Nursing Associate

JOB TITLE: Nursing Associate (PCN / General Practice)
**REPORTS TO: Senior Nurse (Clinically) & PCN Manager (Administratively)**

**HOURS: 37.5 per week (exact schedule to be agreed)**

**Job Summary**

Experience of Community nursing would be an advantage but is not essential.

**Main Duties**
- To support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing by using behaviour change interventions, such as undertaking health checks (physical and mental), smoking cessation services and signposting to relevant health improvement teams.
- Carry out Chronic Disease Management annual reviews delegated by the Practice Nurse or senior colleague.
- Support the Practice Nurse with the management of patients with long-term conditions/chronic diseases, using a holistic patient centred approach.
- Assist in and perform routine tasks related to patient care as directed by the Practice Nurse GP or other member of the Primary HealthCare Team.
- Be able to undertake baseline observations and identify signs of improvement, report any deteriorations or concerns, e.g. pulse, blood pressure, respirations, oxygen saturations, peak flow, spirometry, blood glucose levels, ECG, assessing nutrition and hydration, participate in screening programmes, phlebotomy and Annual Reviews for example in patients with Learning Disabilities.
- Perform cervical smear screening on completion of additional training as guidance RCN Position Statement on Registered Nursing Associates (RNAs) training in cervical sample taking.
- Administer medications as prescribed and in accordance with NMC standards e.g., via nebuliser or injections using sub-cutaneous or intramuscular route under Patient Specific Directions.
- Following agreed protocols with referral to Practice Nurse or GPs as appropriate assist in the assessment, planning, development implementation and evaluation of programmes to promote health and well-being and prevent adverse effects on health and well-being.
- Deliver opportunistic health promotion using opportunities such as new patient medicals and NHS health checks.
- Document consultations accurately and appropriately, according to NMC guideline
- Ensure awareness of statuary and local clinical adult and children safeguarding protection procedures, including systems of referral. Ability to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse/neglect.
- Ensure infection prevention and control guidelines are maintained.
- To be responsible for providing the appropriate nursing evidenced based care of an allocated group of patients.
- Be an accountable professional who is responsible for their actions, working in line with NMC standards of proficiency.
- Recognise and work within the limits of their competency.
- To work as part of multidisciplinary team using resources efficiently.
- To deliver quality care to patients and to work effectively within the nursing team.
- To be competent in carrying out a variety of clinical procedures.

**Key Responsibilities**

Clinical Duties
- Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual and their family.
- Support people to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing, promoting health and preventing ill health.
- Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the practice nurse in the ongoing assessment, planning, management and evaluation of care.
- To recognise changes in the patient’s condition which require the intervention of others and understand when to refer to the practice nurse and other senior practitioners for reassessment of patient care.
- To perform procedures as detailed within the NMC standards for proficiency for Nurse associate (2018) to meet the nursing needs of the patients and their care.
- To work within the NMC code of professional practice, and within policies, procedures and guidelines of the Practice.
- To have a willingness to undertake additional skills and training dependant on practice requirements.
- To ensure high standards of nursing care are given and maintained.
- To act and raise concerns when standards are not being maintained following Practice policy and procedures.
- To act as an advocate for the patient and the family, including promoting and protecting their interests, privacy and rights, equality and inclusion.
- To be involved in PCN initiatives to improve patient safety and care.

Professional Duties
- Have demonstrated the proficiency to administer medications/immunisations and undertake annual training.
- To be aware of and adhere to Practice policies relating to the control, storage and administration if drugs/immunisations.
- Recognise and work within the limits of their competence.
- Be responsibility for own continuing professional development and performance, including identifying own development needs and maintain own portfolio in accordance with study requirements.
- To communicate