Practice Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

The practice nurse will undertake a range of nursing assessments and provide appropriate care / treatment in conjunction with GPs, and practice nurses or independently as appropriate for the need, according to practice policy, protocols etc. The practice nurse will strive to improve standards of care and be involved in identifying practice population needs. The successful candidate will work at Beechwood Medical Centre to enhance nursing services within the practice. Chronic Disease management will be a part of this role, and the practice nurse must specialise or have an active interest in the management of diabetes. The role will also take part in the mentoring of our Health Care Assistant. Knowledge of the GMS contract, e.g. The Quality and Outcomes Framework is a vital

element of the post, and we will endeavour to provide full training on this. Additionally, the successful candidate will be encouraged and supported to undertake all further training required to ensure appropriate role development. We are very interested in any nurse that is already an independent prescriber, but if not then, we are happy to help support a nurse through their prescribing qualification. We are looking for a nurse who is keen to progress in this area.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional Responsibilities

Assist GPs to help deliver effective implementation of management of pts with chronic diseases as detailed by the Quality and Outcomes framework.

Contribute to the development of policies, protocols, guidelines within the practice.

To take an active role in the management of diabetes and work with the lead GP in this area.

Aid the practice team with implementation of new initiatives in the delivery of chronic disease management services.

Formulate reports as required for the practice manager and or lead nurse.

Support the implementation of evidence-based guidelines in conjunction with the practice nursing team.

Encourage the development of integrated services within Primary Care to include integrated practice-based teams and multidisciplinary working.

Promote the continuing professional development of yourself and other nurses & HCAs within the practice.

Recognise the opportunities for working in partnership with the Primary Health care team.

Participate in an annual appraisal.

Leadership

Provide professional and managerial support to, health care assistants and review and monitoring of patients within primary care.

Offer guidance and support to health care assistants to improve standards of care if needed.

Participate in chronic disease management clinics within the practice if asked and only after appropriate training & provide practical assistance and professional advice to achieve minimum standards of care.

Provide clinical input where required alongside practice nurses, particularly newly appointed nurses and GPs, to assist in skill development and sharing of best practice.

Delegate to others, with appropriate skills, knowledge and competence.

Encourage nursing practice in line with relevant evidence-based research.

Act as a resource to the general public, patients within the health care system and their families, carers and various healthcare professionals.

Clinical

Work alongside Health Care Assistant to help develop their skills.

Support the practice in achieving quality indicators and targets of the GMS contract and any relevant National Service Frameworks.

Undertake opportunistic screening when clinically required.

Perform occasional venepuncture and electrocardiography - following appropriate training.

Undertake wound care/ management/dressing techniques.

Carry out ear examination and syringing, following appropriate training and assessment.

Undertake male, female and family planning assessments, give advice and refer patients appropriately - following appropriate training.

Perform cervical screening - following appropriate training.

Administer adult and paediatric injections under an individualised prescription or Patient Group Direction, ensuring safe storage, and disposal of vaccines and drugs.

Undertake accredited training in specific chronic disease management as or if required. e.g. diabetes, respiratory, epilepsy, CHD etc. following appropriate training.

Contribute to the maintenance of the practice diseases registers.

Provide advice on lifestyle issues, assist and support patients in changing their unhealthy behaviours and refer appropriately.

Provide an adult and childhood immunisation service working to Patient Group Directions - following appropriate training if required.

Delivers travel health care, including vaccinations and advice for patients - following appropriate training if required.

Recognise the signs of child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse, addictive behaviours, suicidal tendencies and is aware of local, referral procedures.

Ensure that current evidence-based approaches to patient are standard practice

Apply infection control measures when collecting and handling of laboratory specimens, disposing of waste materials, dealing with blood and body fluids spillages and report and treat sharps injuries.

Undertake first aid and management of emergencies, eg burns, haemorrhage, hypo/hyperglycaemic emergencies/asthma attacks.

Undertake annual training and demonstrates competency in anaphylaxis and resuscitation techniques

Research, Audit and Quality

The new nurse should have an active interest in this area and be prepared to contribute.

Education and Training

To have an active interest in this area and to ensure education and training is in line with the expectations of someone in this professional position.

Communication

To maintain good communication across all disciplines and to communicate in an effective, concise and clear manner.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• The position requires that the Practice Nurse is appropriately qualifed and registered with the NMC (has a PIN Number)

Desirable

• We would like the Practice Nurse to have a special interest in the management of diabetes or would be willing to develop in this area.

Experience

Essential

• We are looking at an experienced Practice Nurse, but would also consider a newly qualified person, that has a desire to learn and develop within the team.

Desirable

• We would prefer someone who has experience of working in General Practice but this is NOT essential, as we would also consider someone currently working in secondary care.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Beechwood Medical Centre

Address

60a Keighley Road

Ovenden

Halifax

West Yorkshire

HX2 8AL

Employer's website

https://www.beechwoodmedicalcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)