Nurse Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' health conditions, including physical, psychological, and social aspects. This may involve taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, ordering diagnostic tests, and interpreting results.

Diagnosis: Formulate differential diagnoses and make accurate diagnoses of patients' health conditions.

Treatment: Develop and implement treatment plans, which can include prescribing medication, providing health education, and offering non-pharmacological interventions.

Emergency Care: Provide emergency care and management for patients, including handling acute and complex cases.

Chronic Disease Management: Manage patients with chronic health conditions, helping them to achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life.

Referrals: Refer patients to specialist healthcare providers or services when necessary, and collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, such as GPs and consultants.

Health Promotion: Promote health and well-being through patient education and preventive healthcare measures.

Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in accordance with NHS guidelines.

Research and Development: Engage in continuous professional development to stay current with best practices, research, and guidelines.

Patient Advocacy: Act as an advocate for patients, ensuring their needs and preferences are considered in the care plan.

Quality Improvement: Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the overall quality of care provided within the practice.

Safeguarding:

Child and Adult Safeguarding: NPs must be vigilant for signs of abuse or neglect in both children and adults. They should follow established NHS safeguarding procedures to report concerns, collaborate with relevant agencies, and ensure patient safety.

Vulnerable Populations: Pay special attention to vulnerable patient populations, including the elderly, individuals with mental health issues, or those with disabilities. Ensure that their unique safeguarding needs are addressed.

Training and Awareness: Stay updated on safeguarding training and guidelines and help educate the healthcare team on the importance of safeguarding practices.

Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken, ensuring that information is securely stored and shared only with authorized individuals.

Information Governance:

Data Security: Adhere to strict data security and confidentiality protocols to protect patient information. This includes following the Data Protection Act (or its successor) and ensuring the secure storage and transmission of patient records.

Information Sharing: Safely share patient information within the boundaries of patient consent and information governance policies. Ensure that shared data is accurate and relevant to the patient's care.

Clinical Systems: Use clinical systems and electronic health records (EHRs) in compliance with NHS information governance policies, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of patient data.

Records Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, ensuring they are archived and disposed of in accordance with NHS information governance guidelines.

Training and Compliance: Participate in information governance training to remain aware of the latest policies and best practices. Promote information governance awareness among the healthcare team.

Data Quality: Take responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of patient data, as quality data is essential for providing safe and effective care.

Incident Reporting: Promptly report any breaches or incidents related to information governance and assist in investigations and corrective actions as required.

Incorporating safeguarding and information governance into the job description highlights the A

NP's role in ensuring patient safety, maintaining data integrity, and upholding ethical and legal standards in healthcare. These responsibilities are essential to providing high-quality and safe care within the NHS.

Infection Control:

Standard Precautions: Strictly adhere to standard precautions, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and respiratory hygiene, to prevent the transmission of infections.

Aseptic Techniques: Utilize aseptic techniques when performing procedures or handling invasive medical devices to minimize the risk of infection.

Isolation and Quarantine: Implement appropriate isolation or quarantine measures when dealing with patients with contagious diseases, following NHS guidelines and policies.

Vaccination Promotion: Encourage vaccination among eligible patients and ensure that they are up to date with recommended immunizations, helping to protect against preventable diseases.

Environmental Hygiene: Maintain a clean and hygienic healthcare environment by participating in environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Education and Training: Stay informed about the latest infection control practices, and provide training and guidance to colleagues and patients on infection prevention measures.

Infection Surveillance: Participate in infection surveillance programs to monitor and report healthcare-associated infections. Promptly report any outbreaks or unusual patterns.

Waste Management: Properly manage and dispose of clinical waste in accordance with infection control guidelines, ensuring the safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials.

Antibiotic Stewardship: Support antibiotic stewardship efforts by using antibiotics judiciously and educating patients on the importance of completing antibiotic courses as prescribed.

Respiratory Infection Control: Follow guidelines for the control of respiratory infections, such as those related to tuberculosis or seasonal flu, and provide guidance on preventive measures.

Emergency Preparedness: Be prepared to respond to public health emergencies that may involve infectious disease outbreaks, collaborating with local health authorities and emergency services.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (RN) with additional postgraduate education and certification as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
• Membership with a professional nursing body, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Relevant experience working as an NP in a primary care or general practice setting.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and keeping up to date with the latest healthcare guidelines and best practices.

Desirable

• Masters Qualification for Advanced Practitioners

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Latchford Medical Centre

Address

5 Thelwall Lane

Latchford

Warrington

Cheshire

WA4 1LJ

Employer's website

https://www.latchfordmedicalcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)