Practice Nurse

Job summary

We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Practice Nurse to join our nursing team at Downing Drive Surgery. As a key member of our healthcare workforce, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered services to our practice population. This part-time position of 25 hours per week offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment, promoting health and well-being while upholding the clinical standards that our patients expect and deserve.

Main duties of the job

The Practice Nurse will be responsible for a variety of essential duties, including chronic disease management, immunisations, health promotion, and patient education. In your role as the Infection Control Lead, you will ensure strict adherence to infection control policies, helping to maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff. You will work autonomously within your scope of practice and collaborate with our multidisciplinary team, including a phlebotomist, a healthcare assistant training to become a nurse associate, a nurse associate, and an advanced nurse practitioner, all while striving to improve patient outcomes and support your colleagues.

About us

Downing Drive Surgery is a modern healthcare facility dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered medical services to our community. Located in Leicester, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our diverse patient population through a range of comprehensive services, including general practice consultations, chronic disease management, preventative care, and health education.

Our team consists of experienced healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, practice nurses, nurse associates, healthcare assistants, and a clinical pharmacist who work collaboratively to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. We prioritise a welcoming and supportive environment, where patients can access tailored healthcare solutions that meet their individual needs. With a strong emphasis on infection control and quality standards, Downing Drive Surgery aims to deliver safe and effective healthcare, fostering long-lasting relationships with our patients and their families.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Clinical Care and Patient Interaction

i.Provideevidence-based care and treatment to patients across a variety of clinicalconditions.

ii.Managechronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, ensuring regularmonitoring and patient education.

iii.Administervaccinations and immunisations as per current guidelines (, childhoodvaccinations, flu, pneumonia).

iv.Conductcervical cytology (smear tests) and ensure accurate recording and follow-up.

v.Conductannual reviews and health checks, ensuring all relevant data is recorded.

vi.Engagein opportunistic health promotion and offer support for lifestyle changes,including smoking cessation.

vii.Toperform any Community Based Services (CBS) such as ear irrigation ifappropriately trained.

viii.Administermedications in line with Patient Group Directions (PGDs), ensuring safe andlegal compliance with prescribing protocols and patient eligibility criteria.

ix.Deliverpatient care in alignment with NICE guidelines, incorporating evidence-basedpractices and current clinical standards into patient assessments and treatmentplans.

x.Stayinformed of updates to PGDs and NICE guidelines, applying any relevant changesto clinical practice within the scope of the role.

xi.Workclosely with the GP partners, practice manager, Advanced Nurse Practitioner andthe entire practice team to ensure cohesive and coordinated patient care.

2. Infection Control Lead

i.Develop,implement, and monitor infection control policies and procedures, ensuringcompliance with national and local standards.

ii.Conductregular infection control audits, such as hand hygiene and room cleanlinesschecks.

iii.Ensurethat all clinical and non-clinical staff are educated and compliant withinfection control measures.

iv.Overseethe disposal of clinical waste, correct usage of PPE, and handling ofcontaminated samples.

v.Ensurethat infection control policies are up to date and disseminate any changes tostaff promptly.

vi.Producethe IPC annual statement in collaboration with the Practice Manager and supportstaff compliance through audits, training sessions, and regular updates oninfection control standards.

vii.Work alongside the Practice Manager to ensureall the above is completed.

3. Health Promotion and Patient Education

i.Educatepatients on managing chronic diseases and lifestyle changes, including diet,exercise, and medication adherence.

ii.Supportpatients with health promotion activities, such as weight management andsmoking cessation.

iii.Provideinformation on vaccination benefits and encourage uptake within eligiblepatient groups.

iv.Createand assess individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients, aimed atenhancing overall health and reducing long-term complications.

4. Documentation and Administration

i.Maintainaccurate and up-to-date records in line with GDPR and practice policies.

ii.Inputpatient information, test results, and other relevant data into the electronichealth record system (SystmOne).

iii.Completeown referrals and audits where possible.

iv.Completedocumentation for Enhanced Services, and support administrative tasks requiredfor claims processing when necessary.

v.Maintainaccurate records of infection control audits, equipment checks, and stockmanagement.

vi.Ensurethe cost-effectiveness use of Practice resources.

5. Infection Control and Safety

i.Promoteinfection control practices throughout the practice and ensure staffcompliance.

ii.Monitorand address any areas requiring improvement in infection prevention.

iii.Maintainclean and safe clinical areas in accordance with infection control standards.

iv.Ensuresafe disposal of clinical waste and correct procedures for the use and disposalof sharps.

6. Communication and Collaboration

i.Workcollaboratively with GPs, receptionists, and administrative staff to ensureseamless patient care.

ii.Addresspatient feedback and complaints with empathy and professionalism, escalatingissues as needed to the Practice Manager.

iii.Attendteam meetings, practice meetings, training sessions, and clinical updates tostay informed on best practices.

iv.Supportthe induction and training of new staff and students, offering guidance onclinical skills and infection control practices.

7. Premises

i.Ensureconsulting rooms are cleaned and restocked after use, reporting any health andsafety concerns.

ii.Openand lock the premises as required, understanding security protocols.

iii.Maintainhealth promotion materials and ensure the waiting area is welcoming andinformative.

8. Training and Development

i.Engagein professional development and training, staying current with clinical andinfection control advancements.

ii.Participatein annual appraisals and maintain required qualifications for registration.

iii.Attendprimary care and nursing team meetings, Protected Learning Time (PLT) sessions,and health-focused workshops.

iv.Contributeto the training and supervision of junior staff and students, promoting asupportive learning environment.

9. Safeguarding and Delegation

i.Assistthe clinical team with safeguarding matters, following local and nationalpolicies to ensure patient safety.

ii.Delegateclinical responsibilities within the nursing team appropriately, ensuring tasksare within each team members scope of practice.

Theduties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the reception teammay include any or all the items in the following list. Duties may be variedfrom time to time under the direction of the practice, dependent on current andevolving practice workload and staffing levels.

Person Specification

Infection Control and Health Promotion

Essential

* Demonstrated expertise in infection control practices, including policy development, compliance monitoring, and conducting audits. Or have an interest in taking this on and learning. * Ability to educate and promote health initiatives, supporting patients in lifestyle changes and chronic disease management.

Qualifications

Essential

* Registered Nurse with a valid NMC registration. * Completion of a relevant nursing degree or diploma. * Independent prescriber.

Desirable

* Additional qualifications in primary care nursing, chronic disease management, or infection control. * Evidence of ongoing professional development and training relevant to the role.

Experience

Essential

* Experience in a primary care or community nursing setting, demonstrating a strong understanding of evidence-based care and treatment for a variety of clinical conditions. * Experience in managing chronic diseases, including diabetes, asthma, and hypertension, with a focus on patient education and regular monitoring. * Proficiency in administering vaccinations and conducting cervical cytology, adhering to national guidelines.

Desirable

* Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience. * Experience of working in a GP Practice

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