Senior Nurse Practitioner

Position Overview

The Senior Nurse Practitioner will operate in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards, spearheading the delivery of comprehensive assessment, treatment, screening, and health education services for patients.

This role involves adhering to established protocols and guidelines to administer nursing care to patients, both autonomously and in collaboration with nursing colleagues and general practitioners.

The individual will possess the necessary training and expertise, functioning within patient group directions where applicable.

The primary responsibility of the Senior Nurse Practitioner in a primary care environment is to practice at an advanced level, making independent clinical decisions for which they are solely accountable.

The Senior Nurse Practitioner will engage with individuals presenting with undifferentiated and undiagnosed health issues. Responsibilities will encompass assessment and treatment, including prescribing when suitable, screening, and patient education.

The objective of this position is to facilitate direct access to primary care services for patients. This role aims to cultivate a well-rounded, skilled clinical team, thereby enhancing the overall quality of patient care.

Main Responsibilities

Clinical Duties:

Act as the initial point of contact for patients seeking primary care for specific conditions, conducting thorough health assessments based on advanced nursing knowledge and skills. Provide guidance, initiate treatment, and refer to the on-call GP as necessary.

Prescribe medications to meet the needs of the practice population.

Manage minor illness clinics to facilitate early diagnosis and refer patients as needed for further intervention.

Collaborate with other primary, community, and secondary care professionals within established local pathways.

Partner with general practitioners, practice nurses, and other professionals to develop protocols, standards, and audit tools to ensure effective care delivery.

Identify, assess, and diagnose patients with complex health needs across the practice population.

Lead the implementation and utilization of specialized nursing treatments for patients with intricate healthcare requirements.

Develop and lead initiatives aimed at improving health and well-being, addressing the specific needs of communities, groups, and individuals.

Work collaboratively to influence policies that enhance health outcomes and reduce disparities.

Oversee the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices to enhance the services provided by the nursing team.

Engage with other practice team members in executing specific aspects of the National Service Frameworks (NSFs).

Demonstrate competence in managing general nursing care for patients within the practice, including wound care, venepuncture, and electrocardiography.

Chronic Disease Management:

Diagnose, monitor, and develop individualized management plans, collaborating with patients and other health professionals as appropriate.

Therapeutic Monitoring:

Evaluate compliance with and adherence to appropriate treatments using a holistic, patient-centered approach.

Recognize abnormalities and assess the impact of treatments, recommending changes as necessary.

Risk Assessment:

Identify issues and gather sufficient information for referrals related to drugs, domestic violence, child protection, vulnerable adults, and social problems.

Health Screening:

Provide in-depth monitoring and advice as appropriate, collaborating with patients to develop management plans that consider the practice population's needs.

First Contact Care:

Function as an autonomous practitioner for more complex cases.

Ear Care:

Address more complex issues and prescribe treatments as appropriate.

Mental Health:

Ensure that effective patient monitoring systems are in place.

Administrative and Professional Responsibilities:

Participate in the administrative and professional functions of the practice team.

Contribute to policy development for clinical issues within the practice, providing nursing insights for decision-making processes affecting patient care.

Encourage multi-disciplinary and multi-agency collaboration in developing practice initiatives.

Ensure the collection and maintenance of statistical data for regular and ad hoc reporting.

Education, Training, and Professional Development:

Engage in continuous education through courses and study days deemed beneficial for professional growth, maintaining a personal learning plan aligned with revalidation requirements.

Contribute to the education of primary and community care clinicians across all disciplines, with a special focus on nursing staff.

Create a learning environment that fosters lifelong learning.

Participate in any research projects within the practice as required.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention:

Target health promotion activities based on the epidemiology and health needs of the practice population, as indicated by the Health Improvement Programme.

Assist in organizing health promotion and chronic disease management programs within the practice.

Manage and audit national and local screening programs for the practice population.

Special Requirements:

• Registered General Nurse
• First level degree or equivalent
• Compliance with NMC Code of Conduct
• Independent Prescriber V300 qualification
• A minimum of three years of community nursing experience (District Nursing, Health Visiting, or Practice Nurse experience)
• Ability to self-motivate, organize, and prioritize workload
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of current clinical practices
• Understanding of clinical governance
• Awareness of current professional issues in nursing

Confidentiality:

Staff are expected to maintain professionalism and discretion at all times.

In the course of providing care, patients may share sensitive information regarding their health and personal matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately.

In performing the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information regarding patients, their caregivers, practice staff, and other healthcare professionals. All such information is to be treated as strictly confidential.

Information regarding patients, caregivers, colleagues, or the practice's business may only be disclosed to authorized individuals in accordance with practice policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and the protection of personal data.

Maintaining patient and professional confidentiality is of utmost importance. Any breach of confidentiality may result in immediate disciplinary action.

Health and Safety:

The post-holder will implement and lead a comprehensive range of health and safety measures, including infection control, as outlined in the practice's Health & Safety policy and procedures.

Staff must utilize personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines.

Awareness of national infection control standards and regulatory requirements is essential, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), decontamination procedures, and safe waste management practices.

Staff are responsible for identifying, reporting, and rectifying health and safety hazards and infection risks immediately upon recognition.

Equality and Diversity:

The post-holder will uphold the equality, diversity, and rights of patients, caregivers, and colleagues, including:

Acting in a manner that acknowledges the importance of individuals' rights, interpreting them consistently with practice policies and current legislation.

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs, and beliefs of patients, caregivers, and colleagues.

Demonstrating a welcoming and non-judgmental attitude towards individuals, respecting their circumstances, feelings, priorities, and rights.

Contribution to Service Implementation:

The post-holder will:

Apply practice policies, standards, and guidelines.

Engage in discussions with team members regarding how policies and standards will impact their work.