Job responsibilities
The following are the core responsibilities of
the Nursing Associate. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out
other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing
levels. The Nursing Associate will work within their scope of clinical practice
and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code, supported by supervision from
a Senior Nurse, and:
Carry
out Chronic Disease Management annual reviews delegated by a supervising Nurse
or senior colleague.
Monitor
and support the lead nurse with the management of patients with long-term
conditions / chronic diseases, using a holistic patient centred approach.
Assist
in and perform routine tasks related to patient care as directed by senior
nursing staff and GPs.
Be
able to take vital signs and observations and identify signs of improvement,
report any deteriorations or concerns, e.g., pulse, blood pressure,
respirations, oxygen saturations, peak flow, blood glucose levels, ECG,
assessing nutrition and hydration.
Undertake
wound care and management, as required.
Administer
medications as prescribed and in accordance with NMC Standards, e.g., via
nebuliser or injections using sub-cutaneous or intramuscular route under
Patient Specific Directions
Following
agreed clinical protocols with referral to senior nurses or GPs as appropriate
assist in the assessment, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation
of programmes to promote health and well-being and prevent adverse effects on
health and well-being.
Deliver
opportunistic health promotion using opportunities such as new-patient medicals
and NHS Health Checks.
Document
Consultations accurately and appropriately, according to NMC guidelines
Ensure
awareness of statutory and local clinical adult and children safeguarding
protection procedures, including systems of referral. Ability to recognise
signs and symptoms of abuse/neglect.
Ensure
all mandatory training is completed on an annual basis including safeguarding,
confidentiality, Equality + Diversity etc.
Recognise
and manage anaphylaxis according to current UK guidelines.
Be
able to perform Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation according to current UK
guidelines.
Obtain
and document informed consent (either verbal or written), as required.
Ensure
infection prevention and control guidelines are maintained.
Chaperone
and assist patients, where appropriate, who are being examined by another
clinician.
Assist
GPs, e.g., with minor surgery and family planning clinics.
Undertake
pathology tests, for example urine culture, swabs.
Ensure
confidentially of information gained at work is always preserved.
Assist
in practice audits, CQC compliance evidence and QOF recalls.
Participate
and contribute towards any local incentive project relevant to the role. To
communicate concerns relating to patient behaviour or mental state to other
members of the multidisciplinary team.
Additional Tasks:
With Knowledge,
Training and Experience
Cytology
Childhood
Immunisations & Vaccinations
Vaccinations
(e.g. travel, influenza etc.)
Provide
nursing treatments to patients in participation with general practitioners or
Senior Nurse to agreed protocols.
Provide
general and specific health screenings to the practices patients (within
agreed protocols) with referral to general practitioners as necessary.
Advise
patients on general health care with referral to GPs as necessary.
Following
appropriate training, undertake the collection, storage and despatch of
pathological specimens including intravenous blood samples, swabs, smears etc
and ensure the cleanliness of any equipment so used. Perform any investigatory
procedures requested by the GPs or senior Nurse.
Understands
and demonstrates the characteristics of a role model to members in the team
and/or service.
Demonstrates
understanding of the mentorship process.
Demonstrates
self-development through continuous professional development activity.
Demonstrates
an understanding of current educational policies relevant to working areas of
practice and keeps up to date with relevant clinical practice.
Administrational and Professional
Responsibilities
Recognise
and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by
the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
Participate
in the administrative and professional responsibilities of the practices
team/s.
Ensure
accurate notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the
patients notes on the clinical computer system as appropriate.
Ensure
accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient
health care and registration with the practice/s.
Ensure
collection and maintenance of statistical information required for regular and
ad hoc reports.
Attend and participate in meetings as required.
Contribute
to the assessment of service needs.
Assist
patients to identify their health needs.
Contribute
a nursing perspective to the practice/PCN development plan as required.
Manage
and organise individual patient consultations.
Aware
of identification and reporting procedures related to professional standards.
Ensure
effective relationships and communications with colleagues and other agencies.
Support
the clinical governance agenda.
Identify
potential changes to clinical practice that are required to implement evidence-based
guidelines.
Personal Development.
Work with a named
clinical point of contact for advice and support.
Undertake
continual personal and professional development, taking an active part in
reviewing and developing the role and responsibilities, and provide evidence of
learning activity as required.
Adhere to
organisational policies and procedures, including confidentiality,
safeguarding, lone working, information governance, equality, diversity and
inclusion training and health and safety.
Maintain and
develop professional development and education either virtually or by
attendance at courses and study days as deemed useful or necessary for the
needs of the service.
Participate in an
annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for
maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development.
Take
responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating
skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work.
Miscellaneous:
Establish strong
working relationships with GPs and practice teams and work collaboratively with
other Nurse Associates, Care coordinators, social prescribing link workers and
health and wellbeing coaches, supporting each other, respecting each others
views, and meeting regularly as a team
Act as a champion
for personalised care and shared decision making within the PCN.
Demonstrates
understanding of the Nursing Associates role in governance and is able to
implement this appropriately within the workplace.
Demonstrates
understanding of, and contributes to, the workplace vision.
Demonstrates
ability to improve quality within limitations of service.
Reviews progress
and develops clear plans to achieve results within priorities set by others.
Demonstrates
ability to motivate self to achieve goals
Identify
opportunities and gaps in the service and provide feedback to continually
improve the service and contribute to business planning.
Contribute to the
development of policies and plans relating to equality, diversity, and
reduction of health inequalities.
Work in
accordance with the practices and PCNs policies and procedures.
Contribute to the
wider aims and objectives of the PCN to improve and support primary care.
