Practice Nurse

Job responsibilities

REPORTS TO: GENERAL PRACTITIONERS,

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TEAM

JOB PURPOSE:The main purpose of the post is the provision of high-quality nursing to the practice population.

In broad terms this will be achieved by:

1. Working as part of an integrated multi-professional team to provide a comprehensive, primary care service for the registered practice population.

1. Supporting delivery of the Practice teams service objectives, contractual obligations, and aspirational quality standards.

1. Providing strong and effective team working within the practice

1. Working in partnership with wider Primary Care Community Teams to plan and deliver nursing interventions according to the needs of individual patients.

1. Demonstrating and sharing knowledge and understanding of key professional issues and developments in nursing practice.

1. Promoting best practice through clinical governance and risk management systems.

1. Acting as a resource/teacher within the nursing team where appropriate and actively planning professional development opportunities for self and others within the team.

1. Assist with the co-ordination and appropriate delivery of the provision of nurse led services, particularly the continued development of nurse autonomy within long term condition management.

1. Undertaking diagnostic health screening, health surveillance and therapeutic interventions within a broader health promotion/public health strategy and enable patients to take action to meet their priorities for health

1. Assist in the formulation/development of practice protocols/templates where appropriate

1. Be responsible for your own personal development within the practice development plan including education and updates.

1. Be aware of health & safety legislation and requirements and take a lead in ensuring that from the clinical viewpoint practice procedures comply therewith.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

The post holder will be expected to develop and maintain good working relationships with the following:

GPs

Practice/Business Manager, Practice Performance Manager, Practice Operations Manager

Nursing colleagues within the Practice and ICB

Practice Administrative

Allied agencies and services within County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group area.

MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB:

Continuous evaluation and development of nurse led services to meet the changing needs of the practice population and to extend access and choice for patients

Working in partnership and promoting a whole-team approach to service planning and delivery to prevent duplication, ensure seamless care and maximise the use of everyone's skills and expertise.

More specifically the post holder will be required to:

A) Provision of Health Care

I.Assume responsibility for ensuring the provision of the full range of treatment room nursing including venepuncture, dressings, ear syringing, vaccination, suture removal etc, by delegating or carrying out tasks personally as appropriate

II.Undertake full management of patients including diagnostic procedures, health promotion, collection, and interpretation of results (as appropriate) and therapeutic intervention

III.Provide general and specific health screening to Practice patients within agreed protocols e.g., cervical cytology, breast awareness, and health checks.

IV.Advise patients on general health care and minor ailments with referral to GP as and when necessary, either in the surgery or by telephone

V.Assist in the development of pathways of care in long term condition management, carry out long term condition clinics in accordance with agreed protocols and contribute to the operation of the system for the recall/follow up of patients

VI.Contribute to the development of clinical protocols and templates and undertake audits of long-term condition clinics as and when required

VII.Organise and run nurse led family planning clinics as per protocol, involving other members of the Primary Health Care Team when necessary

VIII.Collect and process laboratory specimens as and when necessary

IX.Assist with Minor Surgery as and when necessary

X.Carry out home visits as appropriate

XI.Contribute to infection control issues

XII.Participate in the training of Practice staff generally, medical students and GP Registrars as appropriate

B)Treatment Room Management

In collaboration with the Practices administration staff ensure the regular maintenance and calibration of all equipment and the maintenance of stock levels of drugs, dressings, and other clinical consumables within the practice

C)Administrative and Professional Responsibilities

Ensure that an accurate record is kept of all consultations, treatments, procedures, and patient contacts in the patients computerised medical record.

Ensure accurate and timely completion of all relevant documentation associated with the consultation

Qualifications

Essential

• NMC First Level Nurse
• Marie Curie Cervical Screening
• Family Planning Certificate
• COPD/Asthma Diploma
• Membership of appropriate Professional Body
• Immunisation Training including childhood Immunisations
• CVD Diploma

Desirable

• Diabetes Qualification/Experience

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of primary care nursing
• Knowledge of professional issues and the NMC
• Knowledge of long-term conditions
• Knowledge of clinical governance and audit
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to network
• Negotiating and influencing skills
• Ability to develop strong and effective working relationships
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of personal and professional accountability
• Ability to manage own time effectively

Desirable

• Good IM & T Skills, including skills in auditing processes

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within a nursing team

Desirable

• A minimum of 2-years primary care experience working without direct supervision would be desirable.
• Evidence of developing and implementing nursing initiatives within primary care.

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).