Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Lung Health Check Specialist Nurse FIXED TERM

This job is now closed

Job summary

This is an engaging and dynamic role that demands outstanding assessment, collaboration and coordination skills to facilitate the implementation of the Lung Health Check (LHC) programme for patients in Berkshire and the surrounding areas.

The primary aim of the Lung Health Check (LHC) Programme is to promote the early detection of lung cancer to save lives. Royal Berkshire Hospital and the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance have pinpointed areas within Berkshire with high disease and smoking rates, where significant progress can be made by identifying early-stage lung cancer. The objective is to implement various interventions aimed at reducing lung cancer rates, enhancing the stage of diagnosis, and improving one-year survival rates.

The LHC Specialist Nurse will assist the programme/project manager and clinical team in establishing and executing the programme, following the framework set by the LHC National Programme and National Protocol.

This is a fixed term position for an initial duration of one year, with the possibility of becoming permanent if funding is extended. The role will be part of the National Lung Health Check Programme, which plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis of cancer and is in alignment with the NHS Long Term Plan.

Main duties of the job

This role will entail ongoing collaboration with CCG Clinical Leads across different localities, the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance, Public Health Leads, NHS Trusts, with internal colleagues as an MDT and other relevant providers within the specified areas. The goal is to design and plan the various phases of delivery while fostering and maintaining strong relationships among these organizations.

The individual in this role will be expected to deliver specialised knowledge and care to patients and their caregivers. They will assist colleagues in managing patients who require a high level of judgment, discretion, and decision-making in both inpatient and outpatient environments. Additionally, the post-holder will be responsible for providing education and training to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

This position requires a highly skilled individual capable of working independently in a stimulating and challenging environment to achieve efficient outcomes.

The following outlines the key competencies required for the position, which may be subject to review based on the individual's experience and any developments within the service. Any such review will be conducted in collaboration with the post holder.

About us

The Department of Respiratory Medicine is located at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. We provide specialist respiratory care for patients who live in Berkshire West and the surrounding local areas. Our out-patient clinic provides consultant, specialist nurse, physiotherapy and physiology services both at the RBH and Spoke sites.

Reading sits on the River Thames and is served by great road and rail links to London, Oxford and Southampton. With excellent leisure and shopping facilities, and a thriving cultural scene. Reading is a wonderful place to live, work and provides excellent facilities for families.

The CQC recently rated the care provided by the Royal Berkshire Hospital Trust as GOOD.

Our Values: Compassionate, Aspirational, Resourceful and Excellent

Date posted

07 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

193-6945491UCGB6-LHCSN

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital

London Road

Reading

RG1 5AN

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Specialist Nursing Advice: Provide expert nursing guidance to patients and their families.

2. Autonomous and Collaborative Work: Function independently while also being an effective member of a multi-disciplinary team.

3. Nurse-Led Clinics: Conduct clinics that are led by and alongside nursing and other key professionals.

4. Health Promotion and Smoking Cessation: Offer advice on health promotion strategies and smoking cessation.

5. Individualized Care Pathways: Develop tailored care plans in partnership with patients and their caregivers.

6. Knowledge of Respiratory Equipment: Maintain a working knowledge of respiratory devices, such as inhalers, spirometers, and compressors.

7. Awareness of Policies and Procedures: Be familiar with the relevant policies and procedures of the Royal Berkshire Hospital and community services related to operational practices.

8. Patient-Centered Information: Ensure that up-to-date, patient-centered information is accessible to patients and their families.

9. Engagement in Audit and Information Collection: Participate in audits and collect relevant data to support service improvement.

General duties:

10. Conduct thorough health care needs assessments for patients, with ongoing reassessments as necessary.

11. Evaluate, plan, prioritize, implement, and assess nursing interventions to address patients' needs effectively.

12. Participate in the organization of multi-disciplinary, patient-centered care.

13. Empower patients and their caregivers to engage actively in their care.

14. Assess and identify emergencies within their specialty, interpreting information accurately and taking appropriate actions while guiding others to do the same.

15. Promote practices that are sensitive to the diverse needs of patients and families from multicultural backgrounds.

16. Provide guidance and support to patients in managing their symptoms.

17. Attend outpatient clinics led by consultants, managing and reporting on cases as relevant to the role.

18. Communicate effectively with clinicians as needed.

19. Collaborate with colleagues in the Multi-Disciplinary Team to support their work.

20. Develop nursing activity systems that meet established standards at the local, Trust, or national levels.

21. Coordinate the multi-disciplinary team in discharge planning as appropriate.

22. Ensure that all medications are administered in accordance with the Trust's Medicine Management policy.

23. Demonstrate the mandatory competencies required by the Trust, attending all necessary mandatory training sessions.

Managerial

24. Exhibit strong leadership consistently.

25. Demonstrate supervisory capabilities for junior and support staff.

26. Actively engage with Trust Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines, contributing to their ongoing development.

27. Support the efficient use and management of resources.

28. Participate in the recruitment and retention of staff relevant to the area and role.

29. Contribute actively to multi-disciplinary teamwork.

30. Address complaints from patients, relatives, or visitors personally, in accordance with Trust policy.

31. Manage emotional and psychological issues as they arise.

Education, Research, Audit and Clinical Governance.

32. Facilitate the education of the multi-disciplinary team to foster a supportive learning environment.

33. Take responsibility for professional growth by utilizing a Personal development Plan Portfolio.

34. Integrate health education into daily practices to promote health awareness.

35. Apply specialist knowledge in practical settings.

36. Identify, gather, and engage in the evaluation of information to aid multi-disciplinary clinical decision-making.

37. Contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based care by writing shared guidelines and protocols.

38. Lead or participate, as appropriate, in multi-disciplinary clinical audits.

39. These responsibilities highlight the importance of education, professional development, and collaboration in enhancing healthcare practices within a multi-disciplinary team.

Professional

40. Comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct and related guidelines.

41. Actively participate in the clinical supervision of nursing and midwifery staff.

42. Ensure that relevant professional registration is maintained.

43. Serve as a role model at all times.

44. Keep accurate records in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and Trust guidelines on record-keeping.

Health and Safety

45. Prioritize Safety: All staff members are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others who may be impacted by their actions or inactions.

46. Follow Health and Safety Policies: Adhere to the Trust and Departmental Health and Safety policies, utilizing any provided equipment or personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety.

47. Collaborate with Management: Work together with managers to maintain safe systems and environments in the workplace.

48. Report Issues: Promptly report any accidents, incidents, health concerns, or deficiencies in equipment or PPE.

49. Do Not Tamper with Safety Equipment: Avoid interfering with any equipment that is intended to ensure health and safety.

50. Stay Within Competence: Refrain from attempting tasks or repairs that exceed your level of competence.