Job responsibilities
The Wellbridge Practice
JOB DESCRIPTION Practice Nurse
Accountable to - Lead Nurse/GP partners and Practice Manager
Job Title Practice Nurse
Job Summary
To provide nursing care services to patients within the practice area, including clinical treatment, screening and advice in accordance with the NMC. To undertake administrative work that may be required in order to provide medical services to the practice population, including audits and delivering action plans.
Key Tasks (General)
To assist in and perform routine nursing tasks related to patient care, as directed by those to whom accountable, including, (this is not an exhaustive list): immunisations, venepuncture, ECG recording, wound care and assessment, including dressings, treatment of minor casualties, caring for the acutely unwell patient including resuscitation in emergencies, cervical cytology, anticoagulation clinics and assisting with QOF.
To provide health screening to the practice population, including health education and promotion (within the scope of experience and qualifications), with referral to GPs or lead nurse, as necessary.
To recognise the importance of effective communication (i) within the team (ii) with the wider PHC team and other colleagues, and (iii) with patients and carers. The latter should include the recognition of peoples need for alternative style and methods of communication, and respond accordingly.
Participate in local meetings as required such as Multidisciplinary team and gold standard framework meetings.
Liaise with other health care professionals such as district nurses, medical staff and pharmacy technicians, to coordinate patient care.
Support junior staff and health care assistants in their role.
Support senior staff with administration tasks if required.
To maintain the general tidiness and cleanliness of the working environment, adhering to infection prevention and control policies; maintain supplies and equipment used, as part of the nursing team.
To maintain accurate patient documentation and statistics, participating in research and audits, and summarising and computerising medical notes.
To adhere to the practice uniform / Infection Prevention and Control policy (IPC Manual 2)..
To assist in covering colleagues absence as overtime with prior negotiation.
Key Tasks (Individual)
To manage chronic disease patients (dependent on training and personal competencies). Monitor, develop and manage individual care plans, agreeing these with the patient and other health care professionals.
To keep up to date with current guidance and best practice for the management of these patients, and act as a resource for practice staff, participating in meetings and training as required. Maintain continuing professional development (CPD) in line with the NMC.
To manage patients having warfarin therapy by carrying out INR tests and dosing patients warfarin, ensuring appropriate recording
To assist in managing the anticoagulation service, in the Lead Nurses absence, including audit and follow up of patients not attending
To contribute to the infection prevention and control guidelines and policies for the practice. Participate in audit and the development of policies, assisting the lead nurse in implementing evidence based practice.
To support the cytology service and carry out cytology administrative tasks if needed. This may involve contacting patients and supporting them in the decision to attend for screening.
There will follow paragraphs on confidentiality; personal and professional development; health and safety; equality and diversity. These are standard on all staff job descriptions.
HEALTH & SAFETY
The post holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:
- Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines.
- Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks
- Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills
- Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards
- Reporting potential risks identified
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
The post holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include
Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation.
Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues.
Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.
PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The post holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include
- Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development.
- Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work.
QUALITY
The post holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will
- Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk
- Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision.
- Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance.
- Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs.
- Effectively manage own time, workload and resources.
COMMUNICATION
The post holder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to
- Communicate effectively with other team members
- Communicate effectively with patients and carers
- Recognize peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SERVICES
The post holder will
- Apply practice policies, standards and guidance
- Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work.
- Participate in audit where appropriate.
