Job responsibilities
Job Description - also attached as a .pdf document
Main Purpose of the Post:
To provide a support service to the clinical team in
delivering care to the practice population
Responsible to: Clinically & Administratively: Nursing Team Lead
Major Duties and
Responsibilities of the Post:
1. Communication
a.
Communicate effectively
with other team members.
b.
Communicate effectively
with patients and carers, recognising their needs for alternative methods of
communication.
2. Personal development
a.
Take responsibility for
own developmental learning and performance, including participating in
supervision.
b.
Take responsibility for
maintaining a record of own personal development.
c.
Work with managers on
any new training requirements.
d.
Demonstrate skills and
activities to others who are undertaking similar work.
3. Health, safety and security
a.
Use the security systems
within the workplace according to practice guidelines.
b.
Identify the risks
involved in work activities and undertake them in a way that manages the risks.
c.
Make effective use of
training to update knowledge and skills.
d.
Use appropriate
infection control procedures and maintain work areas in each clinical room so
that they are clean, safe and free from hazards reporting of any potential
risks identified, including: hand washing, universal hygiene procedures, collection
and handling of laboratory specimens, segregation and disposal of waste
materials, decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment, reporting
and treatment of sharps injuries, dealing with blood and body fluid spillages.
e.
Assist patients and
colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures.
f.
Understand and apply the
principles of the cold chain.
g.
Ensure safe storage,
rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs within area of responsibility.
h.
Know the general
principles of first aid and resuscitation.
i.
Be aware of statutory
child health procedures.
j.
Know the health and
safety policies and procedures within the workplace, including fire procedures,
maintaining documentation, monitoring and maintaining of equipment and
furniture within your area of responsibility.
k.
Use the computer monitor
safely.
l.
Be able to identify the
risks to health of microbiological and chemical hazards within the working
environment according to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.
m.
Know how to use the
personal security system at the practice.
4. Service improvement
a.
Be aware of and, if
appropriate, assist in current clinical audit.
b.
Work with colleagues on
the development of services and other initiatives.
c.
Maintain the notice
board in the waiting room and promote good health with educational material.
d.
Produce a list of health
education leaflets for GPs and nurses.
e.
Deal with requests from
patients and clinical staff for health information leaflets.
f.
Ensure GPs rooms and
clinical treatment rooms are clean and well stocked.
5. Quality
a.
Alert other team members
to issues of quality and risk in the care of patients.
b.
Ensure own actions are
consistent with clinical governance systems.
c.
Practice in accordance
with agreed standards of care.
d.
Enable patients to
access appropriate professionals in the team and beyond.
e.
Ensure stock items under
your control are ordered and available in the treatment and consulting rooms.
f.
Know how clinical
governance affects the HCA role and bring to the attention of more senior staff
any specific risk situation.
g.
Know the practices
policies in this respect, especially the whistle-blowing policy available in
the practice staff handbook.
h.
Be able to manage your
own time effectively.
6. Equality and diversity
a.
Act in ways that
recognise the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is
consistent with procedures.
b.
Respect the privacy,
dignity, needs and beliefs of patients and carers.
c.
Understand basic legal
and communication issues regarding child abuse.
d.
Act as a chaperone.
7. Clinical skills health and well-being
a. Undertake, record and follow guidelines for the tasks for which you have
received appropriate training:
b. Provide phlebotomy
in accordance to training and procedures
c.
Take ear, throat and skin swabs as directed by the
GP or practice nurse
d. Take physiological
measurements from patients including: urinalysis and preparation of specimens for
investigation by the pathology laboratory; blood pressure, pulse rate and rhythm,
temperature, height and weight (body mass index), and ECG
e. Administer B12 injections
flu and pneumonia vaccinations under Patient Specific Directions
f.
Undertake patient health checks in accordance with
training and procedure
g. Fit 24 hour BP machines
as directed and in accordance with training and procedure. Also teach use of
Home Monitoring Blood Pressure recordings.
h. Assist GPs
undertaking minor surgery and coil clinics.
i.
Undertake specific clinical activities for named
patients that have been delegated and taught specifically in relation to that
individual for example dressings
j.
Undertake home visits
k.
Assist in raising awareness of health and
well-being by participating in patient health promotion and screening
initiatives
l.
Give accurate and appropriate information to
patients within your own competence
m.
Carry out administrative tasks for example, but not
limited to, call and recall activities and stock takes as directed by senior
members of the practice team
n.
Prepare and maintain
environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions.
o.
Give accurate and appropriate
information to patients and groups within own competence.
The role may be extended to include the
following according to the skills of the successful post-holder:
p. Instruct patients
on inhaler and nebuliser techniques in accordance with training and
procedures.
q. Undertake
peak-flow measurement and spirometry
r.
Suture and clip removal
8. Information processes
a.
Record information and
activities undertaken with patients and carers in an accurate and timely fashion
using appropriate systems.
b.
Maintain confidentiality
or information relating to patients, relatives, staff and the practice.
c.
Take the necessary
precautions when transmitting information.
Other:
Contribute to
other activities within the practice, especially within the area of health
promotion
Comply with all practice policies and
protocols, such as confidentiality, equal opportunities, health & safety.
Engage in the
Practice Professional Development Plan
Perform all
other reasonable duties as outlined by the Nurse Team Manager, Practice
Manager or Partners of the Practice.
