Working in accordance with the UKCC Code of Conduct, the Practice Nurse will provide comprehensive assessment, treatment, screening, and health education services to patients. The role involves working within established protocols and guidelines, delivering nursing care independently and in collaboration with the clinical team. The post-holder will be trained to the appropriate level of competence, adhering to patient group directions and, if qualified, prescribing medications where appropriate.Key Responsibilities Chronic Disease Management Diagnose, monitor, and develop individual management plans for chronic conditions. Ensure therapeutic monitoring, adherence, and compliance with treatments. Implement changes where necessary, using a holistic patient-centred approach. Wound Care Assess and manage wounds, including complex cases using techniques such as Doppler. Patient Health Checks Conduct comprehensive health checks, identifying risk factors and developing patient management plans. Risk Assessment Recognise and gather information on issues related to drug use, domestic violence, child protection, and other vulnerable populations. Health Screening Perform monitoring tasks (e.g., cervical cytology) and provide advice based on screening results. Travel Health Administer vaccinations and provide guidance on travel health in line with current guidelines. Immunisation (Adult & Child) Deliver immunisations autonomously and manage complex immunisation cases. First Contact & Minor Operations Work independently or alongside GPs to provide first contact care and assist in minor procedures. Specialist Areas Deliver ear care, manage mental health interventions, and communicate with key professionals regarding patient care.Confidentiality & GDPR Compliance As a Practice Nurse, you will have access to sensitive and confidential information about patients, carers, practice staff, and the practice itself as a business entity. In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the practices confidentiality policies, it is imperative that this information is handled with the utmost care and discretion. All personal data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently, ensuring that the privacy rights of patients and colleagues are respected. The post-holder is responsible for maintaining the security and confidentiality of patient records, whether in physical or digital form, and ensuring that personal information is only shared with authorised personnel. Any breach of confidentiality, intentional or unintentional, must be reported immediately in accordance with the practices data protection policies. Patients must be informed about how their data is used and must provide consent for their personal information to be shared, except in cases where disclosure is required by law. Maintaining strict compliance with GDPR is essential to protect the sensitive information entrusted to the practice and to ensure the organisation operates within the legal framework for data protection.Equality, Diversity & Inclusion The post-holder will actively support and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work. This includes fostering an environment where all patients, carers, and colleagues are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. Legal and Policy Compliance: The Practice Nurse must ensure that all activities are in line with the Equality Act 2010, safeguarding individuals against discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Respecting Individual Needs: Every patient has unique needs and preferences. The post-holder will deliver care that is sensitive to those needs, ensuring that each individuals dignity, privacy, and rights are upheld. This includes adjusting communication styles and clinical care to accommodate factors such as language barriers, cultural preferences, or disabilities. Creating an Inclusive Workplace: The post-holder will contribute to a work environment that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion. All staff members, irrespective of their role or background, should feel valued and respected. Non-Judgmental Approach: The post-holder will interact with patients and colleagues in a manner that is non-judgmental and supportive, respecting the circumstances, priorities, and feelings of others, while ensuring that their actions are aligned with both the practice's policies and national legislation on equality and diversity. Training and Awareness: Continuous professional development in equality, diversity, and inclusion is crucial. The post-holder will be encouraged to engage in relevant training and apply this knowledge in their day-to-day practice, ensuring that they are fully equipped to meet the diverse needs of the practices patient population.Health & Safety The post-holder will play a key role in promoting and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for both staff and patients, in accordance with the practices Health & Safety policies and UK regulatory standards. This includes a comprehensive approach to infection control, risk assessment, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Responsibilities include: Infection Control: Uphold national standards of infection prevention, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practice guidelines. Implement and monitor infection control protocols, including the safe handling of medical specimens, maintaining sterile environments, and ensuring proper decontamination of instruments and equipment. Regularly assess infection control practices across the practice, identifying any weaknesses, areas for improvement, or additional training needs, and escalating issues to senior management where necessary. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all clinical and non-clinical staff have access to the necessary PPE and are trained in its correct use. Oversee the management, storage, and availability of PPE, and ensure that it is used consistently and appropriately across the practice to minimise the risk of contamination and infection. Workplace Safety & Risk Management: Actively identify, assess, and manage potential risks in the workplace, including hazards related to patient care, clinical procedures, and general practice activities. Take immediate action to rectify or escalate any identified risks or hazards, ensuring that the practice environment remains safe and compliant with health and safety regulations. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safe handling and disposal procedures for medical waste, including sharps, clinical waste, and hazardous materials, and ensure all staff are trained accordingly. Training & Continuous Improvement: Participate in ongoing health and safety training, ensuring personal competence in the latest procedures and best practices. Lead the delivery of health and safety training to other staff, including infection control, PPE usage, waste management, and emergency procedures, ensuring that all team members are equipped to maintain a safe working environment. Cleanliness & Sterility: Ensure workspaces and patient areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and sterility. This includes overseeing cleaning schedules, ensuring sufficient stock of cleaning supplies, and responding promptly to any hygiene-related concerns. Manage spillage control procedures to contain and appropriately clean hazardous materials, ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. Emergency Preparedness: Actively contribute to the development and review of the practices emergency procedures, including fire safety, first aid, and pandemic response plans. Ensure that staff are aware of and trained in these procedures, and that all necessary equipment (e.g., first aid kits, fire extinguishers) is maintained, accessible, and in good working condition. Monitoring & Auditing: Conduct regular audits of health and safety practices within the practice, identifying any gaps in compliance or areas for improvement. Collaborate with management and external bodies during inspections, ensuring that the practice remains compliant with all legal health and safety obligations.Personal & Professional Development The post-holder will be responsible for their own professional development, participating in annual performance reviews and maintaining records of continuing professional education (PREP).Quality Improvement The post-holder will contribute to maintaining and improving quality within the practice by: Identifying areas for improvement and addressing quality and risk issues. Collaborating effectively with team members and external agencies to enhance patient care.Communication & Teamwork The post-holder will: Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and team members. Adapt communication methods to meet the needs of diverse patients.Service Implementation The post-holder will apply practice policies and contribute to audits and service improvement initiatives where necessary.