Practice Nurse

Job responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Practice Nurse. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

To act as the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) lead and to work to the IPC Policy providing the implementation of audits, training, support and evidence of compliance to the practice manager

To produce the IPC annual statement in conjunction with the practice manager

To develop, implement and embed an effective care management programme for the frail and housebound patients registered at the practice

To assess the needs of patients ensuring the provision of healthcare is appropriate, incorporating evidence-based practice

To develop, implement and embed health promotion and wellbeing programmes

To implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients that promote health and wellbeing

To identify, manage and support patients at risk of developing long-term conditions, preventing adverse effects to patients health

As required, to provide routine nursing care to patients in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF

As required, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions

To maintain chronic disease registers and support the practice manager with QOF

To prescribe medication for patients in accordance with PGDs and own scope of practice

To review patient medications to enhance compliance

To provide guidance to patients in the use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications regarding side effects and dosages

To request pathology services and process pathology results as required

To oversee the provision of chronic disease clinics, delivering patient care as necessary, referring patients to secondary/specialist care as required

To maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation

To ensure SNOMED codes are used effectively by all members of the nursing team, ensuring compliance with practice recall system

To ensure the appropriate maintenance and use of chronic disease registers

To develop, implement, embed and participate in NHS Health Checks

To ensure compliance with the practice chaperone policy

To assist GPs with minor surgery when required

To prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately

To support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies

To maintain and manage the emergency drug kit

To implement vaccination programmes for adults and children, liaising with the relevant teams (eg CHIS) and keep cross-organisational system records up to date

To manage and maintain cervical screening results and recalls

To liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients etc.)

To delegate clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of practice of the individual)

To support the clinical team with all safeguarding matters, in accordance with local and national policies

To deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a primary care environment
• Experience of chronic disease management
• Experience of working autonomously
• Experience of infection prevention and control measures

Desirable

• Experience of managing elderly and housebound patients

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Nursing and Midwifery Council)
• Nursing degree
• Evidence of immunisation training and assessment of competence
• Evidence of cervical cytology training and assessment of competence

Desirable

• Post graduate diploma or degree (Chronic Disease Management or Primary Care)
• Nurse prescriber
• Family planning qualification

Clinical Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Wound care/removal of sutures and staples
• ECGs
• Venepuncture
• New patient medicals
• MOCA testing
• Requesting pathology tests and processing the results, advising patients accordingly
• Understanding the importance of evidence-based practice
• Understand the requirement for PGDs and associated policy
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to GPs
• Chaperone procedure
• Womens health (cervical cytology, contraception, etc.)
• Immunisations (routine, childhood, flu and B12)
• Chronic disease management in diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, mental health, dementia, stroke/TIA, learning disabilities

Desirable

• Spirometry
• Broad knowledge of clinical governance
• Knowledge of public health issues in the local area
• Awareness of issues within the wider health arena
• Knowledge of health promotion strategies

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).