Practice Nurse

Job responsibilities

MAIN PURPOSE OF POST

To ensure the delivery of an effective Practice Nursing service to the local practice population. This will involve assessing patient health needs, planning and implementing care to meet those needs and evaluation of the care delivered, in conjunction with the GPs.

The postholder will be expected to work with the Primary Health Care Team to ensure a seamless delivery of care within the Practice and to promote a positive image of the Practice to its patients and service users.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Clinical

To carry out a wide range of treatment room duties e.g. vaccinations etc. in participation with GPs or independently agreed protocols.

To actively encourage and develop health promotion programmes providing advice in areas of hypertension monitoring, travel, diet smoking cessation etc. within agreed practice protocols.

To participate in screening i.e. Breast, Cervical, Testicular and Immunisation programmes by raising patient awareness, competently carrying out tests and ensuring results are delivered and acted upon appropriately.

To maintain Chronic Disease Registers to support the management of National and Local Programmes e.g. Asthma/Diabetes.

To assist with minor surgery and specialist clinics as appropriate.

To maintain stocks and supplies and maintain health and safely within the treatment rooms in line with Practice protocols.

To undertake occasional treatments in the community as directed by the GPs.

To see patients as an initial contact to assess/treat in line with Practice Guidelines.

To give appropriate telephone advice to patients where directed by doctors.

To provide educational support for trainees. i.e. Registrars, paramedics, medical students, student nurses.

To provide supervision of health care assistants and phlebotomists.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Administrative

To accurately document all consultations and treatments in computer records.

To ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient health care and registration with the practice to include new patient checks etc.

To maintain and collate statistical information required for ad hoc and regular reports and for audit purposes and to co-operate and participate in research projects agreed by the Primary Health Care Team.

To participate in the development of protocols and guidelines and assist in the formulation of Practice philosophy and policy.

To attend and participate in Practice meetings as required and to work as an active member of the Practice Nursing Team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Professional

To be responsible for own professional practice and accountability according to NMC Code of Conduct and to maintain NMC registration and up to date knowledge of drug administration.

To acknowledge clinical limitations and not undertake any procedures for which the nurse is not adequately trained.

To maintain confidentiality.

To maintain professional development by attending courses and study days as arranged with the Partners and in line with NMC recommendations.

To undertake any other duties which are commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the post.

To actively and continuously review all activities and suggest areas for improvement.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Reliable
• Approachable and friendly

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified as a Registered General Nurse
• Wound Care

Desirable

• Cervical Screening
• Chronic disease management
• Family Planning diploma

Skills

Essential

• Strong communicator - both written and verbal
• Ability to record consultations clearly
• Team player

Experience

Desirable

• Experience of working in Primary Care

Knowledge

Essential

• Strong IT skills - use of Microsoft
• Understanding of Infection Control

Desirable

• Experience of using Systm One (our clinical system)
• Familiar with Primary Care structures

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).