PCN Practice Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

This Primary Care Network (PCN) Practice Nurse post is a multi-dimensional role designed for an experienced nurse who demonstrates a high level of clinical expertise and a passion for workforce development. Working across seven general practices within the Swaffham and Downham PCN, the postholder will play a pivotal role in shaping the future nursing workforce by supporting the development, supervision, and education of general practice nursing staff and support workers, including students and trainees.

Alongside this, the role encompasses high-quality clinical service delivery with a specialist focus in one or more Long-Term Conditions (LTCs). The nurse will also contribute to PCN-level clinical projects, offer clinical leadership within their area of expertise, and provide backfill support during periods of student nurse placement or workforce development activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical Service Delivery

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individual treatment plans for patients with long-term conditions, ensuring alignment with national and local guidelines.
• Proactively identify, diagnose, and manage treatment plans for patients at risk of developing long-term conditions.
• Conduct comprehensive health assessments, including cervical screening, wound care, immunisations, NHS Health Checks, family planning advice, and lifestyle interventions.
• Provide urgent care and same-day consultations within the scope of competence, initiating emergency care when necessary.
• Utilise clinical systems (e.g., EMIS, SystmOne) effectively, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to local protocols.
• Promote anticipatory care planning, proactive health management, and preventative care initiatives.
• Support patients in medication adherence, providing information on prescribed and over-the-counter medications, including side effects and interactions.
• Recognise and address mental health needs, referring patients appropriately in accordance with the National Service Framework for Mental Health.
• Implement and participate in vaccination and immunisation programmes for both adults and children, including travel vaccinations.
• Identify and address patterns of discrimination, promoting equality and diversity in patient care.

2. Clinical Supervision and Support

• Provide clinical supervision and guidance for student nurses, trainee and qualified Nursing Associates, Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), and General Practice Assistants (GPAs).
• Undertake formative and summative assessments of learners and trainees within competency and training parameters.
• Support the implementation of the NMC Practice Assessor role, where qualified.
• Offer structured reflective supervision sessions and case-based discussions to promote continuous learning and development.
• Facilitate a supportive learning environment, encouraging staff to achieve relevant competencies and career progression.

3. Education, Training, and Development

• Develop and deliver educational sessions, tutorials, and training events across the PCN on relevant clinical topics.
• Collaborate with the Training Hub and educational providers to support structured training pathways and capability frameworks.
• Support and promote the General Practice Nursing (GPN) Career and Core Capabilities Framework, mentoring staff to achieve relevant competencies.
• Contribute to induction, mentorship, and peer support programmes for new-to-practice and returning nurses.
• Identify personal development and training needs in conjunction with management, participating in continuing education to maintain a contemporary level of professional knowledge and skills.

4. Clinical Governance and Quality Improvement

• Participate in clinical audits, service evaluations, and continuous improvement activities to enhance patient care quality.
• Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of PCN and practice-level clinical policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Identify gaps in service delivery or training needs, proposing evidence-based solutions.
• Support quality assurance of clinical documentation, coding, and template use.
• Promote safety, safeguarding, infection control, and incident reporting in line with statutory requirements.
• Ensure the maintenance of equipment and stock levels related to patient care.

5. Leadership and Professional Role Modelling

• Act as a visible leader, promoting best practice and professional standards within the PCN nursing workforce.
• Champion the values of person-centred care, clinical safety, equality, and inter-professional working.
• Actively contribute to strategic discussions at PCN meetings regarding service transformation, clinical pathways, and workforce development.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture, encouraging shared learning and innovation.
• Provide professional and clinical leadership and mentorship, acting as a role model for evidence-based practice.

6. PCN Project Delivery

• Work alongside clinical leads and the PCN team to deliver health improvement projects (e.g., hypertension case finding, lipid optimisation, proactive care for high-risk groups).
• Contribute to data analysis and implementation planning for local improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the delivery and monitoring of services aligned with the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) and PCN Directed Enhanced Services (DES) requirements.
• Support the development and delivery of PCN work streams aligned to areas of clinical expertise.

7. Backfill and Placement Support

• Provide flexible clinical cover during periods when staff are attending training or when practices are hosting nursing students.
• Maintain up-to-date core skills to ensure safe and effective cover across practices when needed.
• Support the facilitation of student placements, ensuring a positive learning environment and adherence to educational standards.

General Duties and Expectations

• Infection Prevention and Control: Adhere to national and local infection control policies and procedures. Maintain high standards of hygiene in clinical practice, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe disposal of clinical waste, and regular cleaning of equipment. Participate in infection control training and contribute to audits and initiatives to minimise risk.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): Promote and uphold equality of opportunity in all aspects of care and employment. Respect the diverse needs and values of patients, colleagues and the community. Take appropriate action to challenge discriminatory behaviour or practices and contribute to an inclusive, respectful working environment.
• Confidentiality and Information Governance: Maintain strict confidentiality of all patient and organisational information, in accordance with GDPR, the NHS Code of Confidentiality, and Caldicott Principles. Access and handle records only as required for patient care or official duties, and report any breaches or concerns appropriately.
• Teamworking and Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Actively contribute to team meetings, service development, and shared learning. Work collaboratively with GPs, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and social care staff to ensure integrated, person-centred care. Support colleagues during periods of high demand or absence.
• Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Guidelines: Deliver care that is underpinned by current evidence, national guidance (e.g., NICE), and local clinical protocols. Engage in reflective practice and contribute to the implementation and audit of care pathways and quality standards. Maintain awareness of new developments in clinical care relevant to the role.
• Health and Safety: Ensure personal and patient safety by following health and safety policies and reporting risks, incidents, or hazards promptly. Use equipment safely and report faults. Participate in mandatory training and contribute to a culture of safety and risk awareness.
• Use of Clinical Systems and IT: Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic patient records using EMIS, SystmOne, or equivalent systems. Use Ardens templates and standardised coding to ensure data quality. Use digital tools for appointment management, referrals, communications, and remote monitoring where appropriate. Report IT issues and participate in training on new systems or updates.

Candidate must be:

Compassionate and patient-centered approach

Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Flexible and adaptable to changing environments

Commitment to continuous professional development

Have Strong organizational and time management skills

Willingness to travel across multiple sites within the PCN

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Minimum 2 years post-registration experience
• Experience in managing chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, asthma, hypertension
• Experience in delivering immunisations and cervical screening
• Proficient in using clinical systems (e.g., EMIS, SystmOne)

Desirable

• Experience working within a Primary Care Network (PCN)
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff or students
• Participation in quality improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Adult) with current NMC registration
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and NMC revalidation compliance

Desirable

• V300 Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification
• Postgraduate diploma or degree in Primary Care or relevant specialty
• Mentorship or Practice Assessor qualification

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

Swaffham & Downham Primary Care Network

Address

Marham Surgery

The Street

Marham

Norfolk

PE33 9HP

Employer's website

https://www.swaffham-doctors.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)