Job responsibilities
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Practice Nurse will deliver high-quality, patient-centred nursing care within a primary care setting. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will provide treatment, screening, health education, and chronic disease management, supporting patients to achieve optimal health outcomes.
The role requires a proactive, organised, and compassionate individual who can work both independently and collaboratively, ensuring care is delivered in line with best practice and current clinical guidelines.
Clinical Duties and Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, evidence-based nursing care in line with national and local guidelines.
- Perform cervical screening in accordance with national screening programmes.
- Administer prescribed medications and treatments (e.g. Vitamin B12, Zoladex) in line with Patient Group Directions (PGDs) or prescribing qualifications.
- Undertake venepuncture and collect clinical specimens (e.g. blood, urine, swabs), ensuring safe handling and accurate documentation.
- Deliver wound care, including assessment and management of acute and chronic wounds.
- Perform routine procedures such as blood pressure monitoring and health checks.
- Deliver immunisation programmes, including childhood vaccinations, seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and travel vaccinations.
- Provide health promotion and lifestyle advice (e.g. smoking cessation, weight management, cardiovascular health, diet, and exercise).
- Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, providing first aid and immediate care.
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous patient records in line with professional standards.
- Undertake opportunistic health promotion and screening during patient interactions.
- Work collaboratively with GPs, Nurse Practitioners, HCAs, and the wider multidisciplinary team.
- Maintain infection prevention and control standards across clinical areas.
- Ensure clinical rooms are stocked, equipment is maintained, and supplies are effectively managed.
- Carry out delegated duties within scope of practice, competence, and accountability.
- Act as a chaperone when required, in accordance with practice policy.
- Audit the emergency trolley on a weekly basis, delegating to colleagues during periods of annual leave
Desirable
- Lead and support the management of long-term conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD, diabetes), including structured reviews and patient education.
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for patients with acute and chronic conditions
- Monitor and support patients with diabetes, including blood glucose monitoring and education.
- Provide contraceptive advice and services, including monitoring and routine checks of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
Key Skills and Competencies
- Strong clinical knowledge and competence in primary care nursing.
- Ability to undertake holistic patient assessments and make sound clinical decisions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Skilled in health promotion and supporting behaviour change.
- Effective organisation and time management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail in clinical documentation.
- Knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures.
- Competent in the use of clinical IT systems (e.g. EMIS, SystmOne).
- Flexible and adaptable approach to changing service demands.
- Practices in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
Team and Service Support
Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and other members of the multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated patient care.
Support the training and development of colleagues, including GP Assistants and new clinical team members, helping them develop required clinical skills.
Maintain accurate and timely patient records using SystmOne in line with practice policies and NMC standards.
Contribute to infection prevention and control, clinical governance, and quality improvement initiatives.
Assist with the ordering and maintenance of clinical stock, vaccines, and supplies to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.
Participate in audit, data collection, and service development activities to enhance patient care.
Professional Responsibilities
Work within professional boundaries, recognising limits of competence and referring appropriately when required.
Maintain professional registration and ensure mandatory training and clinical competencies are up to date.
Adhere to all practice policies, protocols, and national standards including safeguarding, confidentiality, and information governance.
Participate in annual appraisal and continuous professional development.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBLITIES
Participate in the administrative and professional responsibilities of the Practice Team
Ensure the clinical computer system is kept up to date with accurate details recorded and amended
Ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associate with patient health care and registration with the Practice
Ensure collection and maintenance of statistical information required for regular and ad hoc reports and audit
Attend and participate in Practice meetings as required
