Job responsibilities
The Abingdon Surgery is a successful and trusted provider of NHS services in Oxfordshire with a growing practice population of 19,000 patients and an overall good CGC rating.
Building upon this success we are seeking a Practice Nurse to join our team ensure this continued delivery of a high-quality service for the local population.
As a member of the practice nursing team you will be working closely with the Nurse lead, Practice Nurses, Healthcare assistants and GPs in delivering of responsive and effective care. Clinically, the focus of the role is the delivery of evidence-based practice for patients with long-term conditions, wound management, vaccinations and womens health.
Over and above this you will be responsible for the care delivered, demonstrating critical thinking and skills in clinical decision-making.
Outside of these core responsibilities you will be able to implement policy and procedures while upholding stands of infection control, confidentiality and professionalism. As a practice, we encourage professional development and can offer internal and external education if you wished to explore a specialist interest.
We welcome informal visits or telephone calls if you would like more information before submitting an application. As part of our employment process, you will be required to complete the appropriate level DBS check.
Job Summary
To be responsible for the implementation of processes for the effective management of patients with long-term conditions using evidence-based practice including care for elderly and housebound patients. Working as a member of the practice multidisciplinary team, the post holder will ensure nursing services are delivered effectively to the Local Abingdon patient population. This organisation will ensure that the post holder has access to appropriate clinical supervision and an appropriate named individual in the organisation to provide general advice and support on a day-to-day basis. Key Responsibilities
The following are the core responsibilities of the Practice Nurse. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks as described by the GP Partners, Practice Manager or Clinical Supervisor. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
a. To 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 IPA lead and/or practice manager
b. To support the practice in IPC compliance to CQC standard or above
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
Other Responsibilities
a. Develop and review audit protocols and process for the practice, effectively utilising the audit cycle
b. Develop, review and implement nursing protocols in conjunction with the partners
c. Support all members of the nursing team, providing guidance when necessary, conducting appraisals and training needs analyses as required
d. Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care
e. Support and participate in shared learning within the practice in order to improve patient care
f. Continually review clinical practices, responding to national policies and initiatives where appropriate
g. Participate in the review of significant and near-miss events applying a structured approach, i.e., root cause analysis (RCA)
h. Coordinate the nursing team rota, ensuring sufficient staff are available to meet patient needs
i. Lead the planning and implementation of changes within the nursing team, enhancing the provision of services to patients
j. Support the practice team with the reviewing and implementation of practice policies and protocols, ensuring conformance to extant legislation
Responsibilities
Adherence to policies
Help the practice to ensure that policies and procedures are up to date and consistent with agreed best practice as defined by local and national guidelines.
Information governance
Provide advice and training on the recording and coding of safeguarding relevant information within the electronic patient record.
All staff must complete annual information governance training. If you have and NHS email account this can be completed on-line, otherwise you must attend a classroom session. For further details go to the Information Governance intranet site. (Practice Index E-learning)
Safeguarding assurance
Support the practice in achieving CQC compliance with respect to the safeguarding of staff and patients.
Training
To train new staff on policies and procedures where required.
Equality and Diversity
A good attitude and positive action towards Equality Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) creates an environment where all individuals can achieve their full potential. Creating such an environment is important for three reasons it improves operational effectiveness, it is morally the right thing to do and it is required by law. To always conduct their responsibilities in line with Equal Opportunities Policy and Procedure
Professional development
The post holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment
Risk Management
The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest, and open environment. Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training, and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
The practice is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the organisation. As a member of the trust there is a duty to assist in protecting patients and their families from any harm when they are vulnerable. The post holder will always endeavor to uphold the rights of children and young people in accordance with the UN convention Rights of a Child.
Health and Wellbeing
This organisation is committed to supporting and promoting opportunities for staff to maintain their health, wellbeing and safety.
Essential skills
- Registered Nurse with valid NMC registration
- Diploma or Degree in Nursing
- Evidence of continued professional development (CPD)
- Experience of working in primary care or community settings
- Experience of cervical cytology, immunisations, and wound care
- Experience of working independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of chronic disease management protocols
- Skilled in venepuncture, vaccinations, ECGs, dressings
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care
- Understanding of infection control and safeguarding procedures
- Competent in using clinical IT systems (e.g. EMIS Web)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Caring, compassionate and professional manner
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Commitment to patient-centred care
- Polite and confident
- Flexible and cooperative
- Motivated
- Forward thinker
- High levels of integrity and loyalty
- Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
- Ability to work under pressure
- Willingness to work flexible hours when required to meet work demands
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
What We Value
Were looking for someone who embodies:
- High ethical standards and respect for confidentiality.
- A personalised approach to patient care and diversity.
- An approach to work which is centered around continuous improvement
- Emotional resilience and adaptability under pressure.