Community Dementia Nurse Specialist

Job responsibilities

1. The post holder will be expected to act as an allocated senior nurse, undertaking assessments and supporting individuals and their carers through the dementia diagnostic pathways.
2. The post holder will have close links in with the other teams in the Older Adult Community Mental Health, Dementia & Frailty
3. The post holder will facilitate diagnosis by assessment and use off the appropriate individualised pathway.
4. The post holder will be required to fast track to dementia diagnosis, via suitable qualification and support, as identified.
5. The post holder will, if appropriately qualified, offer expert and appropriate prescribing advice on the treatment of dementia and related psychological and behavioural aspects, and to act as an independent prescriber in the role, supported by the appropriate qualification.
6. Ensure effective lines of communication and good networking exists, both with EPUT and with other Community, Primary and Social Care Services.
7. Disseminate specialist knowledge across the range of work areas and practices underpinned by sound theoretical knowledge.
8. To participate when required with local MDTs.
9. Responsible for influencing policy developments within their catchment area and participate in steering groups, which influences policy within EPUT and Primary Care.
10. Actively and constructively contribute in Team Meetings, initiating and discussing new methods/models of working

Education/Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse
• Educated to Degree Level
• Masters level qualification or relevant experience
• Evidence of personal and professional development in contemporary mental health practice

Desirable

• Additional Professional Qualifications (Tier 3)/Dementia Experience
• Non-medical Independent nurse prescriber
• Identification of a Dementia Syndrome qualification

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge and skills in the use of information technology to support carer and professional development
• Knowledge if the implications of the National Dementia Strategy and NICE Dementia guidelines
• Good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and its application in practice
• Understanding of the Care Act
• Evidence of an understanding the principles of governance and implications for professional practice
• Experience in the use of risk assessment tools
• Use of screening tools in dementia

Skills/Experience

Essential

• Planning and workload management
• Evidence of objective setting, time management skills etc
• Evidence of ability to prioritise workload and competing demands
• Ability to coordinate work to meet agreed targets
• Ability to plan ways of improving efficiency and cost effectiveness of clinical services
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide effective feedback in a constructive manner
• Ability to build relationships and negotiate satisfactory outcomes
• Develop a positive environment which supports continuous improvement
• Ability to use own judgement confidently and decisively
• Ability to know when to seek the support and guidance of more senior colleagues when necessary
• To have flexibility and to work positively in uncertain situations
• Able to take on broader responsibilities to improve own and others knowledge and skills
• Literate in IT/Computer Skills
• Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Shares the Trust's Beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour:
• Ensures that the organisational values of open, compassionate and empowering are demonstrated by self and others every day and that any matters of concern are addressed in a timely way, either directly; or raised with the relevant Line Manager; or through the relevant processes within the Trust as appropriate.

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Fitness Analysis as appropriate
• Current driving licence
• Ability to travel across sites and across Trust boundaries to attend meetings, etc

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).