Advanced Paramedic

Job summary

Kernow Health CIC is looking to develop and expand its clinical team within Cornwall. We have multiple exciting opportunities within our areas of work which will see the successful candidate working as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the Integrated Urgent Care Service, delivering high quality advice and care to patients. At present, we are looking for candidates who are able to work clinically on telephone triage and within treatment centres (clinics) as autonomous practitioners with a very advanced scope of practice to include assessment and management of patients presenting from birth to the later stages of life.

Main duties of the job

This role will see the post holder, as an experienced practitioner, working as a frontline clinician within the Integrated Urgent Care Service alongside other colleagues to provide excellent patient care.

Within professional boundaries, the post holder will undertake advanced history taking, assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and referral (where appropriate) of patients either via telephone/video or face-to-face in our treatment centres and home visiting appointments.

The post will involve the management of acute, undiagnosed/ undifferentiated illness alongside management of long-term conditions whether in a chronic or acute on chronic manifestation. The role will also include supporting the delivery of policy, procedures and leadership as required.

About us

Why work with us?

Kernow Health CIC is owned and managed by the general practices of Cornwall and is therefore uniquely positioned to deliver a coherent Integrated Urgent Care Service in and out of hours. Our organisation has built a reputation over the last six years of delivering one of the best Integrated Urgent Care Services in the country and as a valued system partner we are committed to driving innovation, best practice, staff welfare and excellent patient care.

There are many benefits to working for Kernow Health, including:

Being part of a friendly, agile and innovative team, providing a great support network. Competitive pay rates with access to a company pension scheme, sickness, maternity and paternity pay. Whilst we are currently recruiting to fill evening shifts, night shifts and weekend shifts, we also offer flexible shift availability with weekday, weekend, evening and night shifts month to month depending on shift cover, annual leave etc. weeks holiday entitlement inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata if working part-time with the ability to buy and sell annual leave. Access to employee assistance schemes. Access to training, continued professional development, study leave and funding to complete courses and modules. A great opportunity to start or enhance a portfolio career. An amazing part of the country to work.

Apply today to be part of our fantastic, dedicated team.

Job description

Job responsibilities

General:

To act as an advanced paramedic practitioner, demonstrating advanced clinical competence and a knowledge base beyond those associated with conventional nursing and paramedic roles. To clinically examine, assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate efficacy of treatment/interventions for all patients presenting with a range of acute, non-acute and chronic medical conditions in the urgent care setting. Assess clinical conditions and supply medicines using a suite of patient group directions, prescribing and utilisation of other agreed guidelines to initiate or support the management of patients in the urgent care setting. Rapidly recognise deteriorating patients who require emergency intervention and arrange appropriate treatment accordingly. Assist in the development of an integrated approach to the delivery of urgent care involving all relevant stakeholders including health and social care organisations. Deliver evidence based, contemporary clinical practice by utilising applied knowledge of clinical audit, critical appraisal of research, research methodology, ethical review and research governance. Undertake assessment of patients within the community and those attending treatment centres, using appropriate diagnostic skills and initiation of investigations where appropriate.

Organisational Responsibilities:

Unless there is a locally agreed operational process, the post holder will be expected to adhere to all Kernow Health CIC/NHS Cornwall 111 policies, procedures and guidelines which are on the organisational intranet. To report any incidences of safety breaches, including but not limited to accidents, complaints and defects in equipment. Demonstrate a proactive approach to self-development, including a commitment to Continuing Professional Development. Troubleshoot simple computer problems and initiate repair or recovery. Complete all paperwork and maintain administrative systems appropriate to Company needs. Provide assistance to colleagues, ensuring smooth operations and to provide effective responses to both individual and group needs. Regularly check the rota website and carry out duties and shift patterns as agreed and detailed by the rota team. Undertake all mandatory and statutory training, and other training as required by the organisation and or Line Manager. Attend staff meetings, check emails regularly and read all communications from the organisation in order to keep up to date with operational practices. Wear identification badges when on duty carrying out duties on behalf of the organisation. Where supplied, wear the organisational uniform when undertaking duties on behalf of the organisation. Where uniform is not supplied, adhere to the organisational Dress Code. Be conversant with local and organisational regulations and Health and Safety responsibilities. The post holder must maintain a safe environment, taking care to avoid injuries and assist the Company in meeting statutory requirements. To conform to and actively commit to and promote Cornwall 111 Kernow Health CIC Customer Service Standards both with internal and external stakeholders. Apply infection control measures within the organisation according to local and national guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures Abide by the NHS Code of Conduct Comply with the Duty of Candour

Communication:

Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment. Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with clinicians and operational staff to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated service. Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating. Anticipate barriers to communication and take action to improve communication. Maintain effective communication within the organisation and with external stakeholders. Ensure awareness of sources of support and guidance and provide information in an acceptable format to all patients, recognising any difficulties and referring where appropriate.

