Nurse Associate

Job summary

An opportunity has become available for a Nurse Associate at Primary Care Sheffield.

The Nursing Associate will work with the Nursing team and other members of the multi professional team, providing and monitoring the condition and health needs of patients within their care, contributing to the ongoing assessment, as agreed with supervising clinicians and in line with the PCS service pathways. You will be expected to support patients in the management of long-term conditions (Asthma, Diabetes and COPD), Cervical Cytology, Family planning, Wound Management, Travel Immunisations, and all other general treatment room duties

Main duties of the job

Duties and responsibilities:

Provide continuing direct and indirect care to patients from across Sheffield.

Provide clinical observations. phlebotomy, flu vaccinations, ECGs, 24-hour ECG & BPs and venepuncture, Cervical Screening and other designated clinical tasks as required

Monitoring and support of the management of patients with long-term conditions / chronic diseases, using a holistic patient centred approach as per their own registered practices care plan.

Support patients to improve and maintain their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Assist with the co-ordination of Infection Control policy and audit if requested.

Chaperone patients when required

Support the registered nurses to enable them to be able to focus on the more complex clinical care.

Contribute to the delivery of integrated care

Promote health and well-being to all patients, for example undertaking the NHS health check, Hypertension reviews, Prediabetes checks.

Advise patients on general healthcare and promote self-management where appropriate, including signposting patients to colleagues and local community and voluntary sector services

Care for individuals with dementia, mental health conditions, and learning disabilities.

About us

Primary Care Sheffield (PCS) is a GP-led organisation. Our shareholders are 75 GP practices in Sheffield covering over 600,000 patients. As well as providing a unified voice for general practice in the city, we play an active role both within our Accountable Care Partnership (ACP) and the wider South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System (ICS).

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Nurse Associate

Department: PCS Practices

Responsible to: Clinical Nurse Manager

Band: C

2. JOB PURPOSE

Meet the specific qualification and training requirements as specified in the Nursing Midwifery Standards of proficiency by undertaking the two-year Foundation Degree delivered by a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) - approved provider.

Is registered valid pin with the NMC and revalidation is undertaken in line with NMC requirements.

Work with other members of the nursing and healthcare team to organise and provide nursing services for the practice population.

The post holder will be based in a specific practice, but it is expected that you will work in various settings. The post holder will have autonomy and will, when appropriate, be delivering care independently in line with defined care plans and the scope of practice for a Nursing Associate.

3. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Nurse Associate will:

Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (or other registered care professional dependent on setting) with a focus on promoting health and independence.

Have proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values

Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual.

Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or other registered care professionals dependent on setting.

To work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.

To engage in positive relationships with patients/carers/families and other staff based on respect and within appropriate boundaries.

To always act in a professional capacity.

To be able to implement care plans and manage workload.

To be able to communication with the patient about care planning risk assessment needs.

Communicate complex and sensitive information.

Actively contribute to staff meetings

Apply practice policies, standards, and guidance.

Knowledge, training and experience

Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different practice settings

Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout continual training and development opportunities including PLIs.

Meet the NMCs revalidation requirements regarding CPD and maintain all evidence required.

Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environments.

Clinical responsibilities Individuals Care

The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the Nursing Associate is working in.

The Nurse Associate will:

Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the registered nurse in the on-going assessment, planning, management, and evaluation of care.

Support individuals with all aspects of care including daily living, providing person-centred care, and promoting health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as appropriate.

Provide general and specific health screenings to the practice patients (within agreed protocols) with referral to the wider MDT Practice Nurse, ACP, or GPs as necessary.

Perform and record clinical observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse, weight, height, and glucose monitoring.

Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs.

Demonstrate an ability to complete ongoing monitoring templates.

Administer vaccines after completion of relevant training under PSDs.

Undertake cytology once training and sign off has been completed.

Long term condition management, following care plans in place, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Undertake home visits as needed for the patient population working within scope of practice.

Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake.

Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is always maintained.

Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse or other registered care professionals as appropriate.

Report back and share information with the registered nurses on the condition, behaviour, activity, and responses of individuals.

Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any problems or raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals.

Assist in the assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several areas within the environment where care is being administered.

Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers

Assist in the delivery of complex care as prescribed by the registered nurse

Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities

Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff.

Advise patients on general healthcare and promote self-management where appropriate, including signposting patients to personalised care colleagues and local community and voluntary sector services.

Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes

Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within parameters of practice.

Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given

Demonstrate good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking nursing and care procedures

Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and applies principles to everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the Registered Nurse or registered care professional as required

Policy and Service Development

The Nurse Associate will:

Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security

Share ideas with colleagues to improve care and suggest areas for innovation

Participate in audit activities being undertaken in area of practice

Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others

Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines both local and national Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care

Planning and organisation

The Nurse Associate will:

Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activities.

Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals.

Deliver effective care following treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plans.

Communication and relationships

The Nurse Associate will;-

Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services

Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust

Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively.

Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding

Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team

Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principals of confidentiality at all times

Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy

Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance

Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords, swipe cards)

Analytical and judgmental skills

The Nurse Associate will:

Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical and care skills consistent with the role, responsibilities and professional values of a Nursing Associate

Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors

Ensure that only those activities for which competence has been achieved are undertaken without supervision and that recognition is given to the impact and consequences of practising outside capability

Physical skills requirement

The Nurse Associate will:

Use frequent moderate effort when undertaking carrying out manual handling in line with organisational guidelines

Use skills of manual dexterity and manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment

Use a combination of standing, walking bending and stretching throughout the working day

Financial and physical resources

The Nurse Associate will:

Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment

Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Experience of working in a health care setting

Desirable

Experience of working in Primary Care

Qualifications

Essential

Functional skills English and maths level 2 or GCSE English and maths grades A*/9 C/4. Completed Foundation Degree in Health and Care (Nursing Associate). Valid registrations and valid PIN with NMC

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

- Able to describe the importance of delivering high quality care to patients. - Demonstrate understanding of the Nursing Associate role in relation to the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development. - Communicate information in a timely manner. - Basic information and communications technology (ICT) skills. - Has the ability to Communicate at all levels. - Effective organisational skills. - Able to prioritise workload with supervision. - Undertake clinical skills Phlebotomy, ECG, Biometrics

Desirable

- Knowledge of current healthcare issues. - Understanding of health and well-being in relation to health promotion and prevention. - Understanding of evidence-based practice. - Evidence of involvement in supporting/developing less experienced staff. - Completed vaccine and immunisation training. - Completion or working towards Cytology Training. - Long term condition

Personal Attributes

Essential

- Polite, approachable, and friendly. - Compassionate and caring. - Motivated. - Neat and tidy appearance. - Adaptable and flexible. - Able to work as part of a team. - Awareness of own limitations and recognises when to seek advice. - Responsible and reliable. - Is a positive role model. - Able to deal with distressing circumstances. - Has the ability to work autonomously

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