Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
To work as part of the primary healthcare team providing treatment, preventative care, screening and health education to the patients of the practice, and advising people in respect of their continuing medical and nursing needs. There is a requirement to see extra or emergency patients. Patients with problems needing a referral to secondary care should be discussed with the registered GP before making such referral.
Responsibilities:
Clinical Practice
Following agreed clinical protocols in conjunction with the nursing team and referral to Nurse Practitioner or GPs as appropriate
Providing assessment, screening treatment services and health education advice:
- Carry out specific health screening to the practice population including cervical cytology
- Assist in the provision of care to those patients with chronic diseases operating specific disease clinics, for example asthma, diabetes, and coronary heart disease etc.
Screen patients for disease risk factors and early diagnosis of illness and help monitor a recall system for patients.
- Advise patients on general health care and minor ailments with referral to the general practitioner as necessary.
- Give immunisations and vaccinations in accordance to the Practices group directive and give travel vaccinations and advice for travellers
- Give advice on family planning and recommend appropriate contraceptives.
- Carry out routine blood taking and blood pressure monitoring
- Give diet and healthy lifestyle advice.
- Chaperoning and assisting patients where appropriate who are being examined by another clinician
- Provide wound care and Doppler assessment
- Carry out ECGs tests
- Carry out INR testing using Coagucheck and INR Star
- Blood pressure checks
- Urinalysis
- Health screening
- Ear syringing
- Dressings
- Routine injections
- Minor injuries
- Removal of sutures / clips
- Baby immunisations
- Assisting with the fitting of IUCD / IUS
- First registration checks / health surveillance / general health advice
- Organise and coordinate the provision of nursing services for the practice to include the delegation of duties to other members of the practice nurse team as appropriate
- Provide general and specific health screenings to the practice patients (within agreed protocols) with referral to other members of the primary and secondary health care team as necessary
- Undertake the collection of pathological specimens including intravenous blood samples, swabs etc. Perform investigatory procedures requested by the GPs
Minor Operations
- Management of the theatre and recovery suite for minor operations including maintenance of equipment and stock, adequate staffing and ensuring appropriate items of service claims are made
- To assist the doctor to carry out minor operations as required.
- Report any problems to the Practice Manager
Supplies and equipment
- Maintenance of equipment and stock relating to patient care
Meetings
- It will be necessary to attend and contribute to various Practice meetings as requested. The only reason for not attending will be annual, study or sick leave.
Communication:
The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:
- Communicate effectively with patients and carers
- Communicate effectively with other team members
- As well as the nursing team there is a need to work closely with reception, office and dispensary staff to ensure the smooth running of the practice, reporting any problems encountered to the relevant person and ensuring that everyone is aware of the different roles within the nursing team.
- There is also the need to establish and maintain good liaison with other surgeries and agencies including secondary care
Administrative and Professional Responsibilities
To work in partnership with general practitioners, the nurse practitioner, practice nurses and other professionals to develop protocols, standards and audit tools to facilitate effective delivery of care.
Participate in the administrative and professional responsibilities of the practice team.
Ensure collection and maintenance of statistical information, on the computer or manually, required for regular and ad hoc reports and audits.
Demonstrate and maintain adequate knowledge and compliance with all aspects of health and safety at work and COSHH.
- Order vaccines and Stock, tidy and organise Treatment Rooms and Stock Rooms.
- Maintain records of Clinic attendance and services provided.
- Ensure accurate and legible notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the patients notes
- Ensure the clinical computer system is kept up to date with accurate details recorded and amended
- Ensure appropriate items of service claims are made accurately, reporting any problems to the Practice Administrator
- Ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient health care and registration with the practice
Training and personal development
- Training requirements will be monitored by yearly appraisal and will be in accordance with practice requirements. Personal development will be encouraged and supported by the Practice. It is the individuals responsibility to remain up to date with recent developments.
- Participate in the education and training of students of all disciplines and the induction of all members of the practice staff where appropriate
- Participate in developing and maintaining an in house nurse-training programme reporting to the Practice Nurse Manager.
- Maintain continued education by attendance at courses and study days as deemed useful or necessary for professional development ensuring PREP requirements are met.
- If it is necessary to expand the role to include additional responsibilities, full training will be given.
- Develop and maintain a Personal Learning Plan
Contribute and participate as required in any research projects and audits within the practice.
Assist in the Management, supervision, co-ordination and guidance of the nursing team
- To assist in the management of the nursing service in participation with the Practice Nurse Manager ensuring relevant information is disseminated to and from the nursing staff
- In participation with the Practice Nurse Manager contribute to yearly appraisals of all the nursing staff producing a training programme
- Ensure adequate nursing cover is provided while within the practice guidelines, keeping the Practice Nurse Manager informed of any problems
- Participate in the Development and maintenance of practice policies and protocols for all nursing activity
- To lead / assist in agreed clinical areas i.e. infection control, Asthma, Diabetes etc. in the practice to ensure all staff are aware of current procedures
- Participate in the Planning, chairing and recording of management and training meetings for all nurses following the training programme.
- Ensure agreed practice audits are carried out
- Ensure the General Practice Manager is informed of any matters arising or problems / potential problems
- Ensure all surgery produced nursing leaflets are kept up to date
- Produce a 6 monthly nursing newsletter for patient
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POST1. Registered General Nurse.
2. To work in accordance with UKCC Code of Conduct.
3. To have or to express a commitment in working towards a Practice Nurse Diploma or equivalent.
4. To have at least three years nurse experience
5. Ability to self-motivate, organise and prioritise workload.
6. Excellent communication skills.
7. Knowledge of current clinical evidence based practice.
8. Knowledge and understanding of clinical governance.
9. Knowledge of current professional issues relating to nursing.
ALL PRACTICE STAFF SHOULD BE AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974.
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION WILL BE SUBJECT TO PERIODIC REVIEW AND AMENDMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE POST HOLDER
