Aural Nurse Linden Suite

Job description

Job responsibilities

We are pleased to offer a unique and rewarding developmental opportunity for a qualified nurse to train as an Ear Care Nurse within our forward-thinking team in Worcestershire. This developmental post will support the successful candidate to undertake the National Diploma in Ear Care for Practitioners through the Rotherham Ear Care Centre. During the training period, the post holder will benefit from

A structured 12-month development plan

Mentorship and supervision by an experienced Ear Care Nurse

Clinical exposure alongside ENT Consultants and Audiologists

Ongoing support to complete required competencies for independent practice

Key Duties

Conduct nursing assessments, treatment, and care planning for ear-related conditions across Worcestershire

Perform wax removal using manual techniques, irrigation, and micro-suction.

Manage and treat a range of ENT conditions including:

Ear foreign body removal

Mastoid cavity care

Post-operative ear care

Otitis externa and media

Establish and maintain effective communication with patients and their families, addressing any communication barriers to ensure understanding and involvement in care.

Assess, develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive care programs that prioritize the needs of patients and their families. Take responsibility for the organisation and delivery of nursing care within the clinic.

Lead and support colleagues in the development of knowledge, ideas, and best practice to enhance patient care.

Collaborate with senior colleagues to discuss developments and changes in nursing and medical practice that impact patient care directly or indirectly.

Ensure patient safety by delegating care appropriately to nurses with the required skills and competencies.

Assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate the health and well-being needs of patients and families with relatively stable needs.

Undertake advanced clinical roles, such as micro suction, aligned with service needs following appropriate education and competency assessment.

Take on link nurse and/or specialised roles to support service development and delivery.

Actively participate in the nursing process to promote the best interests of patients.

Maintain acceptable standards of patient care and initiate changes when necessary in consultation with nurse practitioners or senior sisters.

Lead others in continuous development of knowledge, ideas, and work practice within the team.

Take responsibility for developing your own knowledge and skills to maintain professional competence.

Supervise and support the training of both qualified and unqualified staff, assisting junior team members to develop clinical skills appropriate to their level of competence.

Act as a preceptor for junior staff, providing guidance and mentorship during their development.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current nursing practice through reading relevant journals, attending study days, and promoting the implementation of research-based practice.

Participate actively in teaching programmes and attend mandatory training sessions to ensure compliance with professional standards.

Monitor and maintain health, safety, and security for yourself and others within the workplace.

Actively contribute to quality assurance and continuous service improvement initiatives.

Promote and support equality, diversity, and the rights of patients and their families.

Ensure all nursing procedures are implemented and maintained in line with the policies of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Participate in the development, setting, and review of clinical standards to maintain high levels of care quality.

Manage the clinic, ensuring adequate nursing cover is available and safe practice is maintained; escalate staffing concerns appropriately.

Maintain custody, checking, and administration of all medications in accordance with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust policy.

Order and maintain adequate stocks of supplies and provisions within the department.

Take all necessary measures to ensure safety, reporting all accidents and incidents to the nurse practitioner or senior sister. Monitor the safe and effective use of equipment and promote the economic use of supplies.

Maintain accurate records at all times, ensuring that appropriate reporting mechanisms are followed.

Contribute to the planning and implementation of services to improve patient care.

Plan, allocate, assess, and provide constructive feedback to team members to support their development and performance.

Maintain effective communication and good working relationships with other departments and multidisciplinary teams.

Stay fully conversant with Trust policies, procedures, and operational mechanisms.

Maintain a professional attitude at all times, developing the nursing role in the best interest of patients and the profession, in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards.

Take responsibility for personal and professional development by attending recommended courses and conferences, as approved by the Clinic Manager.

Be conversant with and comply fully with Trust policies, regulations, and mandatory training requirements.

Implement research findings and evidence-based practice to enhance patient care and service delivery.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Good organisation and time management skills
• Able to record and manage accurate clinical data, facts and figures
• Ability to interpret and adhere to trusts/departmental polices, protocols and guidance
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Problem-solving ability and use of initiative
• Ability to prioritise workload under pressure
• Flexible and adapts to service needs
• Willingness to learn new skills and procedures
• Able to identify personal development needs and take responsibility for growth
• Competent in basic IT skills
• Ability to support and advise students and junior staff
• Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally

Experience

Essential

• Experience in delivering patient-centred care in a clinical setting
• Experience working across multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

• Previous ENT/aural care experience
• Experience working independently and managing a caseload

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse on Sub Part 1 or 2 of the NMC Register
• First degree in nursing or healthcare-related subject, or willingness to undertake
• Evidence of ongoing professional development / continuing education
• NMC-recognised Mentorship qualification (or equivalent)
• ENT-related qualification or equivalent clinical experience

Desirable

• ENT-related qualification or equivalent clinical experience

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Organised, able to prioritise workload effectively
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Clinical assessment skills relevant to ENT, aural care or willingness to develop
• Willingness and ability to work across multiple sites

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

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD

Employer's website

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