Job responsibilities
The
following are the core responsibilities of the Practice Nurse. There may be, on
occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon
factors such as workload and staffing levels:
a.
To
be instrumental in the support of the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) lead
and to work to the IPC requirements by providing audits, training, support and
evidence of compliance to the practice manager
b.
To
support in the publication of the IPC annual statement in conjunction with the
practice manager
c.
To develop,
implement and embed an effective care management programme for the frail and
housebound patients registered at the practice
d.
To
assess the needs of patients ensuring the provision of healthcare is
appropriate, incorporating evidence-based practice
e.
To
develop, implement and embed health promotion and wellbeing programmes
f.
To
implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients
that promote health and wellbeing
g.
To
identify, manage and support patients at risk of developing long-term
conditions, preventing adverse effects to patients health
h.
As
required, to provide routine nursing care to patients in accordance with
clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF
i.
As
required, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions
j.
Provide
wound care (ulcer/Doppler, etc.) to patients
k.
To
review patient medications to enhance compliance
l.
To
provide guidance to patients in the use of prescribed and over-the-counter
medications regarding side effects and dosages
m.
To co-ordinate
the provision of travel medicine services
n.
To
request pathology services and process pathology results as required
o.
To
oversee the provision of chronic disease clinics, delivering patient care as
necessary, referring patients to secondary/specialist care as required
p.
To
maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation
q.
To
ensure SNOMED CT codes are used effectively by all members of the nursing team
r.
To
ensure the appropriate maintenance and use of chronic disease registers
s.
To
develop, implement, embed and participate in well woman clinics
t.
To
develop, implement, embed and participate in well man clinics
u.
To
ensure compliance with the practice chaperone policy
v.
To
assist GPs with minor surgery when required
w.
To
prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately
x.
To
support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies
y.
To
recognise, assess and refer patients presenting with mental health needs
z.
To
implement vaccination programmes for adults and children
aa. To support patients in the use of their
prescribed medicines or over-the-counter medicines (within own scope of
practice)
bb. To liaise with external
services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable
patients etc.)
cc. To delegate clinical responsibilities
appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of
practice of the individual)
dd. To support the clinical team with all
safeguarding matters, in accordance with local and national policies
ee. To understand practice and local
policies for substance abuse and addictive behaviour, referring patients
appropriately
ff.
To
deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate