Nursing 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 PN/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/ANP 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 internal and external 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.

Experience

Essential

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

Desirable

• Preferably experience of working within a community setting.

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

Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation degree
• Registered Nursing Associate
• NMC Registration

Ability/Knowledge

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, venepuncture, 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 administrate injections following PGD/PSD

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Use of lateral thinking and insight
• 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 interoperate relevant information to understand health needs.
• 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

Key Skills

Essential

• Ability to use computer on daily basis for email and Microsoft programs
• Previous experience of General Practice clinical system 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).