Job responsibilities
The post is for a qualified and NMC registered nurse, ideally with experience in Primary Care, as needs to be able to complete all duties and tasks listed within this job description.
The post holder is responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe and effective nursing care to the whole practice population. Clinically, the focus of the role is the delivery of evidence-based practice for patients with long-term conditions and management and preventative nursing interventions to all patients. As autonomous practitioners the nurse is responsible for the care delivered, demonstrating critical thinking and skills in clinical decision-making. They will work collaboratively with the whole general practice team to meet the needs of patients and supporting the delivery of policy and procedures.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Assess, plan, develop, implement and evaluate treatment programmes that promote health and well-being
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for patients with a known long-term condition Proactively identify, diagnose and manage treatment plans for patients at risk of developing a long-term condition
Work with other health care professionals to diagnose, monitor, manage and treat long-term conditions, including using non-drug-based treatment methods, in line with national and local policies and practice needs
Review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence based practice and national and practice protocols
Work with patients in order to support adherence to prescribed treatments
Provide information and advice on prescribed or over-the-counter medication on medication regimens, side-effects and interactions
Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote them to live healthily, and apply principles of self-care
Support and manage health needs of women presenting for family planning and cervical cytology consultations
Implement and participate in vaccination and immunisation programmes for both adults and children
Write own prescriptions for conditions falling within area of expertise and as laid out in the Clinical Governance Framework for The Elms Medical Practice
Advise, support and, where appropriate, administer vaccinations for patients travelling abroad
Promote and deliver evidence-based care for patients presenting with aural conditions
Meet the needs of patients presenting for opportunistic wound care
Task List
- Cytology
- Wound care / ulcer care
- Removal of sutures
- New Patient Medicals/Urinalysis
- Travel Clinic
- ECGs
- Asthma/Peak Flow Readings/Spirometry
- Hypertension service (Training provided)
- COPD service (optional)
- Venepuncture
- Aural care and advice
- Routine immunisations/Childhood immunisations
- Travel Vaccinations
- Flu clinics (incl Saturdays in September - October)
- Chaperoning and assisting patients where appropriate who are being examined by another clinician
- Assisting GPs with minor surgery and coil fittings
- Requesting pathology tests, for example urine culture, swabs
- Interest in Diabetes or Coronary Heart Disease and Contraception.
- Following agreed clinical protocols with referral to GPs as appropriate
- Prescribing within area of competence
- Family Planning
Other tasks will include:
- Assisting Health Care Assistant in:
- Cleaning all clinical areas ensuring continued high standards in infection control
- Ensuring all single use items are kept stocked and in date.
- Maintaining GP and Nurses rooms, stocking and rotating items as required
- Chaperoning and assisting patients who are being examined by another clinician.
- Maintain general tidiness and cleanliness of nurses and treatment rooms
- Provide mentorship and guidance
- Ordering of vaccinations to maintain stock levels
- Participation in administrative systems in the practice
- At all times there will be a need to maintain accurate records
- A duty to advise practice manager of potential problems or errors within the range of assigned tasks
- Attend and participate in any practice meetings when required.
- Any other delegated duties appropriate to the post.
Special Requirements of the Post:
- An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
- Ability to use own judgment, resourcefulness and common sense.
- A commitment to maintain a high professional standard of nursing care and keep up to date with all aspects of nursing care relevant to the post.
- A commitment to ensure all Health and Safety requirements and Infection Control measures are met and reported to appropriate doctor.
- A commitment to the effective use of practice and NHS resources.
- An awareness of own limitations and experience.
- To work only in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct
To have a written professional development plan and to maintain an up to date portfolio
Full DBS check
GENERAL
1. Training
Training requirements will be monitored constantly, as well as by yearly appraisal. Personal development will be encouraged and supported by the practice. Its the individuals responsibility to remain up to date with recent developments.
2. Accountability
Although accountable to the partners of the practice through the practice manager as an employee, they are ultimately responsible for their own practice and must ensure that limitations are always acknowledged. Full training will be provided for any clinical procedures.
3. Administration
All records need to be clear and comprehensive.
4. Liaison
As well as the nursing team, the Practice Nurse will work closely with reception and administration staff and will be expected to communicate and liaise with the all other members of the Practice team.
5. Communication
Demonstrate sensitive communication styles to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment
Communicate with and support patients who are receiving bad news
Communicate effectively with patients and Carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating
Anticipate barriers to communication and take action to improve communication
Estimate and maintain effective communication within the practice environment and with external stakeholders
Act as an advocate when representing patients and colleagues
Participate in practice team meetings, delivering the nursing agenda
Produce written documents that evidence the contribution of the nursing team to the practice priorities
Ensure awareness of sources of support and guidance (e.g. PALS) and provide information in an acceptable format to all patients, recognising any difficulties and referring where appropriate
Awareness of principles of The Caldicott Guardian
6. Team working
Understand own role and scope in the practice and identify how this may develop over time
Delegate appropriately, adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence of nurses
Ensure clear referral mechanisms are in place to meet patient need
Prioritise own workload and ensure effective time-management strategies.
Work effectively with others to clearly define values, direction and policies impacting upon care delivery
Participate in and support local projects as agreed with the practice management team
7. Management of Risk
Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients
Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines
Ensure the safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs. Oversee the monitoring, stock control and documentation of controlled drug usage according to legal requirements
Act as a role model to support members of the nursing team to undertake mandatory and statutory training requirements
Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines
Apply policies that reduce environmental health risks, are culturally sensitive and increase access to health care for all
Participate in the local implementation strategies that are aligned to the values and culture of general practice
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST
- An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality
- An ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness and common sense, while adhering to practice limitations and protocols.
- Flexibility to provide cover for absent colleagues, sometimes at short notice.
- Excellent communication skills
- An understanding and acceptance of ones capabilities and awareness of own limitations
- Ability to work without direct supervision and determine own workload priorities
- Basic keyboard and computer skills
- To be a registered nurse with a NMC personal identification number
- To be competent in nursing duties required for the post
- Able to demonstrate enthusiasm to developing nursing skills
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive but to indicate the main responsibilities of the post and may be amended from time to time after consultation with the post-holder to reflect the needs of the service.
