Practice Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

The practice nurse will provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of their care. The practice nurse should demonstrate safe, clinical decision making and expert care for patients within general practice. They will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary general practice team to meet the needs of patient, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures.

Job responsibilities may include:

To provide basic and higher levels of nursing care as needed for patients.

To provide care for wounds, ear irrigation, venepuncture, ECGs and 24 hour ECG/BP equipment etc.

Dealing with patients as they present routinely or as emergencies, assessing patients individual needs and treatment or referring as appropriate.

Immunisations and vaccinations.

Helping with guidance and training of student nurses.

Accurately recording all results on the computer and ensuring familiarity and understanding of the requirements of the GMS/PMS contract.

Assisting with meeting QOF targets.

Being familiar with emergency equipment and procedures, maintaining a high standard of safety at all times with regard to checking equipment and drugs and restocking and servicing as necessary.

Being familiar with local infection control procedures.

Being aware of Treatment Room protocols and taking part in their regular updating.

Ensuring that patients are treated with due regard to privacy and confidentiality.

Liaising with nurse colleagues and doctors where necessary.

The list of duties is not exhaustive, and may change as demand dictates. At times the nurse may be called upon to do extra cover at holiday times, for example, or occasionally extra immunisation campaigns will be needed, for example during the flu season.

The nurse is accountable for their own actions at all times according to the code of conduct laid down by the NMC. The nurse must recognise the importance of not working beyond their own scope of training or competence, if unsure how to deal with a situation or medical problem you must seek the help of a more senior colleague, Doctor or Practice Manager, whichever is more appropriate.

As the nurse develops their skills it may be appropriate with the Lead Nurse, to appraise their performance, using the current career pathway as a guide recognising the nurse may progress towards becoming a more skilled practitioner.

This may include running clinics such as diabetes, asthma, CHD, family planning, smear taking, minor illness, INR and spirometry.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered General Nurse with current NMC registration. Newly qualified Nurses will be considered.

Experience

Essential

• Competency in basic nursing duties required for the role
• Specific nursing skills/qualifications

Desirable

• Experience of INR, family planning, cervical cytology, immunisation, travel clinic and chronic disease management
• Knowledge of EMIS

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent assessment skills
• Good decision making, communication and organisation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with people at all levels
• Good IT skills to enable accurate recording of consultations
• Committed to ongoing development
• Adaptable and flexible to work additional hours including extended access hours
• Ability to work under pressure
• A team player
• Enthusiasm and energy

Desirable

• Understanding of chronic disease presentations
• Understanding of vaccinations and immunisations for children and adults

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

Whitstable Medical Practice

Address

Estuary View Medical Centre

Boorman Way

Whitstable

Kent

CT5 3SE

Employer's website

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