University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Specialist Nurse In-Patient Pain Service - Pain Nursing Team

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join University Hospital Plymouths, In-Patient Pain Service Nursing team on a 12-month secondment.

We are a small, friendly and motivated team, consisting of dedicated medical and nursing staff with specialist skills in pain management. We provide a seven-day service to adult inpatients across the UHP site. We aim to see all patients with advanced pain management systems such and Local Anaesthetic Infusions (LAIs), epidurals and ketamine infusions daily and will also see other patient with complex pain needs such as trauma and post-op pain. We also aim to see inpatients with a flare of chronic pain.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

'Relocation package may be available'.

Main duties of the job

  • To independently manage a self-directed caseload, utilising specialist knowledge and skills to provide up to date, evidence care, to patients, their carers and multidisciplinary teams throughout the trust and within a variety of clinical settings.
  • Review patients with advanced pain management systems including PCAs, epidurals, local anaesthetic infusions and ketamine infusions.
  • To participate in self directed CPD as well as team-based education and development.

Whilst there has been a pain team within the hospital for a number of years, the current In-Patient Pain Team is a relatively new team within UHP. As such, we aim to continually audit many aspects of service delivery that all colleagues within the team are encouraged to participate in, in order to continually improve the quality of the service that we provide to patients with the trust.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

10 May 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year Per Annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-CB-S5072919-B

Job locations

Derriford

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

  • To work as a member of the In-patient Pain Service (IPPS) working across the trust delivering high quality pain management services for adult in-patients.
  • The patient group includes adult surgical and medical patients and patients with complex and chronic pain and drug misuse diagnoses.
  • Provides specialist nursing advice regarding all aspects of acute pain in particular those patients with complex pain management needs.
  • Review patients with advanced pain management systems including PCAs, epidurals, local anaesthetic infusions and ketamine infusions.
  • Support and educate ward staff in gaining knowledge and skills to recognise and care for patients who have complex pain needs.
  • Contribute to the teaching programmes of all Health Care Professionals as required.
  • Assist in service development, audit and research projects as required.
  • Support the anaesthetic team in the delivery of a post-operative and trauma pain management service, including providing feedback and advice to anaesthetists.
  • To act as deputy in absence of Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Key Dimensions:

  • To be an expert practitioner in acute pain management and be able to use these skills in a variety of clinical settings.
  • To work flexibly within the multi-professional team to deliver high quality care to in-patients with complex pain needs.
  • Continually strive to improve knowledge and provide up-to-date evidence based practice for in-patients in acute and chronic pain.

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  • To act as an expert resource for all members of the multi-professional team, participating in assessment of patients with acute pain on general wards; liaising with clinicians.
  • Act as a professional role model who leads by example in regard to behaviour, attitudes, conduct and appearance.
  • Independently manage a varying caseload of referrals.
  • Effectively lead, manage and evaluate change in clinical practice.
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to work situation.
  • Actively contribute to and support agreed developments within directorate and Trust objectives.
  • Support equality and value diversity.

