Job responsibilities
Primary
Responsibilities:
The following are the core responsibilities of the Nurse
Associate. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks;
this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels. The
Nursing Associate will work within their scope of clinical practice and the
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code, supported by supervision from a
Senior Nurse, and:
- Support the nursing with the management of patients with long-term
conditions/chronic diseases
- Assist in and perform
routine tasks related to patient care as directed by senior nursing staff and
GPs
- Be able to take vital
signs and observations and identify signs of improvement, report any
deteriorations or concerns, e.g. pulse, blood pressure, respirations, oxygen
saturations, peak flow, blood glucose levels, ECG, assessing nutrition and
hydration
- Undertake wound care
and management, as required
- Administer medications
as prescribed and in accordance with NMC Standards, e.g. injections using
sub-cutaneous or intramuscular routes under Patient Specific Directions
- Document consultations
accurately and appropriately, according to NMC guidelines
- Ensure awareness of
statutory and local clinical adult and children safeguarding protection
procedures, including systems of referral. Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse/neglect
- Obtain and document
informed consent (either verbal or written), as required
- Ensure infection
prevention and control guidelines are maintained.
- Chaperone and assist
patients, where appropriate, who are being examined by another clinician
- Assist GPs, e.g. with
minor surgery and family planning clinics
- Undertake pathology
tests, for example urine culture, swabs
- Assist in practice
audits, CQC compliance evidence and QOF recalls.
- Participate and
contribute towards any local incentive project relevant to the role.
- Ensure
all mandatory training is completed on an annual basis
Additional
tasks following training and support may include:
- Cytology
- Childhood Immunisations
& Vaccinations under PSD
- Vaccinations (e.g.
influenza)
- Assessment, screening
and treatment services and health education advice
- Nursing treatments in
participation with general practitioners or senior nurses to agreed protocols
- General and specific
health screenings within agreed protocols and referral to general practitioners
as necessary
- Advise patients on
general health care with referral to GPs as necessary
- Monitor and manage
maintenance of stock and equipment to include refrigeration and emergency
equipment
- Undertake the
collection, storage and despatch of pathological specimens including
intravenous blood samples, swabs, smears etc and ensure the cleanliness of any
equipment so used
- Perform any
investigatory procedures requested by the GPs or senior nurses
Administrative
and professional responsibilities
- Recognise and work
within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- Participate in the
administrative and professional responsibilities of the practice team.
- Ensure accurate notes
of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the patients’ notes on the
clinical computer system as appropriate.
- Attend and participate
in meetings as required.
- Maintain effective
relationships and communication with colleagues and other agencies.
- Demonstrate
professional and ethical behaviours always including when liaising with
internal and external colleagues.