Lymphoedema Nurse

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lymphoedema Nurse to work within the Specialist Lymphoedema Service based in Kendal, providing a service for patients across Morecambe Bay.

The role requires you to be flexible. You should have excellent time management skills and be able to prioritise your workload daily. The successful applicant will support the service in development and implementing new ways of working.

The role includes performing as a specialist nurse in all aspects of Lymphoedema care, undertaking an assessment of patients with Lymphoedema considering safe and effective care in the on-going assessment, Doppler and hosiery/compression and implementing plans of care and lifestyle changes, to enhance quality of life for patients living with Lymphoedema.

Main duties of the job

To assist in the provision of a high quality, patient focused service for patients with lymphoedema.

To provide care in lymphoedema management to patients at risk of developing lymphoedema and with uncomplicated lymphoedema, and to assist in the management and treatment of patients with severe and complicated lymphoedema and patients with advanced disease.

To provide advice and education on all aspects of managing uncomplicated and stable lymphoedema for patients, relatives and health care professionals

About us

Morecambe Bay Primary Care Collaborative is the largest employer of Primary Care colleagues in South Cumbria, we are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, and work to support, guide and underpin primary medical care across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

We deeply value education and learning, hosting the Lancashire and South Cumbria Training Hub. We have a great team on our board that guide our organisation, and you will be supported to excel in your role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To understand lymphoedema including the cause and development, signs and symptoms and be up to date in current management appropriate to the role.

To manage own caseload of follow up patients and carry out lymphoedema assessments as appropriate, establishing individual patient needs.

To provide a high standard of patient-centred care supporting patients with skin care advice, simple lymphatic drainage (SLD), and the provision of treatments including the application of compression bandaging for lymphoedema, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and the fitting of compression garments.

Work with patients to develop and plan individual care plans which address patient goals in line with the agreed treatment protocols

Reassess and review all aspects of patient care to monitor their progress and evaluate the effectiveness of current treatment regimes.

To liaise with appropriate members of the team to ensure co-ordination and continuity of care.

To undertake some specialist caseload when competent to do so under the supervision of the Lead Nurse.

To work with the team to meet agreed standards and objectives working in accordance with the written policies for the area to maintain consistency and uniformity of service provision.

Demonstrate flexibility to meet service needs.

To participate in research and audit projects within the lymphoedema service.

To raise awareness of the service and support appropriate campaigns.

Undertake any necessary skills training, professional updates, and mandatory training as appropriate to the post and as directed.

To maintain own professional registration.

To follow the standards of lymphoedema management.

To keep statistical information to contribute towards the evaluation of the lymphoedema service.

To be aware of new developments in palliative care, in particular lymphoedema management, and implement appropriate research findings

To teach patients and their carers about lymphoedema, both formally and informally.

To assist in the orientation of new members of staff, clinical volunteers and visitors.

To keep up to date with current advances in practice and research and to take some responsibility for own professional development (CPD).

To carry out and comply with the prevention and control of infection.

Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

The contents of this job description are not exhaustive and may be amended in accordance with the needs of the service after discussion with the post holder.

Person Specification

Disclosure & Barring Services checks

Essential

This post has been identified as involving access to vulnerable adults and/or children and successful applicants will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service Disclosure Check.

Experience

Essential

Willing to undertake specific training in therapeutic treatments for Lymphoedema management Experience of working in the field of palliative care

Desirable

Experience of Lymphoedema management Experience of tissue viability Experience of working in the community

Personal Qualities

Essential

Responsible and reliable attitude towards daily service management Supports the development of integrated working across boundaries of health and social care

Desirable

Ability to practice hands on clinical skills and flexibly respond to covering of all areas of the Lymphoedema service

Qualifications

Essential

Professional State Registration (HCPC/NMC)

Desirable

Post graduate training in palliative care

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Sensitivity to the needs of the overall service as well as to individual staff Up to date knowledge and awareness of the bigger picture and developments in the NHS and social care Presentation skills

Desirable

Demonstrates knowledge of clinical innovation relevant to the role

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