Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
To provide information, and support to those with sexually transmissible infections, contraception and pregnancy needs according to clinic protocols and national guidance documents, including BASHH, BHIVA, FSRH, RCOG & SSHA standards.
To empower patients to maximise their sexual health through access to STI testing, contraception, PEP, PrEP, vaccination and safer sex initiatives.
Responsible for developing, delivering and monitoring effective partner notification and recall systems within SHiP and the community, which meet national and local standards.
To facilitate decision making on testing for blood borne viruses, in particular HIV and Hepatitis viruses, by offering information and counselling. This may include venepuncture / POCT for the collection of samples for testing.
To support and empower patients who disclose experience of sexual abuse (including sexual assault and exploitation) through assessment of physical and emotional needs (including need for post-exposure interventions such as PEP, vaccination and emergency contraception) and facilitation of these, either through own practice or through referral to colleagues and other agencies.
To utilise a range of communication methods, including face to face, phone, e-consultations, email and social media, in line with Information Governance principles and policy, to engage patients in their sexual health and wellbeing. This includes timely response to enquiries by those not currently engaged with SHiP services.
To actively lead and participate in team, Trust and national audit, and to present results to a range of audiences.
To actively collaborate in and deliver training and education sessions within the SHiP multi-disciplinary team and wider health economy.
To autonomously deliver high-quality, patient-centred care to clients who identify as male, female, trans and other, encompassing assessment, examination, specimen collection, diagnosis, treatment and management.
To provide support, advice and assistance to patients living with HIV through liaison with MDT colleagues and referral to other agencies or professionals as appropriate.
To engage patients in their care through a variety of means including, where appropriate, home / community visits.
To communicate effectively with patients to deal with sensitive issues related to partner notification for sexually transmitted infections, including a range of vulnerabilities and risk factors.
To engage patients using comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information including contraception, advice, teaching and support in order to enable them to select appropriate sexual health and HIV screening and/or contraception suited to their needs.
To lead and participate in clinical teaching and education to other colleagues in order to enhance clinical practice and improve patient care, including the SHiP team, medical and nursing students, and other learners..
To identify and assess patients needs to plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care to ensure high standards are met.
To undertake focussed medical, reproductive and sexual history
To communicate with patients and other agencies in an appropriate manner, often with highly sensitive information.
To work as an integral part of the SHiP team to promote the reproductive and sexual health with patients.
To manage and supervise junior staff, carrying out appraisals and training as appropriate.
To act as a Mentor for pre-registration students.
To act as a clinical supervisor to nursing/non-nursing staff where applicable, to ensure continuity of service provision.
To demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of issues relating to young people, including Fraser guidance and assessment. To work in conjunction with a team of professionals to recognise and respond to safeguarding issues in young people and adults. To demonstrate a sound knowledge of child sexual exploitation, and to undertake sensitive, skilled exploration of issues relating to this with patients, their partners and others where appropriate.
Responsibility for Patient Care
To work as a health advisor/ integrated sexual health nurse offering direct, specialist care to increase success rates of partner notification, reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections, and to reduce unplanned pregnancy. This work will comply with trust policies, guidelines and Patient Group Directions.
To engage patients in effective Partner Notification to ensure contact(s) attendance and treatment of Index (patient), including management of the partner notification recall system.
To advise on STIs and appropriate testing and or / treatment including pre and post HIV/ Hepatitis discussions.
To support the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services in SHiP and the Pregnancy Advisory Service.
To undertake autonomous episodes of care working alongside multidisciplinary colleagues, to ensure continuity of service provision.
Work in a responsive flexible manner to meet changing demand, undertaking duties elsewhere within the department if required
To adhere to the NMCs Code of Professional Conduct.
To ensure the safe and secure handling and storage of medicines within the team.
To provide support and on-going person-centred management to patients presenting with complex needs e.g. those who may benefit from PEP and PrEP, people living with HIV and people who have experienced sexual assault and abuse, in association with colleagues within the multidisciplinary team
To engage patients in assessment of their reproductive health and wellbeing, including taking a comprehensive medical, gynaecological, sexual and social history as appropriate.
To offer pregnancy assessment, counselling, and support for patients requesting referral or involved with our Pregnancy Advisory Service. To be able to discuss contraception needs post-termination with the patient.
To support patients in decision making around pregnancy, including referral for termination of pregnancy, antenatal care and other services as appropriate.
To work as part of the Pregnancy Advisory Service team in order to facilitate access to appropriate care, including termination of pregnancy.
To utilise Patient Group Directions in order to facilitate first supply and the re-issue of contraception and relevant treatments for sexually transmitted infections.
To undertake non-medical prescribing if appropriately trained and clinically competent.
To undertake microscopy for diagnosis of STIs and other conditions as required if appropriately trained and clinically competent.
To fit and remove sub-dermal implants if appropriately trained and clinically competent, or to work towards this.
To perform cervical screening as required and according to clinical practice or to work towards this.
To engage patients in respectful, open discussions around harm reduction and risk management.
To manage own workload and be able to plan, organise and prioritise their clinic workload.
To maintain high quality clinical electronic and paper records as applicable, which meet NMC and team standards of documentation and information sharing, including plans of care, interventions and referrals, respecting confidentiality at all times.
To demonstrate a sound understanding of own level of clinical competency and scope of practice, and works within these; to appropriately refer to colleagues
Planning and Organising
Independently work to provide effective Partner Notification, as detailed in SSHA Partner Notification Guidance, including management of the partner notification recall system.
Assess and prioritise patient flow of care settings to promote high quality of patient care and efficient use of team resources.
To maintain professional relationships with all medical & allied health professionals and clerical staff
To take charge of clinical and community environments as required in the absence of the Senior Charge Nurse.
To participate and collaborate with colleagues across the multi- disciplinary team in all aspects of patient care, coordinating any necessary after care/referrals that may be required e.g. Pregnancy Advisory Service, Teenage Pregnancy, Counselling and Sexual Assault counselling.
To contribute to the development of policies for nurse-led services and guidelines which impact on own area and on other services and departments.
To ensure own Continuous Professional development.
To practice within SHiP team and Trust policies, standard procedures and pathways.
To initiate, manage and evaluate change in practice to improve the quality of care.
Actively participate in research, audit and clinical governance activities as required.
