Clinical Nursing Practice It is essential that the applicant has general treatment room skills and that they have a Diploma in the management of one or more of the chronic diseases (i.e Respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary heart disease. Any additional skills/competencies would be useful (such as family planning and contraception) and training can be undertaken as necessary, dependent upon the needs of the practice population. 1. ASSESSMENT, SCREENING AND HEALTH EDUCATION a. Provide evidence based nursing treatments to patients - in participation with general practitioners or independently - to agreed protocols. b. Cover general treatment room responsibilities, including assistance with minor surgery. c. Provide general and specific health screening to the practice patients (within agreed protocols, with referral to general practitioners as necessary). d. Administer and give advice to patients requiring travel and routine immunisations according to Patient Group Directions. e. Take responsibility for day-to-day administration and management of a specific chronic disease management programme (with appropriate accredited training). f. To work only in accordance with the UKCC Code of Conduct. 2. PATHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS AND INVESTIGATORY PROCEDURES a. Undertake collection of pathological specimens including intravenous blood samples, swabs, smears etc. b. Perform any investigatory procedures requested by the general practitioners, or nurse practitioner. In some circumstances instigate investigatory procedures for example blood glucose monitoring, using own discretion. 3. CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT/LONG TERM CONDITIONS Diabetes Mellitus This role requires completion of a suitable accredited course; i.e diploma or degree a. Initiates the process of diagnosis on patients with suspected diabetes. b. Manages patients newly diagnosed and ongoing diabetes using practice template protocols/NICE Guidance and local guidelines. c. Undertakes annual review of patients understanding and ability to self manage. d. Recognises areas of disease management that may be improved by altering medication and refers to GP as appropriate. e. Refers to GP, dietician, chiropodist and diabetes and specialist nurses as necessary f. Maintains a disease register. g. Audits outcomes of care against standards and NSF for Diabetes and initiates change as necessary. Respiratory Care This requires accredited training; i.e. Diploma level a. Manages newly diagnosed patients with asthma. b. Maintains a disease register. c. Works within agreed local/BTS guidelines and patient group directions to manage patients with asthma, aiding diagnosis, reviewing inhaler technique and advising on treatment changes. Cardiovascular Disease a. Develop and maintain practice register for secondary prevention of CHD. b. Works with patients to set action plans for changes of lifestyle. c. Works within agreed protocols and templates when managing risk factors to enable patients to manage own disease. d. Provides psychological support by discussing interventions and treatments. e. Recognises areas of disease management that may be improved by altering medication and refers to GP as appropriate. 4. Quality and Assurance a. Work with the Partners and Practice Manager to support the Practice strategy and forward view. b. Working with the Nursing and HCA team members, participate in quality and improvements where identified. c. Participate in clinical supervision both as supervisor and supervisee where appropriate. d. Monitor the effectiveness or their own clinical practice through quality assurance strategies such as the use of peer audit and review. e. To be aware of ones own clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of practice of the individual). f. Be aware and proactive of own responsibilities in relation to Clinical Governance, health & safety and infection control. g. Maintain professional registration. h. Work within the latest NMC Code of Professional Conduct. i. Work collaboratively with colleagues both internally and externally, promoting effective communication, relationships and team working within the practice. j. Partake in ensuring that practice policies are fully implemented and maintained. k. Participate in audits and inspections as required. l. Demonstrate due regard for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES a. To ensure that accurate notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the patient record. b. To ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient health care and registration with the practice. c. To ensure collection and maintenance of statistical information required for regular and ad hoc reports. d. To attend and participate in any practice or team meetings as required. 6. OTHER DUTIES a. Co-operate and participate as required in any research and audit projects within the practice. b. Participate in the education and training of students of all disciplines and the induction of all members of practice staff. c. Maintain effective liaison with other agencies and staff concerned with patient care and with all other disciplines within the practice. d. Maintain continued education by attendance at courses and study days as deemed useful or necessary for professional development. e. Participation in extended hours rota as required f. Ensure awareness of responsibilities in relation to Clinical Governance, health & safety and infection control. g. Any other duty as shall reasonably be required.