Internal Communication and Professional Conduct

The Advanced Paramedic is expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and courtesy in all internal and external communications. This includes, but is not limited to, interactions with colleagues, management, and external partners. Effective communication is a cornerstone of professional practice and is essential in ensuring the delivery of high quality patient care and fostering a positive working environment.

Professionalism in Communication: All written and verbal communications must reflect the professionalism of the organisation. This includes using a respectful tone, being clear and concise, and avoiding any form of language or expression that could be perceived as unprofessional. Email Etiquette: Emails should be used judiciously and constructively to support collaborative working. The AP will:

o Use emails primarily for sharing information, coordinating care, and addressing issues in a professional manner.

o Avoid using emails as a platform for expressing frustration, making sarcastic remarks, or engaging in negative discourse. If issues need to be raised, they should be done so constructively, ideally in person or through a formal, structured process.

o Ensure that email content is appropriate, considering the audience and potential for misinterpretation.

o Refrain from sending emails in anger or frustration; instead, take time to reflect and, if necessary, seek advice before responding.

Constructive Feedback and Issue Resolution: When addressing concerns or providing feedback to colleagues or management, it is crucial to do so in a manner that is solution-focused and constructive. The emphasis should always be on improving service delivery and supporting team cohesion. Collaboration and Teamwork: The AP is expected to foster a culture of collaboration, supporting colleagues and contributing positively to the team dynamic. This includes being receptive to feedback, engaging in open dialogue, and participating in team meetings and discussions in a constructive manner.

Delivering a Quality Service:

Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC. Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time. Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. Prioritise, organise and manage own workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality. Ensure professional revalidation requirements are met. Deliver care according to NSF, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care. Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review, benchmarking and formal evaluation. Initiate and participate in the maintenance of quality governance systems and processes across the organisation and its activities. In partnership with other clinical teams, collaborate on improving the quality of health care responding to local and national policies and initiatives as appropriate. Support and participate in shared learning across the organisation and wider organisation. Understand and apply guidance that supports the identification of vulnerable and abused children and adults and be aware of statutory child/vulnerable patient health procedures and local guidance. Exhibit standards of personal and professional conduct and performance to maintain professional registration by the HCPC. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous patient healthcare records appropriate to the consultation Adhere to organisational, national and regulatory codes of confidentiality in regard to all patient information.

Leadership Personal and People Development:

Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in clinical supervision and acting as a positive role mode. Support staff development in order to maximise potential. Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice. Encourage others to make realistic self assessment of their application of knowledge and skills, challenging any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services. Critically evaluate and review innovations and developments that are relevant areas of work. Take a lead role in planning and implementing changes within the area of care and responsibility. Work with senior clinical and management teams to ensure sufficient staff of appropriate ability, quality and skill mix is available to meet current and future service delivery, that selection and recruitment processes are effective and that equality of treatment of the team incorporates quality HR principles and processes. Contribute to the development of local guidelines, protocols and standards. Maintain effective communication with those responsible for the overall commissioning and procurement process. To attend and be proactively involved in professional meetings at base and corporately. Take the lead and develop a special interest within certain areas to allow the sharing of clinical knowledge and expertise.

Learning and Development:

Undertake mentorship where appropriate. Disseminate learning and information gained to other team members in order to share good practice and inform others about current and future developments courses and conferences. Assess own learning needs and undertake learning as appropriate. Provide an educational role to patients, carers, families and colleagues in an environment that facilitates learning. Person Specification

Experience

Essential

5 years post-registration experience Experience of specialist level working in urgent care settings ( primary care, MIU, UCC, WIC, ED). Evidence of continuing professional development, last revalidation portfolio. Willingness to undertake training as required.

Desirable

Able to develop and support all grades of staff and deliver specialist training 1 years experience as a prescriber.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Ability to prioritise and manage own workload. Able to organise own learning and development. Excellent communication skills. Ability to perform effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues across health and social care. Able to present information to professional groups. Demonstrate dexterity and accuracy in undertaking clinical skills, use of equipment / documentation. Competent and capable of using medical equipment. Able to undertake patient manual handling manoeuvres and non-patient manual handling manoeuvres.

Qualifications

Essential

HCPC registration Educated to Masters level or equivalent. University qualification in autonomous practice/clinical skills ( BSc Hons Urgent or Emergency Care, Healthcare)

Desirable

Dip UMC RCGP Specialist Practice Cert Educated to Masters level Accredited via the ACP frameworks

Additional Requirements

Essential

DBS check satisfactory to the organisation. OH clearance. Post-holder must comply with professional code of conduct and / or code of conduct for NHS managers where applicable. Able and willing to travel and attend local, regional and national meetings. Flexibility around working times and commitments. Able to travel to sites as required for the role.

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