DVT Nurse

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

Clinically assess patients diagnosed with DVT and where necessary liaise with secondary care to ensure that treatment provided is appropriate.

Working in partnership with patients, carers and relatives, undertake an assessment of patients diagnosed with DVT to include:

• Past medical history
• Review of medication and any contraindication to anticoagulants
• Requesting and taking bloods, urinalysis

• Provide information on anticoagulant medication options, education on DVT diagnosis and support patients in choosing appropriate treatment. Liaise with the Treatment Centre GPs to provide prescriptions for patients as per GP Cares agreed protocols.
• Ensure the safe storage and transport of FP10 prescription pads, medications and blood samples in accordance with GP Care policy.
• Initiate anticoagulation therapy as per GP Care agreed Treatment protocols
• Ensure that all test results are recorded accurately in patients electronic record
• Monitor patients condition and record observations as required in the electronic record. Highlight any test abnormalities or concerns to the GP or Clinical Matron.
• Establish and maintain communication between patients, carers, relatives and members of the DVT team.
• Assist in the development and implementation of care packages for patients based on their individual needs.
• Assist in the organisation and delivery of daily clinics, working collaboratively with Sonographers and Vascular Scientists, who provide the scanning element of the service, and Health Care Assistants
• Ensure the safe transport and storage of medical equipment in line with GP Cares policy.
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and agencies to ensure patients needs are met especially in relation to on-going care needs.
• Work in partnership with GPs keeping them updated with their patients condition and treatment.
• Adhere to GP Care policy on the administration of medicines, clinical guidelines & protocols and record keeping. Participate in ongoing audits of the services on a regular basis examining clinical outcomes and patient/general practice satisfaction with the service.
• Participate in regular review and rewriting of patient information leaflets, ensuring patient and peer involvement.
• Review patient referrals where necessary.
• Deal with any clinical problems brought to your attention and provide a telephone advisory service to answer patients' queries relating to their anticoagulation. Where appropriate bring problems to the attention of the treatment centre staff, Clinical Matron and/or Service Lead.
• Liaise with pharmacists / anticoagulant nurses / local Trust and DVT Treatment Centre health care professionals regarding pathways and education of patients.
• Respond to queries from the Patient Support Team regarding referrals from GPs for patients with a possible diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Management

Maintain clinical credibility by demonstrating expertise in the nursing care of patients with DVT/ taking anticoagulants, including the management of the illness and its treatment.

To be aware of emerging evidence, new mandates and advances in clinical practice for this patient group and ensure that these are incorporated into the service delivered.

To engage locally in the development and implementation of multi-professional standards and clinical management guidelines for the care of patients with anticoagulant conditions.

Develop and maintain effective relationships with all members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure collaborative working for the benefit of patient care.

Ensure effective communication is maintained within the team

Attend thrombosis / anticoagulation meetings, bringing issues related either to specific patient care or the running of the service to the meeting, for discussion and action.

Identify and resolve specific problems that may arise within the Anticoagulation & DVT Services in partnership with colleagues.

Education

• Contribute to the continuing development of the GP Care learning environment.
• Act as preceptor to new members of staff and visitors facilitating their orientation to the services, its methods of care delivery and philosophy of care.
• Be responsible for own professional education and development. Develop and maintain the level of knowledge and skills required to ensure safe practice.
• Act as a clinical resource for other staff in their professional development activity.

Personal Development

• Contribute to the continuing development of clinical and nursing practice within GP Care embracing new ideas and changes for the benefit of patient care.
• Keep abreast of current clinical practice issues relating to nursing.
• Take responsibility for own personal and professional growth and for maintaining a record of your professional development experiences
• Together with the Clinical Matron, regularly review your educational requirements and attend any specific courses or training to maintain a high standard of knowledge and proficiency in all required tasks.
• Practice as a professional nurse at all times, with confidence, authority and expertise, acting as a role model for other nursing staff.
• Ensure that GP Care policies, procedures and guidelines are adhered to at all times and adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct at all times.

Qualifications

Essential

• Nurse with current NMC registration
• Evidence of ongoing commitment to personal development

Desirable

• Education to Degree Level or equivalent
• Evidence of post graduate development, education and training
• Experience within primary care or community nursing
• Teaching and assessing in nursing qualification
• Basic Life Support
• Intermediate Life Support

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in clinical settings with patients
• Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and content of relevant clinical guidelines
• Understanding of clinical governance and risk assessment
• Awareness of current professional issues within the NHS/nursing

Desirable

• Experience of providing care for people with DVT and of managing anticoagulation
• Knowledge of Service Improvement tools and techniques
• Knowledge of healthcare IT systems e.g., EMIS, ICE

Personal qualities and behaviours

Essential

• Values differences; regards people as individuals and appreciates the value of diversity
• Understanding of health promotion
• A holistic approach to care

Desirable

• Flexible and adaptable to work across different treatment centres and days of the week

Skills

Essential

• Good communicator, verbal and written
• Ability to establish credibility and develop and maintain effective professional working relationships
• Able to work in a team and has the ability to make decisions and work autonomously when necessary
• Ability to analyse problems and develop practical solutions
• Ability to manage time appropriately and meet deadlines

Desirable

• Venepuncture

Other factors

Essential

• Current driving licence, with access to a care with appropriate insurance cover
• Prepared to travel and to occasionally work out of hours as work demands
• Strong commitment and high level of integrity
• Subject to enhanced DBS check

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).