care and irrigation (if trained).

  • Venepuncture and specimen collection for laboratory investigation.

  • Blood pressure monitoring and recording.

  • ECG recording and initial interpretation within scope of competence.

  • Routine health checks.

  • Administration of vaccinations and immunisations, including childhood, adult, and travel vaccines, following national immunisation schedules.

  • Support the delivery of chronic disease management clinics as required, working within your level of competence.

• Assist GPs during minor surgery procedures, maintaining aseptic technique and supporting patient care.

• Ensure infection prevention and control policies are adhered to at all times, including correct cleaning, sterilisation, and disposal processes.

Professional and Clinical Governance:

• Act as a role model for clinical excellence and professional conduct within the nursing team.

• Work within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.

• Participate in significant event analysis, clinical audits, and risk assessments, using findings to inform improvements in practice.

• Keep fully up-to-date with evidence-based practice, guidelines, and developments in both respiratory medicine and general practice nursing.

• Contribute to the induction and mentoring of new staff members, sharing knowledge and supporting skill development.

• Attend and actively contribute to practice meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and training sessions.

Patient-Centred Care:

• Deliver care in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of patients from diverse backgrounds, respecting dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.

• Promote health and wellbeing, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

• Act as an advocate for patients, ensuring they have access to appropriate services and resources.

• Respond promptly to urgent or emergency situations, acting within your competence and seeking support when necessary.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues across the practice and within the wider health and social care network.

• Liaise with secondary care specialists, community services, and allied health professionals to ensure joined-up care for patients.

• Use clear, compassionate, and effective communication to build rapport with patients and carers, adapting your approach to meet individual needs.

• Support practice initiatives aimed at improving patient engagement and attendance for long-term condition reviews and preventative health measures.

Service Development:

• Participate in the review and development of clinical protocols and pathways, particularly in relation to respiratory care and treatment room services.

• Contribute ideas for improving efficiency, patient experience, and clinical outcomes.

• Assist in identifying areas where services could be expanded or improved, including potential new clinics or health promotion campaigns.

• Work with the practice management team to ensure compliance with CQC requirements, infection control standards, and other regulatory frameworks.

Continuing Professional Development:

• Take responsibility for maintaining your own clinical competence through regular CPD, training, and professional reflection.

• Keep accurate records of training undertaken and competencies achieved.

• Engage in annual appraisal and personal development planning with your line manager, setting objectives that align with both personal goals and the needs of the practice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (NMC).
• Diploma in Asthma Care.
• Diploma in COPD Care.
• Evidence of continued professional development relevant to primary care nursing.

Desirable

• Diploma in Diabetes Care or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Independent Nurse Prescriber (V300) qualification.
• Spirometry certification (ARTP recognised).

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a general practice or primary care setting.
• Demonstrable experience in managing asthma and COPD clinics.
• Experience delivering treatment room services, such as wound care, immunisations, and venepuncture.
• Experience in interpreting and acting on spirometry and/or FeNO results.
• Knowledge of QOF and clinical targets relevant to respiratory care.

Desirable

• Experience in diabetes management clinics.
• Experience managing hypertension patients in primary care.
• Experience in travel health and vaccinations.
• Experience using EMIS Web or similar clinical systems.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

French Weir Health Centre

Address

1 French Weir Avenue

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 1NW

Employer's website

https://www.frenchweirhealth.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)