We are looking for a qualified band 4 assistant practitioner or nurse associate to join the Warrington & Halton axess team. In axess, we provide an integrated and innovative approach to sexual health through combining expertise in contraception & reproductive health, STIs & HIV, system leadership, digital health & postal testing.
The service has a mobile clinic that can be adapted for use in health promotion and community events. The post holder will be responsible for providing a high standard of sexual reproductive healthcare with specific focus on young people, LGBTQI+ and will have experience and knowledge of safeguarding practice and procedures (children and adult). They will provide general/specific care for these client groups and will be proficient and competent to work across professional disciplines, referring clients for assessment and treatment or to other agencies as required.
The successful candidate will work alongside and/or under the supervision of the sexual health Practitioners and other clinical staff within the axess Sexual Health team to deliver and evaluate care interventions developed to meet those needs. Supervision may be direct/indirect depending upon competency/complexity of work.
The post holder will continue to develop and undertake a range of delegated tasks and will report to a Registered Practitioner. They will provide general/specific care for a client group and will be proficient and competent to work across professional disciplines, referring clients for assessment and treatment or to other agencies as required.
Clinical Responsibilities:
1. Initiate patient triage to manage patient lists independently.
2. Undertake asymptomatic screening in fast track clinics and be able to order routine bloods/investigations with a basic understanding of normal and altered values.
3. Undertake a designated range of patient assessments such as reviewing a medical history and reporting any changes to the clinical team.
4. Utilise clinical skills appropriately to enhance the delivery of patient care, e.g., venepuncture, immunisation, and provision of medication under direction of ‘Patient Specific Directions’ (PSD’s).
5. Manage and maintain own treatment lists for Chlamydia and a range of routine contraceptives, using PSD’s.
6. Manage and administer cryotherapy treatment where appropriate to relevant patients.
7. Undertake partner notification (PN) and/or support patients to use online ‘e-PN’.
8. Assess patients with special needs, such as those under 16, and discuss with the clinical team, ensuring all necessary safeguarding procedures are undertaken according to Trust and local service guidelines.
9. Manage recall of patients for vaccinations and repeat testing.
10. Function as an effective member of the multi-disciplinary team.
11. Chaperone as required, including assistance in LARC clinics.
12. Maintain clear, concise, and legible documentation adhering to prescribed standards and protocols.
13. Use IT systems for relevant tasks, e.g., accessing patient records & results, requesting investigations, data collections.
14. Obtain consent in accordance with Trust Consent Policy.
15. Maintain a patient-oriented approach towards care delivery and plan and deliver high standards of care.
16. Undertake designated interventions to promote patient wellbeing, e.g., smoking cessation, obesity, alcohol intervention, and safe sex practices.
17. Recognise the need for referral and undertake appropriate referrals to nurse practitioners and/or services within the NHS, independent & voluntary sectors.
18. Undertake, monitor & record basic observations: temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, with readings outside of normal parameters referred/discussed appropriately within the clinical team.
19. Undertake pregnancy testing according to clinical protocols liaising with the clinical team where appropriate.
20. Work alongside axess outreach practitioners in the community where appropriate.
Leadership/Interpersonal Responsibilities:
1. Maintain health, safety, and security and report any concerns.
2. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
3. Contribute to effective communications with patients, relatives, and members of the Sexual Health team.
4. Acknowledge own limitations and work within the confines of the remit of the assistant practitioner and the knowledge and skills framework.
5. Supervise others relevant to grade and participate in their education and development.
6. Ensure effective and efficient use of physical resources.
7. Contribute to the development of services.
Education and Development Responsibilities:
1. Develop and maintain own clinical skills and knowledge using a competency framework to ensure effective care delivery.
2. Ensure compliance with mandatory training and personal development plans.
3. Adopt a lifelong learning approach to developments and maintain a portfolio of practice and development.
4. Contribute to the assessment and development of others where appropriate.
5. Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff and students to the team.
6. Assist in and promote evidence-based care.
Clinical Governance Responsibilities:
1. Ensure compliance with policies and procedures and clinical guidelines for self and others.
2. Maintain the work environment in line with infection control policies.
3. Report any concerns regarding patient care.
4. Identify risk issues that could affect patient care.
5. Undertake risk assessments where appropriate.
6. Participate in patient and public involvement activities.
7. Support and promote people’s equality, diversity, and rights.
8. Participate in audit & research, benchmarking, and any other initiatives as required.
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