Senior Clinical Practitioner

Position Overview

We are looking for a dedicated, dynamic, and empathetic Senior Clinical Practitioner (SCP) to join our team in providing exceptional healthcare services to our patients in the field of Cardiology. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in various facets of clinical cardiology and will play a vital role in delivering a comprehensive cardiology service within the Medicine and Clinical Support division. Our cardiologists work closely with medical professionals to manage a diverse patient population, supported by well-established pathways for modern cardiac care. The department benefits from a proficient technical service that offers a full spectrum of cardiac diagnostic procedures.

The successful candidate will utilize advanced assessment, examination, and diagnostic capabilities to ensure the safe referral or discharge of adults presenting with a wide array of acute conditions.

The Senior Clinical Practitioner role embodies the capacity to oversee complete clinical care in collaboration with patients and their families. This includes the evaluation and integration of complex issues across various environments, fostering innovative solutions to enhance patient experiences and improve health outcomes.

The post-holder will engage in clinical practice, with designated time allocated for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), clinical education, and the advancement of clinical pathways.

Key Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities include the independent assessment and management of patients presenting within the specialties of Respiratory, Cardiology, Stroke Care, and medically optimized patients within the Medicine and Clinical Support division. An individualized scope of practice will be established and reviewed annually as the knowledge, skills, and competencies of the Senior Practitioner evolve.

• Conduct thorough assessments, examinations, investigations, diagnoses, and treatments for patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions.
• Develop appropriate clinical management strategies.
• Initiate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, tailoring interactions to their level of understanding, cultural background, and personal context.
• Collaborate with all members of the multidisciplinary team, fostering a supportive environment that values professional respect and equality.
• Contribute to identifying training and development needs within the business group, delivering multi-professional education and training as necessary.
• Strive to enhance clinical quality and uphold professional standards within the Medicine and Clinical Support division.
• Work alongside Consultant (Nursing and Medical) colleagues to develop evidence-based clinical pathways, protocols, and guidelines aimed at continuously improving quality and effectively managing clinical risks.
• Obtain regular clinical supervision and feedback from a Consultant mentor, maintaining a portfolio of evidence that reflects ongoing development of clinical skills.
• Regularly audit personal clinical practice to identify areas for further training and development.
• Recognize personal development needs, take responsibility for individual growth, and maintain a Personal Development Plan (PDP) presented at annual appraisals.

Communication and Patient Care Responsibilities

• Promote a clinical environment conducive to high-quality patient care and exceptional service delivery.
• Ensure accurate, accountable, and defensible documentation is maintained at all times in accordance with established standards.
• Act as a resource on key clinical and professional matters for staff within the Medicine and Clinical Support division. Prescribe medication as required, following non-medical prescribing training in compliance with current legislation.
• Collaborate with colleagues as an independent Senior Practitioner to deliver a high standard of care to patients.
• Engage with other Senior Practitioners, the Consultant team, and Heads of Nursing to promote and develop advanced nursing practices within the division.
• Continue to enhance skills, knowledge, and practice in alignment with service needs.
• Coordinate with specialty teams to ensure timely consultations and reviews.
• Communicate with patients and their families regarding all aspects of care delivery.
• Review patients as requested from hospital trigger systems.
• Complete electronic discharge summaries for patients when appropriate.
• Participate in the ongoing education of multi-professional team members within the division.

Planning and Organizational Responsibilities

• Assess capacity, obtain valid informed consent, and work within a legal framework with patients who may lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
• Conduct comprehensive health histories.
• Provide advanced clinical assessments and examinations.
• Investigate presenting issues appropriately.
• Interpret laboratory and radiological findings.
• Utilize advanced problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills to formulate differential diagnoses.
• Perform advanced clinical procedures as required.
• Develop comprehensive care plans to ensure safe patient discharges.
• Deliver health education and promotion to patients and their families.
• Refer patients appropriately to specialties and teams both within and outside the hospital.
• Respond to requests for patient assessments when clinical concerns arise.

Resource Management Responsibilities

• Be aware of pressures related to patient flow within the trust and contribute to achieving performance targets.
• Contribute innovative ideas to enhance efficiency.
• Be responsible for equipment utilized in clinical duties, adhering to departmental policies and ensuring safe usage by others.

Policy and Service Development Responsibilities

• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Trust.
• Participate in the development of the advanced nursing role at both local and national levels.

Human Resources and Leadership Responsibilities

• Act as an expert resource for other staff members.
• Train and develop team members, including junior medical staff.
• Provide clinical supervision for designated practitioners.
• Identify, address, and report performance issues.
• Serve as a role model, offering mentorship and clinical supervision to other staff members.
• Support the development of Advanced Practitioners in training.

Teaching and Training Responsibilities

• Contribute to creating a learning environment within the workplace.
• Share clinical knowledge and expertise with all team members to drive and inform practice changes.

Data and Information Resource Responsibilities

• Comply with all Trust Information Governance policies and procedures.

Research, Development, and Audit Responsibilities

• Identify clinical questions and engage in research and audit to enhance care quality and maintain standards.
• Develop and implement strategies to promote evidence-based practices within the clinical area.
• Act as a role model, providing support, leadership, supervision, and education.

Physical Skills and Effort

• Effectively manage competing demands in a high-pressure work environment.
• Demonstrate a wide range of clinical skills relevant to emergency care patients.
• Support bereaved relatives and colleagues involved in traumatic events.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trust's policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively, and sharing information appropriately.

If successful, this position will require an enhanced DBS check, with the associated cost deducted from the first Trust salary. Additionally, joining the DBS update service and paying the annual subscription fee will be a condition of employment.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Registered Health Care Professional
• Mentorship qualification
• Higher/Post-registration education specific to the field - MSc Clinical Nursing or MSc Health and Social Care
• Advanced Life Support Qualification

Knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based practice.
• Understanding of Advanced Practice.
• Familiarity with research and comprehension of research methodologies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of acute assessment.
• High level of clinical knowledge related to Acute Medicine.
• Awareness of clinical policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of current clinical pathways.

Desirable

• Knowledge of change management.

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 5 years post-registration experience.
• Evidence of professional development related to personal growth.
• Experience in risk management and clinical governance.

Desirable

• Research experience.

Skills

Essential

• Highly developed analytical and judgment skills.
• Proficient in IT.
• Strong motivation and team-building abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Effective planning and organizational skills.

Desirable

• Self-reliant.