Band 5 RGN Community Physical Health

Northamptonshire Healthcare (NHFT), community physical health team are looking for a qualified Band 5 general nurse (RGN) wo can inspire, promote, and oversee the delivery of comprehensive physical health screening for our mental health patients. The post holder will be working within the Physical Health Team providing physical health screening for the CMHTs patients who have symptoms of an SMI or depression, ADHD, or PTSD. The physical health team members include HCAs, administrator, bank staff and a health coach who report to the physical healthcare lead (band 7 RGN). The role will include working closely with staff from the CMHTs, UCAT, community mental health senior management team, Clinical Systems, Pharmacy, and in-patient teams within the organisation at all levels and throughout the county.

Communication is also probable with GPs and the local acute hospitals for both NGH and KGH. The post holder will have the ability to provide quality screening and physical health assessments for patients with mental health illnesses across the county and therefore a UK driving licence with access to a car for countywide clinic and patients home visits is an essential part of the role. The successful applicant after a period of induction, training and probation will be expected to support the physical healthcare lead in managing the team and its workload in their absence, involving possibly managerial and clinical decisions while offering senior support to junior colleagues and guiding them in problem solving any issues relating to patients or staff. The successful applicant will be required to work closely with MDT colleagues to assist in timely appointment schedules where appropriate, while reporting to the physical healthcare lead to deliver services effectively and efficiently to our service users.

The post holder will assist in the development and delivery of high-quality screening while the patients are open to physical health. The post holder will also be involved in developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the screening quality and its processes, and the continuing development of the team, participating in the supervision and appraisal process and in professional development of team members. NB: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to screen for previous criminal convictions. Assess, plan, develop, implement and evaluate programmes to promote health and wellbeing, and prevent adverse effects on health and wellbeing of our patient group.

Identify and instigate interventions for patients at risk of developing physical health conditions. Face to face consultations with mental health patients in clinics and / or in their own homes if required. Provide qualified advice and guidance to the HCA team. Regular monitoring and interventions for patients with long term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, epilepsy etc Prioritise physical health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care.

Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that encourage patients to live healthily and apply principles of self-care Provide information and advice on physical health medication regimes, side effects and interactions if required. Potential assessment and management of patients with self-harm wounds. Support HCAs with phlebotomy and ECGs making sure all are done accurately. Support physical health induction and training for new staff and training is required.

Oversee referrals to dietitians, Health Coach, and stop smoking service. Be accessible and provide supervision to junior staff. Regularly check physical health supplies/equipment and order as required. Qualifications Essential RGN with current NMC registration Degree level RN or RN Dip HE Valid full UK driving license with access to a car with business insurance coverage.

Desirable Educated to degree or courses relevant to primary care mental health services e.g. CBT, Teaching Therapy etc. Demonstrable experience of post qualifying work in an acute in-patient setting or community. Evidence of recent and on-going relevant further professional development.

Extended scope skills Experience Essential Use of Electronic Patient Records such as SystmOne, Rio, EMIS or Symphony. Experience of supervising junior staff within own and/or other disciplines. Maintaining accurate and comprehensive medical records as per employer policy and NMC standards / Code of conduct. Experience of managing / referring of safeguarding concerns / MASH and escalating to line managers if appropriate.

Proficient in Phlebotomy Desirable Other relevant post registration experience Proficient in acquiring an ECG (not necessarily interpretation). Audit and research experience with the ability to critique research and apply to practice. Experience of teaching / training in a formal or informal setting Experience of working in a primary care setting / Medical Wards, SDEC, A&E. Experience of using Lester Tool and / or the Glasgow Antipsychotic Scale GASS, but training will be given.

Knowledge Essential A good understanding of the latest nursing practices. Risk assessment/management and crisis intervention skills. Higher level communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to engage challenging and/or acutely distressed patients in potentially hostile and/or antagonistic situations and use de-escalation techniques effectively.

Sufficient clinical knowledge to be able to make autonomous decisions, based on an analysis of complex presenting problems and judgement about available options, with senior clinical support/supervision. Team/self-management and organisation skills that enables several complex activities and clinical work to be undertaken, revising, and adjusting these according to the needs of individual patients and the service. Computer literacy (MS package including Teams). Other Requirements Essential Be able to adapt to changing workload and situations.

Ability to frequently work under pressure and maintain concentration, particularly in unpredictable situations where there will be exposure to highly distressed and/or disturbed patients, who may exhibit challenging behaviours and the risk of physical violence. Ability to meet deadlines. Ability to work autonomously. Commitment to equal opportunities Ability to accept constructive feedback.

Self-motivated, able to work autonomously and independently with confidence when required. Exercise initiative, flexibility and tact and self-awareness. Willing to use peer and group supervision creatively. Be able to work flexibly if required.

Be aware of the limitations in your competencies and seek appropriate senior advice and leadership. Follow and uphold the NMC code of conduct Adhere strictly to the revalidation process as laid out by the NMC. Valid full UK driving license with access to a car with business insurance coverage. Maintain mandatory training and horizon scan for new professional learning opportunities.

Represent the trust to the highest standards.