Practice Nurse

Job Description Diabetes Specialist NurseResponsible to The diabetes specialist nurse is responsible to the partners for clinical matters and to the practice manager for non-clinical matters.Purpose of the Role The role involves delivering high-quality nursing care with a strong focus on diabetes management, chronic disease care, and patient education. The postholder will provide structured diabetes reviews, assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individual treatment plans, and offer expert guidance to optimise patient care. The role also includes working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure a proactive, patient-centred approach to diabetes management, focusing on prevention, treatment optimisation, and self-management support.Scope of the Role Perform clinical assessments, initiate and adjust diabetes treatments, and provide structured education to empower patients. Conduct chronic disease management clinics, including insulin initiation, medication reviews, and ongoing monitoring.

Act as a resource for patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals, offering highly specialised advice on diabetes management. Ensure adherence to national guidelines and local protocols in all aspects of diabetes care. Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic and written patient records. Participate in clinical audits and contribute to quality improvement initiatives related to diabetes management.

Key ResponsibilitiesPatient Care and Clinical Duties Conduct comprehensive diabetes care, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term condition management. Perform NHS health checks, blood pressure monitoring, ECGs, spirometry (Optional), and pathology sampling. Provide wound care, ulcer management, and routine immunisations, including flu, pneumococcal, and pertussis vaccinations. Offer lifestyle and preventative health advice, including smoking cessation, weight management, and dietary education.

Deliver structured patient education on diabetes self-management and treatment adherence. Assist with minor surgical procedures, including joint injections and IUD insertions. Ensure safe medication administration in accordance with clinical guidelines and written medical authorisation. Chronic Disease Management Lead on diabetes management, including insulin initiation, medication optimisation, and individualised care planning.

Manage other chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease as part of QOF activities. Monitor disease progression and adjust care plans accordingly, ensuring holistic, patient-centred care. Provide contraception and sexual health advice and refer patients as appropriate. Collaboration and Communication Work closely with GPs, practice nurses, paramedic practitioners, and clinical pharmacists to provide integrated care.

Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, carers, and external healthcare professionals. Offer specialist advice and training to colleagues on diabetes management. Contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings and case discussions. Clinical Governance and Record-Keeping Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and contemporaneous patient records in accordance with practice policies.

Ensure compliance with infection control, health and safety, and safeguarding procedures. Participate in clinical audits, peer reviews, and quality improvement initiatives. Contribute to the development and implementation of practice protocols and guidelines. Professional Development and Training Keep up to date with national guidelines and best practices in diabetes care.

Engage in ongoing professional development, including attending relevant training sessions and maintaining a personal development portfolio. Participate in staff appraisals and clinical supervision. Support and mentor junior nursing staff as required. Confidentiality and Equality Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient and practice information in line with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

Comply with the practices equality and diversity policies, ensuring all patients are treated with dignity and respect. About Bridge Medical Centre Bridge Medical Centre is a well-established and forward-thinking GP practice in Three Bridges, Crawley. Our team includes GP partners, salaried GPs, physician associates, paramedic practitioners, and a dedicated nursing and administrative team. We are part of the Crawley Care Collaborative PCN and work closely with additional roles such as clinical pharmacists, mental health practitioners, and care coordinators.

We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment, where teamwork, professional development, and high-quality patient care are at the heart of what we do. We encourage innovation and continuous learning and regularly celebrate our teams hard work and achievements.Benefits of Working with Us Sociable working hours with a focus on work-life balance. A supportive and friendly working environment. Opportunities for professional development and training.

A multidisciplinary approach to patient care. If you are passionate about diabetes management and looking for an opportunity to develop your career in primary care, we would love to hear from you.