Practice Nurse

Overview

Purpose of Post Undertake a range of nursing assessments and provide appropriate care / treatment in conjunction with GPs according to practice policy, protocols etc. Strive to improve standards of care and be involved in identifying practice population needs. Chronic Disease management is an essential part of the role. Knowledge of the GMS contract, e.g. The Quality and Outcomes Framework, LES/DES is a vital element of the post.

The practice nurse will run screening clinics in participation with general practitioners in accordance with agreed protocols. To promote health by Health Education and Counselling. To administer vaccinations and immunisations in participation with general practitioners in accordance with agreed protocols. To accept continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs, development, implementation and evaluation of the programme. The setting of Standards and recording data for various clinical groups as defined by the general practitioner.

• Assist GP's and other practice nurses to help deliver effective implementation of management of patients with chronic diseases as detailed by the Quality and Outcomes framework.
• Support the implementation of evidence-based guidelines in conjunction with the practice nursing team.
• Encourage the development of integrated services within Primary Care to include integrated practice based teams and multidisciplinary working.
• Promote your own continuing professional development.
• Recognise the opportunities for working in partnership with the Primary Health care team.
• Participate in an annual appraisal.
• Support the practice in achieving quality indicators and targets of the GMS contract and any relevant National Service Frameworks.
• Experience in Chronic Disease Management or willingness to undertake training.
• Undertake opportunistic screening when clinically required; perform cervical screening and promote breast awareness.
• Administer adult and paediatric injections under an individualised prescription or Patient Group Direction, ensuring safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs.
• Provide advice on lifestyle issues, assist and support patients in changing their unhealthy behaviours and refer appropriately.
• Participate in the smoking cessation service; provide an adult and childhood immunisation service working to Patient Group Directions following appropriate training if required.
• Deliver travel health care, including vaccinations and advice for patients following appropriate training if required.
• Recognise the signs of child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse, addictive behaviours, suicidal tendencies and be aware of local, referral procedures.
• Ensure that current evidence based approaches to patient care are standard practice; apply infection control measures.
• Apply infection control measures when collecting and handling of laboratory specimens, disposing of waste materials, dealing with blood and body fluids spillages and report and treat sharps injuries.
• Undertake annual training and demonstrates competency in anaphylaxis and resuscitation techniques. Research, Audit and Quality:
  Contribute to the provision of equitable, high quality services for patients in the locality. Contribute to research and development programmes where required to improve clinical practice.
• Education and Training:
  Provide professional advice /support to health care professionals within the Primary health care team; participate in training; provide mentorship and guidance for health care assistants; participate in partnership programmes of awareness raising, detection and prevention of chronic diseases; maintain a level of expertise in specific chronic disease management and other pertinent areas of health care; seek to develop new and improved skills.
• Advise members of the public on health promotion, education, prevention and protection; take responsibility for personal development and education including inservice training; actively participate in multidisciplinary education and training; monitor and maintain consistency of professional standards and take appropriate action if standards are not met; maintain professional development by attending relevant courses and study days to keep abreast of current knowledge and developments.
• Abide by legal requirements and statutory rules relating to practice and record and maintain periodic professional registration with RCN & NMC; participate in an annual appraisal; completing all mandatory training modules as specified by the Organisation Quality; alert other team members to issues of quality and risk; assess own performance and take accountability for own actions; contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the team’s performance;
  
  work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs; effectively manage own time, workload and resources.