Job summary
If you are an experienced
nurse who enjoys working as part of a team and autonomously, we would love you to
join our well-established, award winning, community Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) service.
This
unique multi-disciplinary service provides a one stop clinic for the diagnosis
and treatment of DVTs. As a DVT Nurse you will have the opportunity to provide care for patients across the BNSSG (Bristol, South
Glos and North Somerset) region operating from Health Centres and GP Practices.
You will work collaboratively with our expert DVT Sonographers, Vascular
Scientists and HCAs supporting patients through their diagnosis and treatment
initiation. You will also liaise with GPs and provide aftercare support for
patients who have been diagnosed with a DVT.
We operate
clinics from Monday
to Saturday and can offer flexible
hours. We are open to offering successful candidates
bank or permanent contracts, depending on their personal circumstances so please ensure you include the
role and hours you are looking for in your application.
Experience
in this field is not essential. We are looking for people who have a passion
for the assessment and treatment of people with DVT or for learning more about
this specialist area. We provide a full training package and ongoing support
enabling you to develop the specialist knowledge and clinical skills required.
For
more information or an informal chat contact: Jackie Adams, Clinical Matron on
Jackie.Adams@gpcare.org.uk
Main duties of the job
Working to our agreed
DVT Treatment protocols, the DVT Nurse (DVTNs) will be responsible for the
initial nursing assessment and subsequent education and care of patients with
confirmed DVT or inconclusive scans. The post holder will recognise the impact
of a diagnosis of DVT on each patient and ensure information is given in a
manner and timely way that patients can understand, giving time for questions. You
will work closely with lead GPs in each centre and liaise with Acute Trust
colleagues and referring GPs. Professional and managerial oversight will be provided
by our DVT Specialist Nurse/ Clinical Matron. DVTNs will assist with clinical
audit of the service, provision of patient support group sessions and actively
contribute to the development of the DVT service. GP Cares community DVT
service has been running since 2006 and won the most Comprehensive Thrombosis
Treatment Centre category in the national Anticoagulation Awards in 2017.
About us
GP Care works in collaboration with the NHS
and partner organisations to provide a range of diagnostic and treatment
services within the South West Region.
We employ a range of health care and support staff including
Sonographers; Nurses; Vascular Scientists and Health Care Assistants and a
range of corporate support staff. We
have sub-contract arrangements for Consultant Urologists to provide medical
input to our services.
Job description
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 a nursing assessment of each positive DVT patient within community clinics to include:
o Past medical history
o Review of medication and any contraindication to anticoagulants
o 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 Lead GP in each Treatment Centre 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 lead 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 Health Care Assistants who provide the scanning element of the service.
- 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 and discharge arrangements.
- Work in partnership with GPs keeping them updated with their patients condition and treatment. Follow agreed pathways when discharging/ transferring patients to the care of other healthcare professionals.
- 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.
- The post holder will be responsible for undertaking service development in partnership with the Clinical Matron, lead GPs & DVT Service Lead.
- Participate in regular review and updating/ development of patient information leaflets, ensuring patient and peer involvement.
- Review patient referrals where necessary; auditing treatment plans and updating the computer database.
- Assist with the development of standard operating procedures and similar programmes to benefit GP Care services.
- 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 DVT 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).
- Involvement with and development of patient education regarding the diagnosis and treatment period as required using in-house educational material.
- Partake in the clinical development of other GP Care services as required
Management
- To maintain clinical credibility by demonstrating expertise in the nursing care of patients with thromboembolic conditions / 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 regular 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, sharing learning and expertise as appropriate with others.
- 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, taking responsibility to meet revalidation requirements.
Job description
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 a nursing assessment of each positive DVT patient within community clinics to include:
o Past medical history
o Review of medication and any contraindication to anticoagulants
o 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 Lead GP in each Treatment Centre 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 lead 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 Health Care Assistants who provide the scanning element of the service.
- 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 and discharge arrangements.
- Work in partnership with GPs keeping them updated with their patients condition and treatment. Follow agreed pathways when discharging/ transferring patients to the care of other healthcare professionals.
- 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.
- The post holder will be responsible for undertaking service development in partnership with the Clinical Matron, lead GPs & DVT Service Lead.
- Participate in regular review and updating/ development of patient information leaflets, ensuring patient and peer involvement.
- Review patient referrals where necessary; auditing treatment plans and updating the computer database.
- Assist with the development of standard operating procedures and similar programmes to benefit GP Care services.
- 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 DVT 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).
- Involvement with and development of patient education regarding the diagnosis and treatment period as required using in-house educational material.
- Partake in the clinical development of other GP Care services as required
Management
- To maintain clinical credibility by demonstrating expertise in the nursing care of patients with thromboembolic conditions / 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 regular 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, sharing learning and expertise as appropriate with others.
- 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, taking responsibility to meet revalidation requirements.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Nurse with current NMC registration
- Evidence of post graduate development, education and training
- Evidence of ongoing commitment to personal development
Desirable
- Education to degree level or equivalent
- Experience within primary or community nursing
- Teaching and assessing in practice qualification
- Communication skills training
Experience
Essential
- Nursing experience in a relevant sector
- Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and content of relevant clinical guidelines
- Knowledge of healthcare IT systems e.g. EMIS, ICE
- 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
- Experience working with students
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Nurse with current NMC registration
- Evidence of post graduate development, education and training
- Evidence of ongoing commitment to personal development
Desirable
- Education to degree level or equivalent
- Experience within primary or community nursing
- Teaching and assessing in practice qualification
- Communication skills training
Experience
Essential
- Nursing experience in a relevant sector
- Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and content of relevant clinical guidelines
- Knowledge of healthcare IT systems e.g. EMIS, ICE
- 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
- Experience working with students
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
