Job responsibilities
To independently undertake and be responsible for sexual health clinical sessions, assessing patients and taking a sexual history, formulating diagnoses and where required initiating treatments using patient group directions and agreed protocols or utilising non-medical prescribing, where suitably qualified, in the management of patients under the care of Sexual Health Services for the treatment of conditions within the practitioners scope of competence.
To provide specialist nursing interventions to the clinical management of patients with sexual health problems, in collaboration with other health professionals.
Independently perform comprehensive male and female genital examinations and investigative procedures for patients including HIV testing and point of care HIV testing including cervical cytology sampling where appropriate.
To perform venepuncture daily.
To give HIV positive results to patients and provide HIV post-test advice and support for newly diagnosed HIV positive patients, their partners, families and friends.
To issue prescribed medication as requested by medical staff or Non-Medical Prescribers and offer relevant/necessary advice in relation to the prescribed medication providing ongoing adherence, support and management for the patient.
To provide sexual health advice to patients following a positive STI diagnosis and implement partner notification measures as per local guidelines and refer the patient to the Health Advising Team.
To provide suitable, appropriate contraception following clinical assessment
To administer vaccinations and immunisations (e.g. Hepatitis B vaccine) in conjunction with clinical protocol and Patient Group Directions
Perform testing and interpret specimens using bench microscopy as an aid to support diagnosis (or being willing to undertake training as required).
To provide comprehensive sexual health information, advice, teaching and support to patients enabling them to select and use a method of contraception suited to their needs.
To follow agreed clinic protocols and patient group directions, to supply emergency contraception, start and re-issue combined oral and progestogen only contraceptive methods and Depo-Provera injections along with being able to insert and remove contraceptive implants (or being willing to undertake training as required), and to take the relevant histories in relation to these methods.
Maintaining a high level of service to patients in the absence of a Doctor and referral to alternative clinics/agencies as appropriate.
Act as the patients advocate at all times and promote their privacy, dignity and modesty during the clinic visit.
Assess patients under the age of 16 using Fraser Guidelines and adhering to local Child Protection Policies with referral to appropriate agencies as needed (i.e. Safeguarding team, Social services, Family protection unit, Police).
Be responsible for the continuity of patient care during their clinic visit.
Participating and Co-operating with the multi- disciplinary team in all aspects of patient care, arranging any necessary after care/referrals that may be required e.g. Pregnancy Advisory Service, Marie Stopes, Teenage Pregnancy Midwife, Counselling and the SAFE Centre.
Provide health education and promotion of health and prevention of illness with regards to sexual health.
Assess and prioritise patients attending a Drop In clinic in order to ensure the smooth flow of the clinic
Taking charge of the clinical area on a regular basis referring to the Clinical Nurse Leader for advice and guidance.
Maintaining stock levels within the clinical area and prepare treatment rooms ensuring equipment and supplies necessary to offer optimum treatments are available and set-up correctly.
Maintain the safe custody of drugs in accordance with the Trust and NMC policies/guidelines.
Monitoring the standard of cleanliness and adhere to infection control policies at all times.
Reporting of untoward incidents, accidents and complaints to the Clinical Nurse Leader.
Liaise with the Clinical Nurse Leader regarding the completion of risk assessments.
Participation in audit/clinical governance issues such as record keeping, patient satisfaction. Maintaining and monitoring any requested details. Implementation of any actions required following audit with the aim of improving quality of services.
Participating in the teaching of other health professionals (to include junior staff and pre and post registration students) and other agencies as required.
To be responsible for activities of students whilst on placement within the clinic.
Formally assess educational programmes of post registration students.
Undertake Performance Development Reviews (PDRs) with staff and assist in the development of KSF outlines for all grades up to and including Band 5
Work closely with the Clinical Nurse Leader and Specialist Nurses: Sexual Health in assisting to develop Nurse Led Clinics in a variety of settings following agreed protocols and PGDs
Support Clinical Nurse Leader in the recruitment and selection process for new and replacement nursing posts within the service including interviews.
Establishing good communication with colleagues and clients, their partners and relatives mindful of confidentiality ensuring complaints procedure is available and followed.
Ensuring that accurate and contemporaneous records relating to the patient care are in line with the Trust record keeping policy and the Data Protection Act 1984 using either paper based or electronic patient records.
To assist with local and national data collection of clinical information (e.g. SHRAD, GUMCAD) reports.
To be aware of the confidential nature of the service and work within the legal responsibilities as laid down in the venereal Diseases Regulations 1974 and the NHS Trust Act 1991.
To maintain professional relationships with all medical, nursing and clerical staff.
Participation in relevant service meetings and training. Raising of relevant issues and cascading information to colleagues.
Participation in induction/study days, seminars, courses etc. for individual development and the benefit of the service in line with Personal Development Programme.
Maintain your own professional and personal development, attending mandatory training as required.
To participate in regular clinical supervision and the PDR process.
Observe and adhere to all Trust Policies and Procedures.
Adhere to the NMC Code: Standards of Conduct, Performance and ethics for nurses and midwives at all times.
There may be opportunities to undertake other duties and responsibilities of a similar level from time to time subject to prior agreement.
The above list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be fully comprehensive and may be amended to take account of changing circumstances or requirements following consultation with the post holder.
Where necessary relevant training in the operation of new or unfamiliar equipment, software or procedures will be provided or arranged.
