Practice Nurse - Issa Medical Group

The role of the Practice Nurse is an evolving one and it is anticipated that the post holder/s will be grow to meet and develop beyond the description below. 

To provide nursing services to the practice population by evidence based, quality focused care. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care. To ensure clear channels of communication exist between clinical, administrative and community teams. To project a positive and friendly image to our patients and other professionals. Teamwork is a priority within the practice and there may be times you will be asked to assist or undertake other duties; these will always be within your level of competence. Accordingly, there may be from time to time, a request to provide cover for sickness or absence. 

Principal Responsibilities 

• To provide assessment, treatment, screening and health education services and advice, working in accordance with set protocols, guidelines and NMC Code of Conduct. 

• Provide nursing service/treatments to patients independently or in participation with general practitioners with reference to aforesaid agreed protocols and guidelines. 

Professional Responsibilities: 

• To be qualified and a member of the NMC 

• Maintain continued education by attendance at courses and study days relevant/useful or necessary for personal/professional development including attendance at the locality protected learning time (PLT) events.

• To have the ability to work on own initiative, acknowledging limitations of oneself and in the delegation to others. Recognising when referral to other health professionals is needed. 

• To be familiar with changes and progress in nursing care. 

• Evaluating and adapting care using evidence based, best practice, in consultation with colleagues as a forum for team education, development and audit. 

• Using evidence based, best practice to assist in the formulation of practice philosophy, strategy, and policies. 

Specific Duties to include, but not limited to: 

• Childhood and Adult immunisations 

• Cervical Smears 

• Contraception/Family Planning 

• Wound management 

• Blood Pressure 

• Venepuncture 

• Routine vaccinations – B12, Pneumococcal, Shingles 

• CVD risk assessments 

• ECGs 

• Travel vaccinations 

• NHS health Checks 

• Obesity and weight/diet management 

• Specimen collection and testing 

• Home visits for Housebound patients – to include routine checks (eg Diabetic) and flu vaccines. 

• Referrals – Podiatry, Counselling, Audiology, etc 

• To maintain accurate, comprehensive records of all consultations and treatments in the patient’s notes, both written and computerised, awareness of QOF, read codes and alerts needed for standardised care. 

• All associated nursing administration – e.g., Vaccine forms, Travel Health Questionnaires, protocol review and assisting Reception with queries 

• Manage clinics effectively and contact patients to attend. 

• To take personal responsibility for own personal/professional development, providing sufficient evidence of the achievement of set objectives through individual performance and the review process. 

• Ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient health care and registration with the practice. 

• Attend and participate in practice and staff meetings as appropriate 

• To take prompt action to defuse situations of complaints and be equipped with the knowledge to advise patients and relatives/carers about the complaint’s procedure. 

• Maintain appearance and behaviour in keeping with a member of the nursing profession and in accordance with codes of conduct. 

• Support and co-ordinate health promotion campaigns, i.e., flu, stop smoking, healthy lifestyles, etc 

• Maintain effective liaison with other agencies and staff concerned with patient care and with other disciplines within the practice, with appropriate regard to confidentiality. 

Additional responsibilities could include following further training: 

• Spirometry 

• Assisting with Coil and implant appointments 

• INR 

• Prescribing 

• Participate in the education of students of all disciplines. 

• To be responsible for the efficient running of the treatment room and equipment and to ensure the clinical areas are always safe for staff and patients. 

• To adhere to strict Infection Control in line with guidelines and policies. 

• Advise patients and relatives/carers on general health care and ailments with referral to GP’s as necessary.