Clinical

  • Band 6 pain nurses should contribute to the formation of regional and national guidelines and policies. (Core Standards, 2021).
    • Assessing risks and implementing the necessary actions to minimise these risks within their sphere of responsibility. They must also enable staff to attend the relevant statutory and essential training. Managing attendance in accordance with the Trusts Attendance Management Policy. Nurses working with in-patients should have experience in the assessment and management of patients with acute and acute on chronic pain (complex pain); whilst developing skills in the assessment and management of chronic pain.
      • Nurses working in pain management should move from a role of administering and giving advice about pain medications, to prescribing, within their sphere of competence (Core Standards, 2021)
      • Is aware of their limitations as a clinician, escalating appropriately when required.
      • Act as patient advocate when relevant and be able to educate on all the treatment options to enable a patient to make an informed choice, negotiating with the medical team to agree a pathway of care
      • Contribute to the development of specialized programs of care and provide specialized advice, written and oral information to patients and relatives.
      • To provide clinical proficiency and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing supervision and support to pain specialist HCAs and Assistant Practitioner.
      • Assesses patients in their clinical setting, identifying their psychological, physiological, emotional spiritual and cultural needs in relation to their disease.
      • Able to discuss both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management treatment options with the patient.
      • Acts as a self-directed practitioner who directs, provides and evaluates patient care based on nursing and medical models.
      • Works autonomously to manage own caseload of patients whilst working as part of the multi-disciplinary team, within agreed frameworks of care. May undertake first line assessment of patients without direct supervision in a variety of clinical settings Trust wide and may prescribe limited medication under agreed Patient Group Direction (PGD), with the aim to complete their Non-Medical Prescribing course.
      • Performs comprehensive patient assessment based on history taking and physical assessment of patients in pain. Acts accordingly, suggesting solutions and making recommendations and also discussing with members of nursing and medical teams any changes, developments and resources needed for the patient.
      • Maintain accurate patient records and ensure all relevant information is documented in medical and nursing notes.
      • Demonstrates clinical competence and confidence in using specialist knowledge, equipment and skills in a variety of clinical settings across the hospital site.
      • Demonstrates the ability to work independently and prioritise workload in a variety of clinical settings.
      • Makes and receives direct referrals to and from members of the multi-professional teams e.g. nursing / medical team, physiotherapy, speech & language therapy, dietician, etc
      • Demonstrates critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills.
      • Demonstrates a commitment to evidence based practice and clinical excellence and plays an active role in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient care.
      • Participate in, and ensure staff/patient safety during manual handling of highly dependent and complex patients.
      • Able to communicate condition related information with patients to aid assessment of physiological and basic psychological needs and develop plans, deliver and evaluate interventions and / or treatments when there are complex issues.
      • Support patients and family/carers during highly complex, distressing situations e.g. escalation/withdrawal of treatment, bereavement, and ensure information is understood through effective communication.
      • Ensure Implementation of good Infection Control practice as per Trust Policy.
      • Ensures that nursing and medical procedures are implemented and maintained in accordance with the policies of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
      • Able to deliver constructive feedback to anaesthetic teams regarding the efficacy of pain management in post-op patients.
      • Safely delivers support and advice to trainee team members.
      • Aware of directorate, Trust and National guidelines, standards and procedures for service area.
      • Contributes to the ongoing development of the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Strategy for Nursing and Clinical Governance Strategy
      • Practices in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Scope of Professional Practice.

      COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

      • Liaises with all members of the multidisciplinary team on the management of in-patients in pain under care of the IPPS.
      • Ensure that appropriate, consistent and realistic information is provided to patients and families.
      • Provide sensitive and complex information to relatives and patients in sometimes hostile and highly emotive environments.
      • Participate in complex patient case conferences / MDT meetings as required.
      • Liaises with other wards, departments and relevant Health Care professionals.
      • To ensure all incidents are reported appropriately.
      • Keep concise records of all patients for audit purposes.
      • Document patient assessment and recommendations in the patients medical notes.

      All Job Holders are required to

      • Work to the Trust values - Put people first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve.

      • Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.

      • Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.

      • Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.

      • Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

      • Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.

      • Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.

      • Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.

      • Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.

      • Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.

      • Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.

      • Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.

      • Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

  • To work as a member of the In-patient Pain Service (IPPS) working across the trust delivering high quality pain management services for adult in-patients.
  • The patient group includes adult surgical and medical patients and patients with complex and chronic pain and drug misuse diagnoses.
  • Provides specialist nursing advice regarding all aspects of acute pain in particular those patients with complex pain management needs.
  • Review patients with advanced pain management systems including PCAs, epidurals, local anaesthetic infusions and ketamine infusions.
  • Support and educate ward staff in gaining knowledge and skills to recognise and care for patients who have complex pain needs.
  • Contribute to the teaching programmes of all Health Care Professionals as required.
  • Assist in service development, audit and research projects as required.
  • Support the anaesthetic team in the delivery of a post-operative and trauma pain management service, including providing feedback and advice to anaesthetists.
  • To act as deputy in absence of Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Key Dimensions:

  • To be an expert practitioner in acute pain management and be able to use these skills in a variety of clinical settings.
  • To work flexibly within the multi-professional team to deliver high quality care to in-patients with complex pain needs.
  • Continually strive to improve knowledge and provide up-to-date evidence based practice for in-patients in acute and chronic pain.

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  • To act as an expert resource for all members of the multi-professional team, participating in assessment of patients with acute pain on general wards; liaising with clinicians.
  • Act as a professional role model who leads by example in regard to behaviour, attitudes, conduct and appearance.
  • Independently manage a varying caseload of referrals.
  • Effectively lead, manage and evaluate change in clinical practice.
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to work situation.
  • Actively contribute to and support agreed developments within directorate and Trust objectives.
  • Support equality and value diversity.

