Job responsibilities
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
To undertake, with guidance and clinical supervision, the
assessment of patients/clients with respiratory disease and complex care needs.
To develop, implement and evaluate, with guidance and
clinical supervision, programmes of care tailored to meet these needs, and to
optimise self-care skills.
To guide, advise and direct other staff in the assessment,
planning, implementation and evaluation of respiratory patient/client care.
To engage, with a supervisor, in risk assessment processes
to determine risks to the health and wellbeing of patients/clients with complex
respiratory care needs, taking relevant action to minimise these risks.
To attend clinics when required alongside the respiratory
consultant.
To be involved in the provision of advice to staff in
managing respiratory emergency and other acute situations, ensuring that the
patients/clients needs are met and that significant others are supported.
To learn to utilise information and data from a range of
sources to identify patient/client problems and guide decision-making
processes.
Within field of respiratory expertise, and within the
organisational policy, request specific clinical tests to establish a
diagnosis, interpret results and make appropriate referrals if outside the
normal range.
To promote service user involvement in the planning,
delivery, and evaluation of respiratory care, respecting their wishes, beliefs,
and dignity.
To independently liaise and communicate effectively with all
members of the multidisciplinary team and other agencies involved in the care
of the patient/client.
To practice in accordance with the descriptors for a
proficient nurse as documented in the British Thoracic Society Professional
Development Framework for Respiratory Nursing (British Thoracic Society, 2020).
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
To take a lead in the promotion of the health and well-being
of clients/patients and their significant others, ensuring that health
promotion is incorporated in the planning and delivery of respiratory care.
To act as a mentor/preceptor/supervisor to students and
other learners.
Facilitates, plans and delivers, in conjunction with
colleagues, a limited range of education and training for professionals,
patients, relatives and carers.
Maintain own continuing professional development needs. The
post holder should be willing to work towards achieving a post graduate
qualification within the respiratory field.
Develop and maintain competence in additional skills related
to the needs of the clients and patients e.g. counselling skills.
To undertake in-house annual mandatory training in Manual
Handling, Intermediate Life Support, Fire Safety and AED training.
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGERIAL
To help facilitate clear systems of communication between
the post-holder and relevant staff working within and outside the organisation.
To ensure staff are aware of organisational objectives,
policies and procedures related to the respiratory area and the implications
this may have for their practice.
To act as a professional role model for junior staff,
promoting high standards of practice and strong professional values.
To be involved in nurse-led and multi-agency activities
within field of respiratory practice.
To participate in peer review of ones own practice.
COMMUNICATION
To communicate effectively with patient/clients and their
significant others, taking into account their cultural background and cognitive
functioning.
To communicate clearly with all members of the
multidisciplinary team, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural and language
differences.
To manage conflict between individuals, including staff,
patients/clients and their significant others.
To act as an advocate for patients/clients, significant
others and more junior staff members.
To ensure written communication complies with organisational
and professional standards.
AUDIT/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/RESEARCH ACTIVITY
In conjunction with the audit department, participate in
clinical audits to monitor and maintain standards of practice.
To utilise the critical incidence reporting system to
document actual or potential risks impacting on the quality of patient/client
care.
To actively promote evidence-based practice in own and the
practice of other members of staff involved in the respiratory care of the
patient/client.
To support the respiratory CNS, ensuring that new
initiatives are incorporated within the working practices of all staff.
With training, access organisational electronic information
systems relevant to the role.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Be able to adapt to an unpredictable, hazardous working
environment.
Be aware of the hazards of working as a lone practitioner
and take reasonable steps to maximise own personal safety and that of others.
Be responsible for informing staff of new and revised local
policies, procedures, guidelines and patient group directives.
Report accidents and untoward incidents to appropriate
personnel and complete the relevant documentation.
Be a member of the Governance Team for Community Health
& Social Care.
Follow and undertake safe moving and handling policies,
procedures, and guidelines, including location and effective use of equipment.
Participate in the risk management strategies by accurately
completing the necessary patient documentation and audit forms.
Attend relevant mandatory training programmes on an annual
basis, e.g. Fire Lectures, Moving and Handling sessions, updates on
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and Anaphylaxis, Safeguarding children &
adults.
In all areas of practice, promote and maintain a safe
environment for clients, visitors and not least oneself in accordance with the
Health and Social Services Departments Health and Safety Policy and the Health
and Safety at Work Act (General), Guernsey 1987.
Comply with the principles contained in the GDPR (Guernsey
2017) concerning the improper disclosure, misuse of breach of confidentiality
in respect of information held on computer systems or otherwise.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Identify own educational and professional development needs
by a means of reflective practice and formal appraisal
Adhere to NMC Code of Professional Conduct and adhere to NMC
standards. Be aware of advisory papers published by NMC that are appropriate to
area of practice.
In order to maintain effective registration with the NMC you
must adhere to the Councils requirements for Revalidation.
You must proactively manage all aspects of your Revalidation
requirements including keeping an up to date portfolio and proactively seeking
out opportunities for reflection, continuing education and professional growth.
You must be proactive and cooperative in the appraisal and confirmer processes.
You must assist colleagues with relevant aspects of their
Revalidation. This includes but is not limited to teaching, providing support
and opportunities for Facilitated Reflective Practice, participating in
professional discussions and providing constructive feedback. Depending on your
level of experience and seniority the organisation may also require you to act
as a Confirmer.
If you are unable to meet any aspect of the Revalidation
requirements or this element of your job description or you require additional
support it is your responsibility to escalate this immediately to an
appropriate senior nurse.
