Job responsibilities
Job Summary
The Practice Nurse will work as part of the primary healthcare team delivering high-quality, safe, and effective nursing care to the registered patient population.
The post-holder will provide evidence-based nursing services including immunisations, cervical screening, chronic disease support, wound care and health promotion, in line with QOF requirements, CQC standards, and practice policies.
The role is non-prescribing and operates within clearly defined clinical protocols, referring to GPs or senior clinicians as appropriate.
The post-holder will practice in accordance with the NMC Code (2018) and maintain professional registration and revalidation requirements.
Key Responsibilities
1. Clinical Duties
The Practice Nurse will:
General Clinical Care
- Undertake routine nursing procedures as directed by GPs or in accordance with agreed protocols.
- Perform cervical cytology (where trained and accredited), maintaining accurate smear logs for audit purposes.
- Provide wound care including ulcer management and Doppler assessments (if trained).
- Remove sutures and clips.
- Perform ECGs.
- Undertake venepuncture and request pathology tests in accordance with practice protocols.
- Carry out urinalysis and new patient health checks.
- Assist GPs with minor surgery and coil fittings as required.
- Chaperone patients where appropriate.
2. Immunisations and Vaccinations
The post-holder will:
- Deliver routine childhood immunisations in accordance with the UK immunisation schedule.
- Deliver adult immunisations, including influenza, pneumococcal, shingles and other national programmes.
- Complete Travel Risk Assessments and reviews with patients including vaccinations (within competence)
- Provide travel immunisations and travel health advice within competence and in line with national guidance.
- Operate under current Patient Group Directions (PGDs).
- Maintain cold chain compliance.
- Ensure accurate vaccine stock control and rotation.
- Maintain vaccination records in accordance with national standards.
The post-holder must maintain up-to-date immunisation training and Basic Life Support certification.
3. Chronic Disease Support (QOF-Aligned)
The Practice Nurse will support delivery of QOF-related care including:
- Hypertension monitoring
- Diabetes annual reviews (including foot checks and basic review elements within competence)
- Asthma and COPD reviews including peak flow measurement and Spirometry (within competence)
- Lifestyle advice and health promotion
The post-holder will work within agreed templates and protocols and escalate concerns to a GP or senior clinician.
4. Infection Prevention & Control
The Practice Nurse will:
- Maintain clinical rooms in accordance with infection prevention standards.
- Clean and maintain clinical equipment.
- Follow safe disposal procedures for sharps and clinical waste.
- Participate in infection control audits.
- Support compliance with CQC infection prevention standards.
If designated Infection Control Lead, responsibilities will include assisting with annual audits and policy implementation under supervision.
5. Record Keeping & Clinical Governance
The post-holder will:
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous electronic patient records using EMIS.
- Ensure appropriate clinical coding for QOF and audit purposes.
- Participate in clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives.
- Report incidents and near misses in accordance with practice policy.
- Comply with the Duty of Candour.
6. Communication & Teamworking
The Practice Nurse will:
- Communicate effectively with patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team.
- Liaise with District Nurses, Health Visitors and Community Midwives as appropriate.
- Participate in practice meetings.
- Contribute to a supportive team culture.
7. Safeguarding
The post-holder will:
- Recognise signs of safeguarding concerns in children and adults.
- Escalate concerns in accordance with local safeguarding procedures.
- Maintain safeguarding training appropriate to the role (Level 3).
8. Confidentiality & Data Protection
The post-holder will:
- Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with GDPR and practice policies.
- Handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Comply with Data Security and Protection Toolkit requirements.
9. Health & Safety
The post-holder will:
- Follow practice Health & Safety policies.
- Identify and report risks.
- Use personal security systems appropriately.
- Maintain safe clinical environments.
10. Equality & Diversity
The post-holder will:
- Deliver care in a non-discriminatory and inclusive manner.
- Respect patient dignity, beliefs and preferences.
- Comply with equality legislation.
11. Professional Development
The Practice Nurse will:
- Maintain NMC registration and revalidation.
- Participate in annual appraisal.
- Undertake mandatory and role-specific training.
- Maintain a portfolio of CPD.
- Work within scope of competence at all times.