Practice Nurse

Job responsibilities

Job Responsibilities

Assist in and perform routine tasks related to patient care as directed by GPs, such tasks may include:

Cervical Screening

Fitting ring pessaries

Contraception

Wound care/ulcer care/Doppler

Removal of Sutures

Blood pressure monitoring, including fitting Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor

Travel Advice and Injections

Routine immunisations/Childhood immunisations

ECGs

Asthma/Peak Flow Readings/Spirometry

Venepuncture/INRs

Hypertension Management

Diabetes Management

COPD Management

Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols, and within scope of practice

Diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions, integrating both drug-and-nondrug-based treatment methods into a management plan

Advise patients on general health care and minor ailments, with referral to other members of the primary and secondary health care team as necessary

Assisting GPs with minor surgery

Urinalysis

Requesting pathology tests, eg urine culture, swabs

Ear syringing

Advice on minor ailments

New Patient Checks

Well Person checks

Weight reduction and dietary advice

Health Promotion

Following agreed clinical protocols with referral to GPs as appropriate (for example: pill checks, diabetic reviews)

Other tasks will include:

Assisting GPs with minor surgery and IUCD/Nexplanon fittings

Maintaining and cleaning equipment used by the nurses and GPs

Maintaining GP and Nurses rooms, stocking and rotating items as required

Chaperoning and assisting patients who are being examined by another clinician

Maintain general tidiness and cleanliness of nurses and treatment rooms

Ordering of Health Promotion Literature

Ordering of stock from the Hospital

Ordering of vaccinations to maintain stock levels

Participation in administrative systems in the practice

At all times there will be a need to maintain accurate records

Advise GPs of potential problems or errors within the range of assigned tasks

Liaison with all members of the Primary Health Care Team as and when necessary

Any other delegated duties appropriate to the post.

Special Requirements of the Post

An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality

Ability to use own judgment, resourcefulness and common sense

A commitment to maintain a high professional standard of nursing care and keep up to date with all aspects of nursing care relevant to the post

A commitment to ensure all Health and Safety requirements and Infection Control measures are met and to report any problems to the practice manager

A commitment to the effective use of practice and NHS resources

An awareness of own limitations and experience

To work only in accordance with the UKCC Code of Conduct and within the scope of professional practice

To have a written professional development plan and to maintain an up to date portfolio which meets the requirements of registration with the UKCC

Membership of the RCN

Experience

Essential

• An understanding of the requirements of the Care Quality Commission. An understanding of nursing within a primary care setting.

Desirable

• Previous general practice experience.
• Knowledge of SystmOne clinical system.
• An understanding of the GP contract and QOF.

Aptitudes

Essential

• Conscientious.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to prioritise and manage time new line.
• Ability to work through and solve problems.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate and relate to patients and staff at all levels. Proactive can do attitude.
• Team player.
• Approachable.
• Sense of humour.

Desirable

• Flexibility in covering sickness absence.
• Ability to work within a changing environment.
• Initiative in proposing new ideas.
• Working knowledge of I.T packages.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered General Nurse.
• Current NMC registration.
• Membership of a professional body.
• GCSE English grade C or equivalent.

Desirable

• Diabetes qualification.
• Spirometry qualification.

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).