Nurse Associate

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities

• To assist and perform routine nursing tasks related to patient care, such as routine BP checks, ECG, suture and clip removal, BMI and lifestyle advice, as directed and agreed with line manager, registered general nurses and GPs.

• To support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioral health and wellbeing by using behavior change interventions, such as undertaking health checks (physical and mental), smoking cessation services.

• To support the RGN with the holistic assessment and planning of wound care plans for patients with chronic and acute wounds.
• To implement agreed wound care plans, following local and national evidence-based guidelines, inclusive of the treatment of minor traumatic wounds within own level of competency. To recognise any deterioration of wounds or infection and arrange early review with practice nurse/GP or specialist as required.
• Following recognised Leg Ulcer management training and the completion of competencies, to undertake Leg Ulcer care and compression bandaging, following agreed care plans in line with local/practice policy.
• Following training and competency assessment, to undertake adult NHS immunisation programmes and ensure vaccines/injections are administrated under patient group directives or patient specific direction.
• To undertake administration of prescribed medicines via oral, IM, SC routes, following competency based training and practice policy.
• Provide holistic assessment and treatment of patients attending for ear irrigation following relevant training.

• To undertake the collection of pathological & microbiology specimens including venepuncture, swabs, urine culture in line with local guidelines
• To support chronic disease management including monitoring patients with stable asthma, undertaking preliminary investigations for Type 2 diabetes patients, such as foot checks.

• To provide general health promotion education, advice on national screening programs and guide/refer patients to appropriate services.
• Provide contraception advice and sexual health guidance in line with competency. Undertaking annual contraceptive reviews in line with practice policies.

• In line with national guidance and with recognised competency-based training, undertake screening programs such as cervical screening tests.

• To undertake any investigatory test, such as Ambulatory BP monitoring, automated Dopplers and Spirometry, taking basic history and referring patients to relevant clinician for interpretation/ planning of care.
• To be able to provide appropriate self-care advice for patients presenting with minor illness within own level of competency and referring to GP/Advanced Clinical Pracitioner where appropriate.
• Chaperone and assist patients where appropriate who are being examined by another clinician.
• To assist GPs with minor surgery and well women procedures.
• To maintain effective infection control measures in line with local guidelines and practice policy.
• To be able to recognise and manage anaphylaxis, according to the current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines.
• To be able to perform Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BLS) and the correct use of Automated Defibrillator following training, according to the current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines.
• To engage in the support the training of nursing and medical students, and newly appointed colleagues.
• Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and medication. Assist in the completion of monthly stock take and support the cost-effective use of disposable items.
• Maintain adequate stock within the treatment room and assist with the re-stocking of other clinical rooms as required.
• To participate in developments within the practice and PCN and support QOF and IIF requirements.
• To be registered with the NMC. Work in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice for Nursing Associates
• Ensure accurate notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the patients notes and on computers, as per NMC guidelines.
• Attend and actively participate in practice meetings as required.
• Awareness of statutory protection procedures including referral and recognition of signs and symptoms of child abuse.
• Awareness of referral mechanisms for mental health issues, family violence, vulnerable adults and addictive behaviours.

Actively take part in mandatory and internalexternal training as requested.

Adhere to and follow all policies and protocols as listed in the Staff Handbook and contract.

Any responsibility identified during the course of the job. This is an evolving role, and the candidate must be flexible and adaptable.

Health and Safety/Risk Management:

The post holder must comply at all times with Health and safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures and reporting incidents using the organisations Incident Reporting System.

The post holder will comply with the data Protection Act (2015) and the Access to Health Records Act (1990)

Equality and Diversity:

All staff through their behaviours and actions will ensure that our services and employment practices are respectful of individual needs and differences including those characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010 (Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity, Race, Religion and Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation).

The post holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:

Acting in a way that recognises the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation.

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues and acting in a kind and considerate manner.

Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings, priorities and rights.

Personal/Professional Development:

The post holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, with such training to include:

Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development

Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to other who are undertaking similar work

Take responsibility for the completion of all mandatory training as per training schedule and attend annual cardio-pulmonary resuscitation/anaphylaxis updates

Quality:

The post holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice and will:

Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk

Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision

Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance

Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs

Effectively manage own time, workload and resources

Respect for Patient Confidentiality:

The post holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

As per the Government legislation and practice policies ensure that confidentiality, data protection and information governance policies and guidelines are followed and strictly adhered to, reporting any infringements to the practice Manager.

Job Description Agreement:

This job description is intended to provide an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities only. There may be other duties required of the post holder commensurate of the position. This description will be open to regular review and may be amended to take into account development within the Network. All members of staff should be prepared to take on additional duties or relinquish existing duties in order to maintain the efficient running of the Network Practices.

This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive. It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the post holder.

Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation degree
• Registered Nursing Associate
• NMC Registration

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within a healthcare setting prior to foundation degree training.

Desirable

• Preferably experience of working within a primary care or community setting

Skills/Attributes

Essential

• Able to give lifestyle advice and promote self-care.
• Holistic approach to care
• Core medicine management knowledge
• Wound care knowledge
• Knowledge of National immunisation and screening programmes
• Understands the importance of evidence based practice and clinical effectiveness.
• Ability to undertake clinical skills relevant to primary care, such as ECG, suture removal, urinalysis and swab taking.
• Understands principles of Clinical Governance
• Good knowledge of NMC code of conduct and professional accountability.

Desirable

• Interest or working knowledge of any area of Chronic Disease management
• Leg Ulcer management knowledge
• Ear care/syringe competency
• Spirometry/Doppler skills and competency.
• Completed training to be able to administer injections

Empathy and Sensitivity

Essential

• Patient focused approach to clinical care.
• Treats patient(s) with sensitivity and personal understanding
• Is empathetic and checks patient needs are satisfied
• Generates safe/ understanding atmosphere

Conceptual Thinking/Problem Solving

Essential

• Open to new ways of thinking and willing to contribute to new ideas to improve patient care/ outcomes.
• Able to listen to patients/carers history and interpret relevant information to understand health needs.

Personal Abilities

Essential

• Recognises own limitations and when to seek help/refer onwards.
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Good communication skills
• Potential to cope with stressful situations and undertake responsibility
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Motivated and Trustworthy
• Flexibility and a Good Timekeeper
• A team player who contributes to and facilitates decision-making and develops trust as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Views self as part of larger organisation
• Uses resources efficiently
• Recognises own limitations and shares the load with others
• Potential to cope with stressful situations and undertake responsibility
• Calm under pressure and able to switch-off outside work
• Able to develop appropriate coping mechanisms and is prepared to ask for help
• Ability to use computer on daily basis
• for email and Microsoft programs
• Previous experience of General Practice clinical systems effectively
• Demonstrate knowledge of the clinical uses of the Internet
• Enhanced DBS clearance
• Occupational Health Clearance.
• NMC registration

Desirable

• Understands Principles of Audit
• Understands the principles of Risk Management
• Competent in use of System One
• Commitment to electronic medicine

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).