Practice Nurse

Job responsibilities

Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Nurse or other registered care professional dependent on setting with a focus on promoting health and independence.

Have proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values

Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual.

Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or other registered care professionals dependent on setting.

To work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.

To engage in positive relationships with patients,carers,families and other staff based on respect and within appropriate boundaries.

To always act in a professional capacity.

To be able to implement care plans and manage workload.

To be able to communication with the patient about care planning risk assessment needs.

Communicate complex and sensitive information.

Actively contribute to staff meetings

Apply practice policies, standards, and guidance.

Knowledge, training and experience

Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different practice settings

Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout continual training and development opportunities including PLIs.

Meet the NMCs revalidation requirements regarding CPD and maintain all evidence required.

Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environments.

Clinical responsibilities

The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the Nursing Associate is working in.

Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the registered nurse in the on-going assessment, planning, management, and evaluation of care.

Support individuals with all aspects of care including daily living, providing person-centred care, and promoting health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as appropriate.

• Provide general and specific health screenings to the practice patients within agreed protocols,with referral to the wider MDT i.e. Practice Nurse, ACP, or GPs as necessary.

Perform and record clinical observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse, weight, height, and glucose monitoring.

Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs.

Demonstrate an ability to complete ongoing monitoring templates.

Administer vaccines after completion of relevant training under PSDs.

Undertake cytology once training and sign off has been completed.

Long term condition management, following care plans in place, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Undertake home visits as needed for the patient population working within scope of practice.

Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake.

Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is always maintained.

Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse or other registered care professionals as appropriate.

Report back and share information with the registered nurses on the condition, behaviour, activity, and responses of individuals.

Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any problems or raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals.

Assist in the assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several areas within the environment where care is being administered.

Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers

Assist in the delivery of complex care as prescribed by the registered nurse

Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities

Develop skills in relation to coaching,teaching individuals, carers,other staff.

Advise patients on general healthcare and promote self-management where appropriate, including signposting patients to personalised care colleagues and local community and voluntary sector services.

Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes

Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within parameters of practice.

Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given

Demonstrate good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking nursing and care procedures

Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act , Deprivation of Liberties and applies principles to everyday practice seeking advice, guidance from the Registered Nurse or registered care professional as required

Policy and Service Development

Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security

Share ideas with colleagues to improve care and suggest areas for innovation

Participate in audit activities being undertaken in area of practice

Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others

Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines both local and national Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care

Planning and organisation

Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activities.

Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals.

Deliver effective care following treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plans.

Communication and relationships

Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services

Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust

Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively.

Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding

Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team

Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principals of confidentiality at all times

Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy

Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance

Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect access ID, passwords, swipe cards

Analytical and judgmental skills

Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical and care skills consistent with the role, responsibilities and professional values of a Nursing Associate

Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors

Ensure that only those activities for which competence has been achieved are undertaken without supervision and that recognition is given to the impact and consequences of practising outside capability

Physical skills

Use frequent moderate effort when undertaking carrying out manual handling in line with organisational guidelines

Use skills of manual dexterity and manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment

Financial and physical

Raises any concerns to a registered care professional or appropriate person

Mental and Emotional effort

Maintain a professional approach while working in challenging, distressing situations or dealing with challenging behaviour

Support individuals, their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life changing diagnoses

Have exposure to VDU screen

Teaching and Training

Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and Foundation Degree ,Level 5 qualification within agreed timeframes. Seeks support, guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered.

Work in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound SMART objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting.

Take responsibility for organising and attending statutory, mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements.

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 2 years post registration experience
• Experience of working in Primary Care
• Evidence of appropriate continuing professional development activity to maintain up-to-date knowledge and on-going competence in all aspects of the Practice Nurse Role
• Experience in the management of long term conditions e.g. asthma, COPD, diabetes, CHD, Health Promotion/Education
• Vaccine and Immunisation training
• Cervical Cytology
• Evidence of working autonomously and as part of a team
• Proven ability to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of their own clinical practice
• Undertake Home visits

Desirable

• Willingness to undertake further development opportunities.
• Experience of working with vulnerable patients
• Experience of working in areas of deprivation
• Experience in womens health

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Understanding and knowledge of policy developments related to the delivery of primary care services within a GP Practice
• Understanding of evidence based practice
• Knowledge of national standards that inform practice (e.g. National Service Frameworks, NICE guidelines etc)
• Understanding of equal opportunity and diversity issues
• Understanding and experience of interagency working and adult/child safeguarding.
• Ability to follow and undertake policy and procedures
• Ability to assess and manage patient risk effectively and safely
• Well-developed word processing/data collection/IT skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Reflective practitioner
• Time management and ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to work under pressure
• Able to analyse data and information, drawing out implications for the individual patient/impact on care plan
• Able to establish and maintain effective communication pathways within Primary Care and with key external stakeholders
• Flexible working
• Clean UK Driving Licence Essential

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered General Nurse (Currently registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, with a valid pin and no restrictions)

Desirable

• Evidence of further study/professional development.

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).