Viral Hepatology Nurse Specialist, Band 6

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose and Main Responsibilities

The post holder will be a member of a specialist nursing team responsible for a caseload of liver patients. The post holder will;

- Manage, treat and support a diverse caseload of patients with a wide range of liver disease throughout the county. The post holder will work automatously and contribute to the provision of a nurse-led service in relation to individuals infected with viral hepatitis.

- Screens patients for disease risk factors and signs of illness

- See patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed problems and make a clinical assessment of their health needs

- Order the necessary investigations, make differential diagnosis, provide highly specialised clinical advice and provide treatment and care to those infected with viral hepatitis. This involves dealing with sensitive information and breaking bad news which may be met with a range of emotions including hostility and extreme distress

- Willingness to undertake training for Fibroscan and utilise the scanner during these clinics should the need arise.

- Independent Prescribers: To prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols; within scope of practice. (Not an independent prescriber: willing to undertake independent prescriber course).

- See patients on treatment for hepatitis C as clinically required to obtain blood samples, reviewing the results. In patients with hepatitis C make decisions to stop treatment earlier than anticipated in patients who are not responding to treatment this will involve breaking bad news of treatment failure and discussion of alternative treatment.

- Repeat prescribing.

- Arranging to see patients for post-treatment monitoring. Establishing the outcome of treatment and giving the result to the patient this may involve breaking bad news of treatment failure.

- See patient on treatment for hepatitis B as clinically indicated but once established on treatment at least once every three months to six months as indicated by clinical need. Monitor for side-effects, complications of ongoing infection, treatment efficacy and drug resistance.

- Venepuncture, often with individuals who have poor venous access and who are infected with viral hepatitis

- Provide ongoing highly specialised clinical advice and support to individuals infected or affected by viral hepatitis. These individuals will include GPs and other healthcare workers, members of the public, the occupational health department and statutory and non-statutory services. Provide highly specialised clinical advice (including issues relating to hepatitis B post exposure prophylaxis) and support to staff occupationally exposed to blood and body fluids which may be infected with blood

- Data entry using the hepatitis C database.

- Involvement in research and audit.

- Demonstrate compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.

- Support the Senior Viral Hepatology Nurse Specialist when necessary in issues relating to the Hepatology Service

- Make line manager aware of any concerns regarding the quality of service provided in a constructive manner.

- Ensure clinical practice in relation to its evidence base and clinical effectiveness

- Engage users and carers in service development process through patient support groups

- Maintain accurate records and databases (both local and regional) for patients with viral hepatitis.

Additional Contact Details

Christian Loveridge - Senior Viral Hepatology specialist nurse

Deborah Durrant- deborah.durrant@nhs.net

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience working in gastroenterology setting, either as a specialist nurse or ward based
• Ability to recognise, assess and manage the deteriorating patient

Desirable

• Previous experience in history-taking

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse
• Non-medical prescribing or willingness to undertake
• Evidence of relevant continued professional development gained through accredited courses, study and in house training.
• Holds a teaching or mentorship qualification

Desirable

• Advanced Communication course, or willing to participate in training

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Knowledge of Virology and Viral Hepatitis
• Venepuncture and interpretation of results
• Experience of multidisciplinary working
• Evidence of clinical assessment skills and decision making for onward plan of care with concise documentation
• Ability to work autonomously
• Enhanced IT skills
• Willing to travel to community sites for outreach clinics

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in a nurse led environment/clinic
• Ability to perform Fibroscan or willingness to undertake training, interpret results and formulate suitable plan
• Knowledge of current Viral Hepatology pathways of care

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide

Gloucestershire

GL1 3NN

Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)