Assistant Practitioner

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Practitioner to work as part of the Adult Epilepsy Specialist Nurse (AESN) team, working alongside and under direction of the registered clinicians, supporting the patient pathway from referral to discharge.

Main duties of the job

a. Manage, monitor and be responsible for the AESN waiting lists and ensure referrals are prioritised according to the service and the patient need

a. Assist in organising and delivery of an epilepsy training programme for residential and supported living care providers, with an AESN

Engage with mobile working; be aware of the demand and capacity model which will reflect workload needs at any given time

a. Provide support in the delivery and review of seizure care plans to patients within the caseload

About us

Find out more about working for our organisation here:

Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS community trust in the country to be awarded the title.

Job description

Job responsibilities

a. Process urgent and routine referrals for AESNs, by using clinical and geographical knowledge to assess the information received in order to determine what is required and the priority response necessary. Assess the information given within the referral, and document using Systm One triage notes, appropriately ensuring comprehensive detail, using good grammar and punctuation and adhering to NCHC record keeping policy

b. Ensure that if the referral does not contain sufficient information in order to be accurately processed during the triage process, they will contact the referrer GP / Practice, hospital or patient to obtain the relevant information

c. Triage new referrals using a screening tool through direct patient contact via phone

d. Where there are barriers to understanding, such as hearing impairment, mental capacity impairment and other difficulties in comprehension, communication will require adjustments in order to gain understanding, consent and concordance

e. Be able to use tact and persuasive skills in order to gain the patients, or other referrers co-operation in gaining any additional information which may be required

Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to the information governance policy

g. Reprioritise own workload as required to meeting the changing demands and priorities of the patients referred to the service

h. Manage, monitor and be responsible for the AESN waiting lists and ensure referrals are prioritised according to the service and the patient need

i. Assist in the management of the AESN patient caseload and waiting lists

j. Contact patient by phone prior to appointment to confirm attendance and triage following a screening tool as to whether the appointment can be made by the phone or delayed

k. Be accountable for own actions whilst working within patient records

l. Assist in organising and delivery of an epilepsy training programme for residential and supported living care providers, with an AESN

m. Contribute to developing communication tools for patients with epilepsy and a Learning Disability

n. Engage with mobile working; be aware of the demand and capacity model which will reflect workload needs at any given time

o. Demonstrate the necessary IT and keyboard skills to use SystmOne, and the Trusts computer systems

p. Work in accordance with the local processes and standard operating procedures as set out by the service

q. Work in a flexible manner for the service need

r. Adapt to the service needs as required

s. Participate in monthly AESN team meetings and record notes of the meetings

t. Be flexible in travelling as the service needs require

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Foundation degree programme, or equivalent demonstrable knowledge and skills acquired through training and experience

Experience

Essential

Experience of working with people, in the statutory/voluntary/private sector Evidence of ongoing, relevant learning Experience of working in a health or social care setting

Desirable

Experience of working with people with epilepsy or long term conditions Processing patient data on Systmone Experience of working within a community based healthcare setting

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

Highly motivated IT and keyboard skills Ability to concentrate when inputting data/patient records Good time management Has ability to prioritise Have a 'can do' attitude

Communication

Essential

Tact and diplomacy Empathy and sensitivity Ability to use own initiative Able to communicate effectively in written and verbal english language

Desirable

Experience of communicating with people with a learning disability, mental health, language and physical disability Ability to adapt communciation skills to meet individuals needs

Personal and People development

Essential

Ability to manage stressful situations Be a team player Awareness of own limitations Good organisational skills Open to change and development

Personal Attributes / Behaviours (linked to the Trust's Behaviour Framework)

Essential

Able to identify with the Trust commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, children and young people Able to show initiative Able to work alone Assertiveness Good listening skills Be none judgemental Have patience Enthusiastic and able to work under pressure

Other

Essential

Must hold full and valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle (if applicable) Ability and flexibility to travel across the service patch

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