Clinical

  • Band 6 pain nurses should contribute to the formation of regional and national guidelines and policies. (Core Standards, 2021).
    • Assessing risks and implementing the necessary actions to minimise these risks within their sphere of responsibility. They must also enable staff to attend the relevant statutory and essential training. Managing attendance in accordance with the Trusts Attendance Management Policy. Nurses working with in-patients should have experience in the assessment and management of patients with acute and acute on chronic pain (complex pain); whilst developing skills in the assessment and management of chronic pain.
      • Nurses working in pain management should move from a role of administering and giving advice about pain medications, to prescribing, within their sphere of competence (Core Standards, 2021)
      • Is aware of their limitations as a clinician, escalating appropriately when required.
      • Act as patient advocate when relevant and be able to educate on all the treatment options to enable a patient to make an informed choice, negotiating with the medical team to agree a pathway of care
      • Contribute to the development of specialized programs of care and provide specialized advice, written and oral information to patients and relatives.
      • To provide clinical proficiency and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing supervision and support to pain specialist HCAs and Assistant Practitioner.
      • Assesses patients in their clinical setting, identifying their psychological, physiological, emotional spiritual and cultural needs in relation to their disease.
      • Able to discuss both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management treatment options with the patient.
      • Acts as a self-directed practitioner who directs, provides and evaluates patient care based on nursing and medical models.
      • Works autonomously to manage own caseload of patients whilst working as part of the multi-disciplinary team, within agreed frameworks of care. May undertake first line assessment of patients without direct supervision in a variety of clinical settings Trust wide and may prescribe limited medication under agreed Patient Group Direction (PGD), with the aim to complete their Non-Medical Prescribing course.
      • Performs comprehensive patient assessment based on history taking and physical assessment of patients in pain. Acts accordingly, suggesting solutions and making recommendations and also discussing with members of nursing and medical teams any changes, developments and resources needed for the patient.
      • Maintain accurate patient records and ensure all relevant information is documented in medical and nursing notes.
      • Demonstrates clinical competence and confidence in using specialist knowledge, equipment and skills in a variety of clinical settings across the hospital site.
      • Demonstrates the ability to work independently and prioritise workload in a variety of clinical settings.
      • Makes and receives direct referrals to and from members of the multi-professional teams e.g. nursing / medical team, physiotherapy, speech & language therapy, dietician, etc
      • Demonstrates critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills.
      • Demonstrates a commitment to evidence based practice and clinical excellence and plays an active role in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient care.
      • Participate in, and ensure staff/patient safety during manual handling of highly dependent and complex patients.
      • Able to communicate condition related information with patients to aid assessment of physiological and basic psychological needs and develop plans, deliver and evaluate interventions and / or treatments when there are complex issues.
      • Support patients and family/carers during highly complex, distressing situations e.g. escalation/withdrawal of treatment, bereavement, and ensure information is understood through effective communication.
      • Ensure Implementation of good Infection Control practice as per Trust Policy.
      • Ensures that nursing and medical procedures are implemented and maintained in accordance with the policies of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
      • Able to deliver constructive feedback to anaesthetic teams regarding the efficacy of pain management in post-op patients.
      • Safely delivers support and advice to trainee team members.
      • Aware of directorate, Trust and National guidelines, standards and procedures for service area.
      • Contributes to the ongoing development of the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Strategy for Nursing and Clinical Governance Strategy
      • Practices in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Scope of Professional Practice.

      COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

      • Liaises with all members of the multidisciplinary team on the management of in-patients in pain under care of the IPPS.
      • Ensure that appropriate, consistent and realistic information is provided to patients and families.
      • Provide sensitive and complex information to relatives and patients in sometimes hostile and highly emotive environments.
      • Participate in complex patient case conferences / MDT meetings as required.
      • Liaises with other wards, departments and relevant Health Care professionals.
      • To ensure all incidents are reported appropriately.
      • Keep concise records of all patients for audit purposes.
      • Document patient assessment and recommendations in the patients medical notes.

      All Job Holders are required to

      • Work to the Trust values - Put people first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve.

      • Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.

      • Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.

      • Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.

      • Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

      • Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.

      • Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.

      • Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.

      • Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.

      • Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.

      • Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.

      • Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.

      • Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Proven evidence of self-development
  • Demonstrable excellent teaching skills

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered practitioner
  • NMC Registration

Desirable

  • Demonstrable experience in Research (GCP ICH)

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to advise and guide staff on the management of patients in acute pain
Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Proven evidence of self-development
  • Demonstrable excellent teaching skills

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered practitioner
  • NMC Registration

Desirable

  • Demonstrable experience in Research (GCP ICH)

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to advise and guide staff on the management of patients in acute pain

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist

Christopher Horsefield

christopher.horsefield@nhs.net

01752431415

Details

Date posted

10 May 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year Per Annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-CB-S5072919-B

Job locations

Derriford

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)