Communication and Key Working Relationships Use skilled communication strategies to support patients with complex wounds, lower limb ulceration and the prevention of pressure ulceration. Using face to face discussion, telephone, video conferencing email or letter, communicate complex and sensitive information effectively with patients. Communicate with the vascular team, GP, medical, nursing, allied healthcare professionals and administration staff to assist in the delivery of a co-ordinated, multidisciplinary service to patients with wounds/ lower limb ulceration. This may include weekly attendance at the multidisciplinary team meetings, outpatient clinics and nurse led clinics as well as ward based patient care. Develop wound/lower limb ulcer management and vascular educational programmes for nursing, surgical, medical, and multidisciplinary teams within the Trust. Attend conferences and assist in planned and ad hoc study days for the development of best practice and to meet the training requirements of the Trust. Develop effective working relationships with various external groups including community, lymphoedema, palliative care services and volunteer groups. To network with other vascular/ tissue viability nurse specialists to gain and share knowledge and best practice. To become a member of the West Country Tissue Viability Group and Vascular Nurse Society Planning and Organisation Plan and manage own workload using specialist knowledge and understanding to prioritise response to referrals and urgent requests for advice. Respond effectively to changing situations. Support the planning and organisation of vascular nursing and lower limb ulcer clinics. Attend clinics, ward rounds and relevant MDT meetings as required. Analytics To be able to prioritise work and to respond to rapid change in an ever-changing work environment. To acknowledge professional and personal limitations. To be a reflective practitioner Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy To work independently managing own caseload and caseload of team members where necessary. Use knowledge and skill to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients under the care of the vascular and leg ulcer service with complex wounds, leg and/ or foot ulceration. Ensure that whenever possible patients and their family are involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating their care. To equip patients (or carers) through education and teaching the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to manage their wounds/leg ulcers at home. To be the patient's advocate, when relevant advise on treatment options to enable them to make an informed choice. To provide a seamless lower limb ulcer service through in-patient support, follow-up outpatient clinics and direct telephone access. To develop and maintain effective communication and working relationships with members of both the hospital and community multidisciplinary teams. To work towards meeting Trust CQUIN targets. To attend community out-patients' clinics, multidisciplinary clinics, nurse led clinics, supporting consultations, care, and treatments. To attend specialist wound/lower limb ulcer clinics in peripheral clinics. To initiate and develop in collaboration with others, Trust protocols and policies for leg, foot and vascular nursing related care. To initiate the implementation of vascular/tissue viability innovations in care through education/training, delegation, facilitation, and support of staff. To act as a nursing resource for all staff within the Trust involved in the care of patients with vascular wounds, leg/foot ulceration and the prevention and management of pressure ulceration. Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility Maintain awareness of current trends and developments in the management of complex wounds, lower limb ulceration and prevention of pressure ulceration. Assist with the development and review of vascular / lower limb ulcer nursing protocols, policies, and guidelines in order to ensure continued development of the service in accordance with Trust objectives. Assist in the identification of areas where changes to routines and practices will result in improvement to the service. Facilitate and deliver these developments. Ensure that wherever possible professional practice is evidence based. Contribute to data collection for departmental statistics and audits. Have an awareness of current/on-going governmental proposals that may impact on the service and patients. Follow the principles of clinical governance and develop practice in accordance with national guidelines and locally identified needs. Initiate, plan and develop relevant education programmes and delivery of informal education in the clinical setting. Provide learning opportunities for other health and social care workers via mentorship and supervision. Assist and participate in vascular research projects. Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources Ensure the safe use of vascular / leg ulcer service equipment and resources by following Trust procedures for safety of equipment and other resources. Responsible for the maintenance of equipment and all stock levels necessary for vascular nurse, vascular outpatients and leg ulcer services. Responsible for the appropriate use of resources. No budgetary responsibility but has an awareness of appropriate use and spend of budget and the Trust requirement to remain within budget. Will be a secondary signatory for processing travel claims, invoices, orders, starter and changes forms. Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management Monitor and evaluate vascular nursing / leg ulcer service care and implementation of improvements as necessary for their own practice and that of other professionals within the Trust. Maintain contemporaneous and accurate nursing and medical records and computer systems for records and audit purposes. Manage own time and workload effectively and efficiently. Support the leadership of the team, actively promoting and delivering the Trust leadership behaviours. Cultivate staff, encouraging the development of more advanced roles and practices ensuring patient safety and competence. To monitor the mandatory training requirements of vascular nursing / lower limb ulcer service staff managing and escalating concerns to the lead nurse where necessary. To ensure all members of the vascular nursing and lower limb ulcer service have an annual appraisal. To monitor sickness and other absences escalating concerns where necessary. Maintain professional registration, individual performance review and personal development recommendations. Understand and apply the principles of Clinical Governance and Risk Management. Contribute to and promote the Trust values. Support the service funding agreement without compromising either patient choice or own professional judgement. Attend and participate in appropriate regional and Trust based meetings acting on recommendations, introducing change when required to enhance service delivery. Information Resources & Administrative Duties Use the Trust computer systems to update and manage the information about patients and respond to emails on a daily basis. Use computer systems to check patients' results, hospital appointments and check patient details. Assist with the development of electronic patient record innovations. Maintain accurate documentation of all clinical contacts, patient assessment plans, interventions and evaluations. Utilise Library Information resources. Any Other Specific Tasks Required Work within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Scope of Professional Practice, professionally and ethically responsible and accountable for all aspects of work and to comply with all relevant Trust policies and procedures in exercising the duties of the role. This post will require travel throughout the Trust.