Practice Nurse

Job summary Thepurpose of the post is to delivery of safe, high quality primary care nursingservices.
Working within the NMC Code of Conduct the post holder will deliverprimary health care interventions to the practice population.
Main duties of the job Thisjob description is intended to provide an outline of the key tasks andresponsibilities only.
There may be other duties required of the post-holder commensuratewith the position.
This description will be open to regular review and may beamended to take account of developments within the practice.
About us White Medical Group is a dispensing practice serving 8, 500 patients from Ponteland and a branch site in Wylam.
Job description Job responsibilities Nursing Duties1 Screening- Undertake opportunistic screening BP checks, height, weight, BMI, urinalysis, smoking status.2 HealthPromotion- Providehealthy eating advice to individuals.- Providesmoking cessation advice individually in opportunistic consultations.- Provideindividual advice to patients about increasing activity or exercise.- Offeradvice on recommended safe limits for alcohol consumption.- Referas appropriate.3 Vaccinationsand Immunisations- Administer injections under anindividualised prescription or Patient Group Direction.- Ensuresafe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs.- Providean adult and childhood immunisation service.- Developand work to Patient Group Directions for POMs.4 InfectionControl- Support patients and lead colleaguesin adopting sound infection control measures.- Apply infection control measureswithin the practice according to local and national guidelines.
This includes:-- Universal hygiene precautions.- The collection and handling oflaboratory specimens.- Segregation and disposal of wastematerials.- Decontamination of instruments andclinical equipment.- Reporting and treatment of sharpsinjuries.- Dealing with blood and body fluidspillages.5 EmergencyManagement- Iscompetent in anaphylaxis and resuscitation techniques.6 Child HealthProtection- Recognisesthe signs, symptoms and categories of child abuse.- Understands the importance ofrecognition, observation, documentation and communication.- Is aware of child health procedures,statutory local procedures and points of referral.- Hasknowledge of roles of other practitioners and agencies.- Understandsbasic legal issues around child abuse.7 MensHealth- Raiseawareness and give basic advice on issues covering :-- Testicular self-examination.- Incontinence and prostatic disease.- Family planning.- Sexual health.- Initiate opportunistic consultationswith patients to cover issues of mens health.- Make appropriate referrals.- ProvideNHS Health checks.8 FamilyPlanning- Advise patients on available methodsof contraception and refer as appropriate.- Support patients attending foremergency contraception and refer as appropriate.- Performinterval health checks for patients using hormonal contraception.- Teachpatients correct condom use.- Teach patients how to reduce risk ofsexually transmitted diseases and refer as appropriate.9 WomensHealth- Advise patients on the national andlocal cervical cytology and mammography screening programmes.- Undertake a programme of cervicalcytology sampling under supervision until competent.- Audit a minimum of twenty consecutivesmears each year to demonstrate adequate sampling rates.- Promote breast self-awareness,demonstrate breast self-examination and provide supporting literature.- Advise patients about reducing therisk of sexually transmitted diseases and make appropriate referrals.- Takeswabs for microscopy as directed.- Give patients basic advice aboutperi-menopausal and menopausal symptoms and make appropriate referrals.- Advise on the increasedperi-menopausal and post-menopausal risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.- Offerhealth promotion / lifestyle advice to patients.- Adviseon basic incontinence management and make appropriate referrals.- ProvideNHS Health Checks10 TravelHealth Advice- Offer a holistic approach to travelhealth including comprehensive advice for patients prior to travel including :-- Vaccinations and medications.- Malaria prophylaxis and biteavoidance.- Safe sex.- Food hygiene.- Sun protection.- First aid and emergency medication.- Health insurance.11 ChronicDisease Management- The practice holds regular specialistpractice nurse led chronic disease clinics ( Diabetes & CHD).- Assistand support with management of above clinics.12 WoundManagement- Performwound care using aseptic techniques.- Undertakeuncomplicated dressings, including leg ulcers.- Sutureand clip removal.13 MinorIllness- Assessand treat conditions presented by patients.14 Venepuncture - Takeblood in line with local procedures.15 MinorSurgery / IUCDs - Providesupport to GPs who perform Minor Surgery and fit IUCDs.16 Personal and Professional Development- Assistin clinical audit.- Actas a mentor to other staff as required.- Providechaperone services to other clinicians.- Workeffectively in the team.- Monitorand maintain the consistency of professional standards set.- Takeappropriate action if standards are not being met.- Recognisethe development needs of others.- Supportother members of the team.- Participatein evidence based practice.- Be aware of current evidence basedapproaches to patient care and demonstrate this in practice.- Demonstrateclinical expertise in practice.- Participatein clinical supervision.- Attendand participate in Practice meetings when required17 Research- We are a GP Research Practice sothere may be an occasional requirement to participate in clinical researchstudies.
Person Specification Knowledge and Skills Essential Knowledge of needs of patients with long term chronic disease Aware of accountability of own role and other roles in a nurse led service Sound knowledge of GP contracts; QOF, enhanced services, LPHS Knowledge of health promotion strategies Awareness of clinical governance issues in primary care Knowledge of patient group directions and associated policy Clinical skills - immunisation, vaccination, including travel.
Cervical cytology Change-management skills and ability to support patients to change lifestyle Communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to communicate difficult messages to patients and families Negotiation and conflict management skills IT skills Desirable Ability to identify determinants of health in the local area Knowledge of public health issues in the local area Awareness of local and national health policy Experience of teaching ad mentorship in a clinical setting.
Experience Essential Minimum 1 year post registration experience At least 1 year recent primary and community nursing experience Management of long term conditions Involvement in implementing and using protocols and clinical guidelines Experience of audit Working in a busy environment Desirable Willingness to be trained and mentored where previous experience is not available Qualifications Essential Registered first level nurse Relevant nursing / health degree Training relevant to the practice nurse role Desirable Clinical supervision training and experience Mentor, teaching qualification Evidence of Continuing Professional Development Other Essential Self-directed practitioner Highly motivated Flexibility Enthusiasm Team player Ability to work across boundaries Professional attitude / appearance and be courteous at all times Car owner / access to a car Desirable Clean driving license