Community Fracture Liaison Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse

Job responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

Note: The job description setting out the duties which the job description normally entails is below. The job description should not be regarded as exhaustive. You should understand that your job title and job description may be amended by the employer, and you may be called upon to carry out additional or other duties as may be reasonably be required by your employer.

Job Title: Deputy Sister/Charge nurse

Grade: Band 6 equivalent

Reports to: Fracture Liaison Service Lead

JOB SUMMARY

Working as an autonomous practitioner the post holder will be responsible for the

Caseload of patients that fall into the remit of Fracture Liaison Service. The post holder will use evidence based practice and advanced clinical skills/knowledge to assess and manage a specific group of patients and ensure they are effectively treated.

A passion and enthusiasm for elderly patients, organisational skills, the ability to work

autonomously and sound IT skills are key to the role.

Key Working Relationships

Orthopaedic, HCOP, Spinal, Endocrinology and Rheumatology teams

Trauma and Orthopaedic Practitioners

Orthopaedic out-patients

GPs

Radiology

Community Fracture Liaison Team

Practice

To work as an autonomous practitioner within the multi-disciplinary team

inspiring others in the management of osteoporosis.

Identify patients over the age of 50 years who have suffered fragility fracture

and then assess, investigate and treat with the aim of reducing further

fractures.

Organisation and provision of consultations via face to face and/or telephone discussions giving advice and education around treatment.

Organise and provision of consultations via face to face and/or telephone discussions to advise patients of results and discuss treatment.

Administer appropriate treatments to patients as recommended by appropriate secondary care consultant

Maintain accurate records of patient management

To discuss all patients under review with appropriate secondary care consultant to

ensure optimum care

Organise treatment letters for unseen clinic patients inviting them for review.

Patient contact phone calls following written invitation.

Provide appropriate patient follow-up

Refer patients to other specialities when indicated.

Act as a professional resource for staff, patients and carers.

Provide education and formal teaching to staff and patients across the service

and local health sector.

Research and Audit

Assist with areas identified in the service for evaluation and audit

Ensure knowledge of clinical practice is up to date and evidence based and

information given to patients reflects current practice.

Management

To deputise for Service Lead in the event of annual leave and sickness.

Represent the Service at relevant meetings when required

Provide Osteoporosis advice and education for all members of the

multidisciplinary team

Education

Optimise every opportunity to maintain and improve professional knowledge

skills and competence.

Commitment to undertake the relevant academic course in osteoporosis and falls management

Professional

The post holder:

Is accountable for his/her own actions in accordance with the NMC Code of

Practice

Will ensure re-validation requirements are met

Will ensure practice reflects Trust values and responds to the changing needs

of the service.

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 4 years experience in acute or community setting
• Willingness to complete cannulation training

Desirable

• Experience in T&O, rheumatology, endocrinology, metabolic bone health and/or HCOP
• Participation in audit and service development
• Knowledge of osteoporosis, falls and fracture prevention
• Established leadership skills
• Competent in cannulation

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 1 registered Nurse
• Mentoring and enabling qualification or equivalent
• Full driving licence

Desirable

• Educated to degree level
• Specialist course within osteoporosis speciality
• Management Qualifications
• Leadership qualification

Personal Characteristics

Essential

• Pleasant disposition and professional approach to work at all levels of the organisation
• Flexible approach to work
• Attention to detail
• Assertive
• Eagerness to learn
• Self-motivating and innovative-able to motivate others
• Able to deal with multiple issues at one time
• Understands the requirement to work within own professional scope
• Team player who can work alone under own initiative
• Courteous and confident telephone manner

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Excellent communication skills that demonstrate ability to counsel reassure and advise patients with a wide range of professionals
• Excellent practical skills and organisational abilities
• Ability to innovate and motivate others
• Resourceful and able to use own initiative
• Adaptable, able to think laterally, motivated & enthusiastic
• IT skills use of Microsoft windows including outlook
• Ability to work flexible hours

Desirable

• Demonstrate effective leadership skills
• Advanced IT skills
• Computer literacy to include administration systems and spread sheets
• Presentation skills
• Ability to understand and present clinical data

Knowledge

Essential

• Evidence of continued professional development including formal study
• Relevant anatomy and physiology
• Recognition of needs and responsibility for own learning
• Knowledge of clinical governance, risk management and diversity issues within an NHS organisation
• Current national nursing issues

Desirable

• Knowledge of national guidelines/frameworks relevant to osteoporosis and fragility fractures

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).