Job Title Practice Nurse Reporting to The Partners on Clinical Matters The Practice Manager on Administrative Matters Hours Part time, 3 days a week Job Summary The post holder is responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe and effective patient care to the practice population using autonomous clinical skills and a broad in-depth theoretical knowledge base. The post holder will manage a diverse clinical case load, dealing with the presenting patients needs within a primary care setting. They will contribute to developing the nursing services offered by the practice. The practice nurse works independently and contributes to audit, research and supporting, implementing, and evaluating local standards, policies, guidelines, and care pathways. NMC requirements will be met, and the individual will work within the NMC Code of Conduct to agreed practice standards and protocols Scope The post holder is accountable for his/her own practice and will work independently managing their own clinical workload responding effectively to patient needs and ensuring patient choice and ease of access to services. -To mentor and support other nurses and staff in developing and maintaining clinical skills. -To participate in clinical supervision. - To have an awareness of budgetary constraints and help make cost effective decisions. - To use referral pathways for nurses as appropriate. -To provide input and advice on evidence-based practice and care interventions within their sphere of Knowledge. Professional Responsibilities Diagnosing and treating patients presenting with minor illness a) Triage and treat patients wishing to see a health care professional. Making any necessary referrals to other members of the primary health care team or other appropriate health care professional not necessarily within the practice b) Ensure clinical practice is safe and effective and remains within boundaries of competence. c) Advise patients on general health care and minor ailments with referral to other members of the primary health care team as appropriate. Effective management of chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and COPD Providing assessment, screening treatment services and health education advice as necessary a) Dietary Advice b) Blood pressure checks c) Urinalysis d) Ear syringing e) Complex Wound Dressing f) ECG g) Routine injections h) Contraception i) Minor injuries j) The removal of suture /clips k) Routine immunisations and vaccinations including baby immunisations and travel vaccinations. l) Health surveillance and general health advice m) Assisting with minor surgery procedures n) Cervical smears o) To provide general and specific health screening for patients with referral to other members of the primary care team Pathological specimens and investigations a) Undertake the collection of pathological specimens including intravenous blood samples, swabs etc. b) Perform investigatory procedures within the agreed protocols. Administration and professional responsibilities a) Participate in the administrative and professional responsibilities of the practice team. b) Ensure that accurate and legible notes of all consultations and treatment are recorded in the patients notes. c) Ensure that the clinical computer system is kept up to date with details recorded and amended. d) To participate fully in helping the practice to achieve its targets and to adhere to its commitments under the quality and outcomes framework. e) To attend practice meetings and participate in practice meetings as required. f) Ensure infection control guidelines are maintained. g) Monitor and manage maintenance of stock and equipment including refrigeration, and emergency equipment. Training and personal development a) Training requirements will be monitored by yearly appraisals and will be in accordance with practice requirements. Personal development will be encouraged and supported. b) Maintain continued education by attendance at courses and study days as deemed useful or necessary for professional development. c) If it is necessary to expand the role to include additional responsibilities, full training will be given. d) Develop and maintain a learning plan under the supervision of the designated practice representative. Meetings It will be necessary to attend and contribute to various practice meetings as requested. Communication The post holder should recognise the importance effective communication within the team and will strive to a) Communicate effectively with other team members. b) Communicate effectively with patients and carers. c) Where appropriate recognise and respond to the needs of patients and staff with needs for alternative means of communication Other Duties To undertake any other duties as are reasonably assigned by the partners or practice manager. Confidentiality In the performance of the duties outlined in the job description the post- holder is likely to have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential and may only be disclosed to authorised persons in accordance with practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data. Health and Safety The post holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health and safety and security as defined in the practice health and safety policy.