Practice Nurse

Job responsibilities

Practice Nurse

Main purpose of the post

Working in accordance with the NMC code of conduct, the practice nursing team including the health care assistants in the provision of assessment, treatment, screening, health education services and advice to patients. Work closely with the nurse manager, GPs, the practice manager and other teams to assist in the successful operation of all practice functions

Reports to Nurse Manager

Responsible to provide safe and effective patient care

Main duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure nursing functions/rotas are adequately covered whenever the practice is open
• Ensure you are equipped with the relevant tools and access to the systems which are relevant to your role.
• Be competent to perform all aspects of the nursing role i.e. COPD, Diabetes, Asthma, Travel Immunisations, provide assistance in minor surgery, childhood Imms, wound care management and health screening
• Participate and take responsibility of the work rota, to include some weekend working and provide cover where necessary

• To adhere to practice policy for booking annual leave and requesting any other type of leave ensuring this is requested prior to the rotas being written, where ever possible.

• Follow practice policy on absence reporting.

• Participate in the improvement of team performance and take appropriate action in respect of team performance and efficiency

• Ensure your appraisal is actioned annually with the relevant documentation completed and forwarded to the nurse manager within the agreed timescales

• Ensure costs are kept to a minimum by reviewing suppliers for drugs and surgical requisites regularly.

• Ensure Bluestream training is kept up to date and advise the nurse manager of any concerns.

• Ensure attendance and contribution to team meetings is undertaken on a regular basis.

Manage patient care and database

• Ensure systems are in place for maintaining the accuracy of patient personal details and recording of the relevant read codes.
• Act professionally, at all times, when interacting with patients.
• Maintain patient registers to ensure accurate reporting, (E.g. For diabetic retinopathy, breast and cervical screening)
• Ensure systems are in place for you to record and respond to QOF alerts as they fall due.
• Ensure you use the most up to date forms and templates.

Data and quality management

• Identify patients who DNA, to ensure reception are informed by way of task.
• Ensure Significant events are documented and escalated to the nurse manager within 7 days.

Risk and Controls. This includes:

• Be responsible for infection control ensuring all cleaning schedules and emergency equipment, including drugs, are checked and documented this has been actioned. Inform nurse manager of any concerns.
• Ensure patient complaints are kept to a minimum and your NMC code of conduct is adhered to within the clinical setting.
• Take responsibility to ensure clinical rooms are locked when not in use and all smartcards are not left unattended and all drugs are locked away.
• Alert the nurse manager to any concern regarding quality and safety in relation to staff and patients.
• Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision.
• Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance.
• Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs.
• Effectively manage own time, workload and resources.
• Ensure that policies, protocols, guidance, procedures and training offered are followed at all times.

NMC CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORD KEEPING

• Observe a strict code of confidentiality at all times.
• In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately.
• In the performance of the duties the individual may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The employee will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, and seek to continually improve their skills and knowledge. Such training will include:

Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal/or professional development.

Taking responsibility for own development by keeping a personal development plan.

Qualifications

Essential

• RGN qualification
• Current NMC registration

Desirable

• Cervical Cytology qualification
• Undertaken qualification in Chronic disease management

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as a practice nurse within primary care setting is essential.
• Experience working within a team and ability to work independently under pressure.
• Ability to learn new skills and follow practice protocols to provide safe and effective care.

Desirable

• At least 12 months working as practice nurse in GP surgery
• IT literacy and read coding
• Experience using SystmOne
• Participation in Clinical audit

Skills and knowledge

Essential

• IT literacy
• Motivated to learn new skills and keep updated with existing skills
• Flexible, adaptable and reliable worker
• Provide safe and effective care for patients and their families
• Work effectively as part of an MDT
• Work effectively and safely as an independent practitioner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Be motivated to learn and undertake new practical skills
• Ability to manage own time and prioritise own workload
• An understanding of the GMS/PMS contract competency framework
• Problem solving skills
• Able to demonstrate conflict management skills
• Must be able to drive and have their own car to undertake home visits

Desirable

• Participation in clinic audit
• Teaching and assessing experience
• Able to demonstrate good understanding of the Practice Nurse role

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).