Sexual Health Practitioner

Job summary

Thecommunity Sexual Health Service delivers comprehensive sexual health servicesto the population of Sheffield. The service provides contraception advice,pregnancy advisory services including onward referral and the fitting of LARCdevices. The service operates both in and out of hours across several communitybased clinics, weekend working and some out of hours working is a requirementof the role and done on a rotational basis.

We welcomeapplications from Registered Nurses (RN) who have a keen interest in SexualHealth and Gynaecology services and those who have worked within the sectorpreviously. We havedevelopment opportunitiesavailable for nurses who have passion but do not have comprehensive experiencein the speciality already, alongside opportunities to work within our generalpractice settings for those candidates who have previous experience.

Main duties of the job

As a Sexual Health Practitioner, your main duties will include:

Genital examination of female patients Provide LARC options for service users Provide level 1 sexual health services Act as source of expertise, advice and knowledge for patients, carers and healthcare professionals Participate in and run clinics Keep complete records of patient consultations and results/decisions Prescribe and administer medication/contraception following PGDs/departmental guidelines

And more outlined below

About us

Primary Care Sheffield (PCS) is a GP-ledorganisation. Our shareholders are 75 GP practices in Sheffield covering around600,000 patients. As well as providing a unified voice for general practice inthe city, we play an active role both within our Accountable Care Partnership(ACP) and the wider South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System (ICS).Our newest service is Sexual Health Sheffield, providing contraception servicesand gynaecology services in the community. You will play a key role in ensuringwe embed high standards of patient care and ensure the services we provide arehigh quality

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Sexual Health Practitioner, your main duties will include:

Genital examination of female new and review patients when treatments are being carried out. Provision of a variety of contraception methods, vaccinations and treatments. To provide the opportunity for specialist discussion, advice and appropriate signposting on all aspects of contraception and sexual health, including STIs and HIV. To provide LARC options for service users by the fitting and removal of LARC devices To provide level 1 sexual health services as a core requirement, as recommended by the Department of Health in the National Strategy for Sexual Health. In addition, as a specialist aspect of the role, dependent upon expertise, provide level 2/3 services in screening those with sexually transmitted infections. Initiating / changing / repeating methods of contraceptive, as recommended by the Department of Health in the National Strategy for Sexual Health. At all times to work in an autonomous capacity and as part of the MDT. To act as a source of expertise, advice and knowledge for patients, carers and healthcare professionals. To undertake an identified additional responsibility for the benefit/development of the service. Participate in and run nurse-led clinics (to include assessment and diagnosis). Use professional judgment to seek advice or refer to medical colleagues as clinically indicated. Provide education and counselling on preventing and minimising the risk of unplanned pregnancy and the variety of contraceptive methods available through telephone triage sessions , Provide advice and support to those with unplanned pregnancies, referring as appropriate. Initiate, dispense and teach how to use a full range of contraception. Check and remove IUDs/IUSs as appropriate. Keeping complete records of patient consultations and results/decisions. Follow Fraser guidelines when seeing/treating under 16 years signpost to other service where appropriate Urine testing for infection, pregnancy, glucose, perform additional tests/examinations according to patient need within professional competence. Maintain computer literacy (to make or search for patient appointments). Prescribe and or administer medication/contraception following PGDs/departmental guidelines. Practice as a fully registered non-medical prescriber if trained to do so Work as a telephone triage practitioner following departmental triage procedures and guidelines, To manage face to face, telephone and web based queries from the public and other health care professionals. Manage and communicate complex sensitive information to patients and other agencies. Demonstrate expert practice in communicating with patients in ways that empower them to make informed choices about their sexual health, being sensitive to issues of age, sexuality, ethnicity, spirituality, cultural needs and socio-economic status, with the aim of minimising their risk of acquiring STIs & Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). To ensure that all treatments prescribed are administered correctly, to record them accurately and explain them to patients. Report any concerns, adverse incidents, potential breaches of Trust / Departmental policies or guidelines to the clinical lead. At all times abide by PCS policies and procedures (including mandatory and statutory training). Remain updated with developments in practice and research; facilitate others in applying relevant findings to practice. Provide comprehensive assessment of patients social, emotional or sexual difficulties and follow or refer as appropriate to other healthcare professional/other agencies. To have relevant expertise and knowledge related to investigations and treatment options in order to provide patients with necessary information to ensure informed consent. To maintain effective communication with all patients, carers and members of the healthcare team. To act sensitively, confidentially and with empathy in demonstrating understanding of wide ranging physical and emotional needs. Take the lead in managing contentious, sensitive and delicate issues with patients, their relatives and staff. Act within pcs guidelines, policies and procedures and the NMC codes of conduct, seeking advice on non-routine matters from line manager or clinical lead. To ensure accurate, contemporaneous and timely care records are kept of all patient interactions To act within an effective monitoring system of Healthcare Governance. Comply with risk assessments, health and safety legislation including the use of decontamination of clinical equipment, information governance, and quality assurance measures. As part of MDT, implement local and national policies, eg NSF, NICE guidance, development protocols / pathways and monitor their effectiveness. Protect, improve and preserve patients health by adherence to infection control policies and best practice at all times and monitoring of compliance. Exercise professional judgement by applying skills and knowledge to the safe custody and administration of medications To act as a role model and teacher, providing mentorship and support and demonstrate exemplary practice to all members of the healthcare team. Support Clinical Lead in his/her role to ensure the smooth running of the service.

This job description should not be regarded as definitive. It is intended to provide the post-holder with a broad outline of their function. The post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties reasonably falling within the grade of this post.

Professional Responsibilities

Promote a professional and happy environment conducive to high patient and staff morale

Ensure compliance with the NMC post registration education and re-registration standards.

To act swiftly to resolve any concerns raised by patients/relatives.

To assist with the response and take appropriate actions following formal complaints.

To deliver formal presentations to both internal and external agencies on aspects of sexual and reproductive health were advised

General Responsibilities

When required, act flexibly within your role, which may include extended working days and working on alternate sites across the Sheffield sexual health services This will be in consultation with your line manager in line with PCS policies

Confidentiality:

In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately

In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential

Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data

Health & Safety:

The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:

Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines

Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified

Equality and Diversity:

The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:

Acting in a way that recognises the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

Communication:

The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be added to the prior agreement

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

NMC Registered Practitioner FRSH or equivalent nationally recognised qualification in contraception/sexual health Non-medical prescriber Letters of competence in subdermal contraceptive insertion and removal Letters of competence in intrauterine technique

Desirable

Post registration degree/masters in nursing/healthcare

Personal Skills, Abilities and Attributes

Essential

Self-awareness A team player An open minded non-judgemental attitude Shows respect for others feelings, views and circumstances. Can demonstrate flexibility of approach and openness to innovative practices Ability to recognise stress and has effective strategies in place to manage A positive can do attitude Has a range of mechanisms for dealing with stress, can recognise when to use them and does so Ability to meet deadlines Commitment to the responsibilities of the post and the Speciality Ability to work flexibly according to the needs of the service. Able to travel independently across Sheffield and surrounding areas Competent IT/Keyboard skills

Desirable

Experience of working with all age groups

Experience

Essential

Significant and recent relevant sexual health experience Able to demonstrate competency in use of Patient Group Directions and their use within Sexual Health Services

Desirable

Previous experience in working in abortion services Experience of working in Sexual Health services and or clinics for a minimum of 12 months

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