Job summary We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Practice Nurse to join our nursing team at Downing Drive Surgery. As a key member of our healthcare workforce, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered services to our practice population. This part-time position of 25 hours per week offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment, promoting health and well-being while upholding the clinical standards that our patients expect and deserve. Main duties of the job The Practice Nurse will be responsible for a variety of essential duties, including chronic disease management, immunisations, health promotion, and patient education. In your role as the Infection Control Lead, you will ensure strict adherence to infection control policies, helping to maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff. You will work autonomously within your scope of practice and collaborate with our multidisciplinary team, including a phlebotomist, a healthcare assistant training to become a nurse associate, a nurse associate, and an advanced nurse practitioner, all while striving to improve patient outcomes and support your colleagues. About us Downing Drive Surgery is a modern healthcare facility dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered medical services to our community. Located in Leicester, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our diverse patient population through a range of comprehensive services, including general practice consultations, chronic disease management, preventative care, and health education. Our team consists of experienced healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, practice nurses, nurse associates, healthcare assistants, and a clinical pharmacist who work collaboratively to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. We prioritise a welcoming and supportive environment, where patients can access tailored healthcare solutions that meet their individual needs. With a strong emphasis on infection control and quality standards, Downing Drive Surgery aims to deliver safe and effective healthcare, fostering long-lasting relationships with our patients and their families. Date posted 04 November 2024 Pay scheme Other Salary Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number A2818-24-0004 Job locations 155 Downing Drive Evington Leicester LE5 6LP Job description Job responsibilities 1. Clinical Care and Patient Interaction i. Provide evidence-based care and treatment to patients across a variety of clinical conditions. ii. Manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, ensuring regular monitoring and patient education. iii. Administer vaccinations and immunisations as per current guidelines (e.g., childhood vaccinations, flu, pneumonia). iv. Conduct cervical cytology (smear tests) and ensure accurate recording and follow-up. v. Conduct annual reviews and health checks, ensuring all relevant data is recorded. vi. Engage in opportunistic health promotion and offer support for lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation. vii. To perform any Community Based Services (CBS) such as ear irrigation if appropriately trained. viii. Administer medications in line with Patient Group Directions (PGDs), ensuring safe and legal compliance with prescribing protocols and patient eligibility criteria. ix. Deliver patient care in alignment with NICE guidelines, incorporating evidence-based practices and current clinical standards into patient assessments and treatment plans. x. Stay informed of updates to PGDs and NICE guidelines, applying any relevant changes to clinical practice within the scope of the role. xi. Work closely with the GP partners, practice manager, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and the entire practice team to ensure cohesive and coordinated patient care. 2. Infection Control Lead i. Develop, implement, and monitor infection control policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with national and local standards. ii. Conduct regular infection control audits, such as hand hygiene and room cleanliness checks. iii. Ensure that all clinical and non-clinical staff are educated and compliant with infection control measures. iv. Oversee the disposal of clinical waste, correct usage of PPE, and handling of contaminated samples. v. Ensure that infection control policies are up to date and disseminate any changes to staff promptly. vi. Produce the IPC annual statement in collaboration with the Practice Manager and support staff compliance through audits, training sessions, and regular updates on infection control standards. vii. Work alongside the Practice Manager to ensure all the above is completed. 3. Health Promotion and Patient Education i. Educate patients on managing chronic diseases and lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and medication adherence. ii. Support patients with health promotion activities, such as weight management and smoking cessation. iii. Provide information on vaccination benefits and encourage uptake within eligible patient groups. iv. Create and assess individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients, aimed at enhancing overall health and reducing long-term complications. 4. Documentation and Administration i. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with GDPR and practice policies. ii. Input patient information, test results, and other relevant data into the electronic health record system (SystmOne). iii. Complete own referrals and audits where possible. iv. Complete documentation for Enhanced Services, and support administrative tasks required for claims processing when necessary. v. Maintain accurate records of infection control audits, equipment checks, and stock management. vi. Ensure the cost-effectiveness use of Practice resources. 5. Infection Control and Safety i. Promote infection control practices throughout the practice and ensure staff compliance. ii. Monitor and address any areas requiring improvement in infection prevention. iii. Maintain clean and safe clinical areas in accordance with infection control standards. iv. Ensure safe disposal of clinical waste and correct procedures for the use and disposal of sharps. 6. Communication and Collaboration i. Work collaboratively with GPs, receptionists, and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient care. ii. Address patient feedback and complaints with empathy and professionalism, escalating issues as needed to the Practice Manager. iii. Attend team meetings, practice meetings, training sessions, and clinical updates to stay informed on best practices. iv. Support the induction and training of new staff and students, offering guidance on clinical skills and infection control practices. 7. Premises i. Ensure consulting rooms are cleaned and restocked after use, reporting any health and safety concerns. ii. Open and lock the premises as required, understanding security protocols. iii. Maintain health promotion materials and ensure the waiting area is welcoming and informative. 8. Training and Development i. Engage in professional development and training, staying current with clinical and infection control advancements. ii. Participate in annual appraisals and maintain required qualifications for registration. iii. Attend primary care and nursing team meetings, Protected Learning Time (PLT) sessions, and health-focused workshops. iv. Contribute to the training and supervision of junior staff and students, promoting a supportive learning environment. 