Nurse Associate

Job responsibilities

Job Overview

One Ellesmere Port Primary Care Network (PCN) is a collaboration of the 6 GP Practices within Ellesmere Port who collectively care for over 70,000 patients. The PCN is determined to meet the challenges of modern primary care by working innovatively and growing our multi-disciplinary team to provide a holistic approach to our patient population.

The post holder is a Nursing Associate registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. They are required to act within their professional boundaries, supporting and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team within the PCN.

This role will have a specific focus on supporting PCN campaigns and initiatives in the community such as NHS Health Checks, the PCN Vaccination Programmes and undertaking QoF work for housebound patients.

The post holder will also provide nursing care within our six GP Practices.

The post holder will provide a lead role in specified areas, e.g., vocational and employment advice to patients, activities coordination, assisting in individual and therapeutic group work. They will work with qualified nurses to deliver individual treatment packages with an emphasis on collaborative care that focuses on recovery and the need to work towards discharge where appropriate.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Principle Clinical Responsibilities

You will work as a member of the Nursing team, under the guidance of a Registered General Nurse, support the organisation and facilitation of clinical care in a holistic and proactive manner to patients registered at the practice. You will:

• Maintain a high professional standard of nursing care in adherence to all Practice protocols / policies and guidelines, as well as to provide nursing assistance to the GPs and other members of the primary healthcare team.
• Support PCN campaigns and initiatives in the community such as, NHS Health Checks, the PCN Vaccination Programmes and undertaking QoF work for housebound patients.
• Demonstrate evidenced based knowledge in the main physical health problems that adult patients may present with i.e., high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, respiratory issues, constipation, lack of personal hygiene, including foot care.
• Support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing by using behaviour change interventions, such as undertaking health checks (physical and mental), smoking cessation services.
• Demonstrate an ability to undertake baseline physical observations and record results correctly. In addition, be able to identify anomalies that should be referred to a first level nurse or one of the medical staff baseline observations include:

1. Phlebotomy
2. Blood pressure
3. Pulse
4. Respirations
5. Weight
6. Height
7. Elimination pattern
8. Eating pattern
9. Sleep pattern
10. Glucose monitoring
11. Demonstrate an ability to complete ongoing monitoring templates
12. Ability to carry out a full health assessment with support from other members of the MDT.

• Support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing by using behaviour change interventions, such as undertaking health checks (physical and mental), smoking cessation services.
• Maintain accurate record keeping on our medical record system (EMIS), as per NMC guidelines.
• 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.
• To undertake the collection of pathological & microbiology specimens including venipuncture, 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 maintain effective infection control measures in line with local guidelines and practice policy.
• 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 PCN, member GP Practices and support QOF requirements.
• Recognise and understand the importance of observing, documenting and communicating the signs and symptoms of child and adult abuse.
• Attend and actively participate in PCN and member GP Practice meetings as required.
• Awareness of referral mechanisms for mental health issues, family violence, vulnerable adults and addictive behaviours.
• Actively take part in mandatory and internal / external training as requested.
• The role of the Nursing Associate needs to be flexible in line with the present atmosphere for change within the health service delivery. It is essential that the nursing associate works within their own level of competency and expand her / his role in accordance with practice requirements and own scope of practice.

Qualifications

Essential

• Nursing Associate Foundation Degree
• Registered Nursing Associate on NMC Register

Clinical knowledge and skills

Essential

• Ability to undertake clinical skills relevant to primary care, such as ECG, venepuncture, suture removal, urinalysis and swab taking.
• Able to give lifestyle advice and promote self-care.
• Holistic approach to care
• Core medicine management knowledge
• Knowledge of National immunisation and screening programmes
• Interest / working knowledge of working in any area of chronic disease management
• Completed training to be able to administrate injections following PGD/PSD
• Understands principles of Clinical Governance
• Good knowledge of NMC code of conduct and professional accountability.

Desirable

• Wound care knowledge
• Leg Ulcer management knowledge
• Ear care/syringe competency
• Spirometry/Doppler skills and competency

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a healthcare setting prior to foundation degree training
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow clinical policies, protocols and procedures
• Strong IT skills
• Effective time management
• Evidence of and willingness to undertake quality improvements

Desirable

• Experience of working in a primary care or community setting
• Familiar with clinical IT systems
• Experience of contributing to safeguarding practice/procedure

Other requirements

Essential

• Flexible and willing to work outside core hours; including occasional weekends & 8pm during week days under the enhanced access service
• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• Occupational Health Clearance

Personal qualities

Essential

• Empathetic, approachable, polite and confident
• Self-motivated, reliable and forward thinking
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Able to work under pressure & recognise own limitations
• Patient focused approach to clinical care
• Effectively able to communicate and understand patient needs
• Committed to ongoing professional development
• Committed to supporting colleagues and the practices strong team ethic
• Able to embrace change & open to innovative ways of working

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).