Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
To support and assist the OH team to deliver the workload in an effective manner.
Represent the department at Trust and other agency forums in place of the head of Occupational health
Actively take part in and support Directorate initiatives and issues.
Support and develop junior members of staff through one to ones and appraissals
Use clinical skills and knowledge to provide specialist advice and support to peer group staff, clients and service managers.
Provide professional advice and guidance to nursing and non-nursing staff, within the nursing environment and foster collaborative partnerships with other disciplines.
Lead in the development of clinical standards ensuring these are set, embedded and monitored in accordance with the needs of the service in conjunction with the senior OH team.
Monitor agreed quality improvement metrics to support compliance with local and external practice standards e.g. NHS Plus, cold chain monitoring etc.
Support the Head of OH/OH Clinical Service Lead / Service Coordinator in ensuring that workload is prioritised and managed effectively.
Participate in audit and research programmes appropriate to the advancement of the service as required.
Act and lead on designated areas for improvement.
With senior staff, identify and minimise clinical and non-clinical risk issues reporting to the senior team.
Implementation of action plans to address areas which fall below acceptable standards
To always act in a professional manner in accordance with the NMC guidelines. Safe, efficient and effective administration of medicines in accordance with the NMC guidelines.
Ensure accurate, legible nursing records are kept for each client in line with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct (2002) and Access to Medical Records Act 1988 and maintain the security of records within the Department to comply with Data Protection legislation..
Promote and maintain effective working relationships and communications with Consultants, medical staff, nurse colleagues and other multi-agency professionals.
Ensure staff standard of dress and appearance promotes patient and public confidence in Infection Prevention and Control practice for department.
To support the Head of OH/ OH Clinical Service Lead / Service Coordinator to achieve a department culture of cleanliness and compliance with best practice in Infection Prevention and Control, promoting zero tolerance to avoidable infection.
Plan & initiate appropriate vaccination programmes, including re-call and contact tracing, in line with guidance from the Department of Health to ensure employees are protected against certain infections they may be exposed to in the course of their work
Provision of vaccinations in accordance with standing orders and Trust policy, and the DoH Green Book.
Initiate appropriate investigations by taking blood samples for immunity to blood borne viruses e.g. hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV after giving appropriate counselling on effects of results.
Initiate appropriate investigations by taking blood for immunity to other infectious diseases e.g. Rubella, Varicella Zoster, measles and others as required by Department of Health guidance.
To provide support, guidance and appropriate follow-up after inoculation/contamination incident.
Implement follow up procedures for investigating, advising and monitoring staff accidents/incidents when notified by injured party/receipt of DATIX Form.
Provide a confidential advisory and support service with referral to appropriate counselling and mental health support agencies.
To provide guidance to staff and managers following managerial referral from a medical perspective, in an unbiased and professional manor. Ensure appropriate advice (within the remit of confidentiality) is given following referral.
Conduct health surveillance programmes of staff in line with legislation e.g. C.O.S.H.H. in accordance with Health & Safety Department requirements.
Organise daily work planning to reflect:- clinical demand, maximise appointment availability.
Establish and implement with OH clinical service lead and other OH staff, health education and promotion programmes.
Participate in Occupational Health audits and research programmes.
Provide Occupational Health services in accordance with agreed contracts to non-NHS organisations.
Implement service changes following adverse incidents/root cause analysis.
Participate in Outbreak TB tracing meetings as required where staff surveillance and safety is involved.
Act as the clients advocate and ensure the advocacy role is understood by all staff.
Participate in gaining and responding to client feedback.
Ensure Occupational Health services meet the requirements of clinical governance, Health & Safety Executive, CQC, and NICE guidance.
Working collaboratively with The Infection Control and Prevention Team, Health & Safety Department (including manual handling), Wellbeing Team, TB specialist Service, Emergency Department (out of office hours Sharp/Splash injuries), HR services.
To ensure service delivery meets the department KPIs.
To assist in the development of services to reflect known requirements and needs of the Trust.
To be aware of current developments in Occupational Health and attend relevant courses, conferences and other training opportunities in consultation with the OH Clinical Service Lead. Ensure you meet NMC revalidation requirements.
Ensure an effective learning environment for all staff.
Participate in the development and delivery of appropriate training materials / programmes to promote professional development.
Contribute to the clinical supervision and support process and facilitate the development of reflective practice.
Ensure adherence to the Clinical Governance Framework for nursing by ensuring appropriate policies, protocols and guidelines are in place to support practice
Report, investigate and act upon complaints and Adverse Incidents in line with directorate and Trust policies, collating themes and identification of learning points for the department and service users.
Undertake workplace assessments, promote health and safety in the work environment.
To identify own personal development needs and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform role effectively
To participate in an annual appraisal with relevant reviews and to follow personal development plan as agreed with line manager
To keep updated of current professional issues and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your role effectively.
Develop and maintain a professional portfolio.
Ensure compliance with professional expectations as outlined in the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal
External
IT Department Health & Safety Department Employee Relations Human Resources
Recruitment Covid swabbing and vaccination service Staff Health and Wellbeing Fire and Safety Advisors Security Managers and Supervisors of all service users Estates Training Department Pathology Pharmacy
PCTs General Practitioners Other Local/ Trusts/Providers Voluntary Bodies Other relevant external agencies Civica Occupational Health Consultant Darenth Valley Hospital Microbiology Services Other regional NHS OH services in Kent Physio Med AMAT Demelza Care First Kent University Members of the public
Person Specification
The person specification sets out the essential qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, personal attributes and other requirements which the post holder requires to perform the job to a satisfactory level. Without these qualities applicant cannot be appointed to the post.
Role: Senior Occupational Health Nurse Advisor
Qualifications
Registered General Nurse.
Post registration, Occupational Health qualification / NMC specialist registration
Application
Interview
Reference
Knowledge
On-going professional development.
Good knowledge of clinical governance.
Quality Improvement tools and audit
Risk management Issues
Ability to undertake and evaluate Keystone vision screening, spirometry and audiometry tests.
Key issues and development in nursing
IT skills and the ability to use computer packages
Application
Interview
Reference
Values
Exhibits behaviours in line with Trust Values:
Bold
We are inspiring and ambitious
Every Person Counts
We are respectful and supportive
Sharing and Open
We are open and speak up
Together
We are inclusive and responsible
Experience
Significant post registration experience in a variety of primary and secondary care clinical settings.
Significant experience at Band 6 or above in more than one area of practice.
Minimum of 5 years post registration experience
Minimum of 2 years Occupational Health experience, in similar environment/NHS
Application
Interview
Skills
Sound clinical skills and ability to make operational judgements based on risk assessment.
Ability to make autonomous decisions.
Excellent interpersonal & communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation
Influencing/persuading skills
Diplomacy and tact
Ability to give oral & written presentations/reports
Organisational, Prioritisation and time management skills
Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Understanding of the need for strictest confidentiality
Immunisation and vaccination
Venepuncture
Application
Interview