9. Safeguarding and Delegation i. Assist the clinical team with safeguarding matters, following local and national policies to ensure patient safety. ii. Delegate clinical responsibilities within the nursing team appropriately, ensuring tasks are within each team members scope of practice. The duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the reception team may include any or all the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the practice, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels. Job description Job responsibilities 1. Clinical Care and Patient Interaction i. Provide evidence-based care and treatment to patients across a variety of clinical conditions. ii. Manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, ensuring regular monitoring and patient education. iii. Administer vaccinations and immunisations as per current guidelines (e.g., childhood vaccinations, flu, pneumonia). iv. Conduct cervical cytology (smear tests) and ensure accurate recording and follow-up. v. Conduct annual reviews and health checks, ensuring all relevant data is recorded. vi. Engage in opportunistic health promotion and offer support for lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation. vii. To perform any Community Based Services (CBS) such as ear irrigation if appropriately trained. viii. Administer medications in line with Patient Group Directions (PGDs), ensuring safe and legal compliance with prescribing protocols and patient eligibility criteria. ix. Deliver patient care in alignment with NICE guidelines, incorporating evidence-based practices and current clinical standards into patient assessments and treatment plans. x. Stay informed of updates to PGDs and NICE guidelines, applying any relevant changes to clinical practice within the scope of the role. xi. Work closely with the GP partners, practice manager, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and the entire practice team to ensure cohesive and coordinated patient care. 2. Infection Control Lead i. Develop, implement, and monitor infection control policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with national and local standards. ii. Conduct regular infection control audits, such as hand hygiene and room cleanliness checks. iii. Ensure that all clinical and non-clinical staff are educated and compliant with infection control measures. iv. Oversee the disposal of clinical waste, correct usage of PPE, and handling of contaminated samples. v. Ensure that infection control policies are up to date and disseminate any changes to staff promptly. vi. Produce the IPC annual statement in collaboration with the Practice Manager and support staff compliance through audits, training sessions, and regular updates on infection control standards. vii. Work alongside the Practice Manager to ensure all the above is completed. 3. Health Promotion and Patient Education i. Educate patients on managing chronic diseases and lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and medication adherence. ii. Support patients with health promotion activities, such as weight management and smoking cessation. iii. Provide information on vaccination benefits and encourage uptake within eligible patient groups. iv. Create and assess individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients, aimed at enhancing overall health and reducing long-term complications. 4. Documentation and Administration i. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with GDPR and practice policies. ii. Input patient information, test results, and other relevant data into the electronic health record system (SystmOne). iii. Complete own referrals and audits where possible. iv. Complete documentation for Enhanced Services, and support administrative tasks required for claims processing when necessary. v. Maintain accurate records of infection control audits, equipment checks, and stock management. vi. Ensure the cost-effectiveness use of Practice resources. 5. Infection Control and Safety i. Promote infection control practices throughout the practice and ensure staff compliance. ii. Monitor and address any areas requiring improvement in infection prevention. iii. Maintain clean and safe clinical areas in accordance with infection control standards. iv. Ensure safe disposal of clinical waste and correct procedures for the use and disposal of sharps. 6. Communication and Collaboration i. Work collaboratively with GPs, receptionists, and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient care. ii. Address patient feedback and complaints with empathy and professionalism, escalating issues as needed to the Practice Manager. iii. Attend team meetings, practice meetings, training sessions, and clinical updates to stay informed on best practices. iv. Support the induction and training of new staff and students, offering guidance on clinical skills and infection control practices. 7. Premises i. Ensure consulting rooms are cleaned and restocked after use, reporting any health and safety concerns. ii. Open and lock the premises as required, understanding security protocols. iii. Maintain health promotion materials and ensure the waiting area is welcoming and informative. 8. Training and Development i. Engage in professional development and training, staying current with clinical and infection control advancements. ii. Participate in annual appraisals and maintain required qualifications for registration. iii. Attend primary care and nursing team meetings, Protected Learning Time (PLT) sessions, and health-focused workshops. iv. Contribute to the training and supervision of junior staff and students, promoting a supportive learning environment. 9. Safeguarding and Delegation i. Assist the clinical team with safeguarding matters, following local and national policies to ensure patient safety. ii. Delegate clinical responsibilities within the nursing team appropriately, ensuring tasks are within each team members scope of practice. The duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the reception team may include any or all the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the practice, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels. Person Specification Infection Control and Health Promotion Essential Demonstrated expertise in infection control practices, including policy development, compliance monitoring, and conducting audits. Or have an interest in taking this on and learning. Ability to educate and promote health initiatives, supporting patients in lifestyle changes and chronic disease management. Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse with a valid NMC registration. Completion of a relevant nursing degree or diploma. Independent prescriber. Desirable Additional qualifications in primary care nursing, chronic disease management, or infection control. Evidence of ongoing professional development and training relevant to the role. Experience Essential Experience in a primary care or community nursing setting, demonstrating a strong understanding of evidence-based care and treatment for a variety of clinical conditions. Experience in managing chronic diseases, including diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, with a focus on patient education and regular monitoring. Proficiency in administering vaccinations and conducting cervical cytology, adhering to national guidelines. Desirable Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience. Experience of working in a GP Practice Person Specification Infection Control and Health Promotion Essential Demonstrated expertise in infection control practices, including policy development, compliance monitoring, and conducting audits. Or have an interest in taking this on and learning. Ability to educate and promote health initiatives, supporting patients in lifestyle changes and chronic disease management. Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse with a valid NMC registration. Completion of a relevant nursing degree or diploma. Independent prescriber. Desirable Additional qualifications in primary care nursing, chronic disease management, or infection control. Evidence of ongoing professional development and training relevant to the role. Experience Essential Experience in a primary care or community nursing setting, demonstrating a strong understanding of evidence-based care and treatment for a variety of clinical conditions. Experience in managing chronic diseases, including diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, with a focus on patient education and regular monitoring. Proficiency in administering vaccinations and conducting cervical cytology, adhering to national guidelines. Desirable Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience. Experience of working in a GP Practice Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Downing Drive Surgery Address 155 Downing Drive Evington Leicester LE5 6LP Employer's website https://www.downingdrivesurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)