Job responsibilities
The following are the core responsibilities of the lead practice nurse. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
a.To act as the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) lead and to work to the IPC Policy providing audits, training, support and evidence of compliance to the practice manager
b.To produce the IPC annual statement in conjunction with the practice manager
c.To develop, implement and embed health promotion and well-being programmes
d.To implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients that promote health and well-being
e.To identify, manage and support patients at risk of developing long term conditions, preventing adverse effects to patients health
f.To provide routine nursing care to patients as required in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF
g.To diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions
h.To prescribe medication for patients in accordance with PGDs and own scope of practice
i.To review patient medications to enhance compliance
j.To provide guidance to patients in the use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications regarding side effects and dosages
k.To oversee the provision of wound care services to patients
l.To co-ordinate the provision of travel medicine services
m.To request pathology services as necessary
n.To process pathology results as required
o.To oversee the provision of chronic disease clinics, delivering patient care as necessary, referring patients to secondary/specialist care as required
p.To maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation
q.To ensure read codes are used effectively by all members of the nursing team
r.To ensure the appropriate maintenance and use of chronic disease registers
s.To develop, implement, embed and participate in well woman clinics
t.To develop, implement, embed and participate in well man clinics
u.To chaperone patients where necessary
v.To assist GPs with minor surgery when required
w.To prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately
x.To support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies
y.To recognise, assess and refer patients presenting with mental health needs
z.To implement vaccination programmes for adults and children
aa.To support patients in the use of their prescribed medicines or over-the-counter medicines (within own scope of practice)
bb.To liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients etc.)
cc.To delegate clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of practice of the individual)
dd.To support the clinical team with all safeguarding matters in accordance with local and national policies
ee.To understand practice and local policies for substance abuse and addictive behaviour, referring patients appropriately
ff.To deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate