About this role
Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Practice Nurse to join Weeping Cross Health Partnership for 30 hours per week.
Working as part of our established nursing and wider multidisciplinary team, you will provide high-quality nursing care to our patients across a broad range of General Practice services.
The role would suit a Practice Nurse who enjoys working independently while also being part of a supportive and collaborative clinical team. We are looking for someone who is organised, approachable and committed to delivering excellent patient care, with the ability to manage their own workload and contribute positively to the continued development of our nursing services.
We are a large, forward-thinking Partnership with a strong focus on patient care, teamwork, quality improvement and developing services to meet the changing needs of our population.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will provide a range of nursing services to patients in accordance with their skills, competence and experience.
The role is expected to include areas such as:
Long-term condition reviews and managementHealth promotion and lifestyle adviceVaccination and immunisation programmesCervical screeningWound care and dressingsSupporting the delivery of national and local enhanced servicesMonitoring and supporting patients with ongoing health conditionsMaintaining accurate and contemporaneous clinical recordsWorking closely with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists and the wider multidisciplinary teamProviding Travel Health adviceThe successful candidate will be expected to manage their clinical workload effectively, work within agreed Practice protocols and professional standards, and contribute to maintaining high standards of patient safety and clinical governance.
We also encourage our nursing team to contribute to service development, quality improvement and the ongoing review of how we deliver care to our patients.
About us
Weeping Cross Health Partnership is a large and well-established General Practice organisation providing primary care services to approximately 22,000 patients across three sites in Stafford: Weeping Cross Health Centre, Beaconside Health Centre and John Amery Drive Surgery.
Our Partnership is led by an experienced and supportive team of GP, Nursing and Managing Partners and includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, first-contact practitioners and a wide range of clinical and administrative colleagues.
We pride ourselves on being a progressive Practice which combines the traditional values of General Practice with a strong focus on improving access, developing our workforce and making effective use of digital technology.
We operate a modern access model designed to ensure patients receive appropriate help as quickly as possible and continue to invest in new systems and ways of working to improve both patient care and the working environment for our staff.
The Partnership performs strongly across a range of areas and our most recent GP Patient Survey results placed us amongst the highest-performing practices locally.
We aim to provide a friendly, supportive working environment in which staff are encouraged to develop their skills, contribute ideas and play an active part in the continued development of the Partnership.
Job description Job responsibilities 1. Job Purpose
The Practice Nurse will work as part of the Practice nursing and wider multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality, safe and effective nursing care to the Partnership's patient population.
The post-holder will be responsible for delivering a range of general practice nursing services within their level of competence, training and professional registration.
They will manage their own clinical workload, work collaboratively with colleagues across the Partnership and contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality primary care services.
The exact clinical responsibilities of the role will reflect the successful candidate's experience and competencies, together with the needs of the Practice.
2. Clinical ResponsibilitiesThe post-holder will undertake appropriate Practice Nurse duties which may include:
Assessment, monitoring and management of patients with long-term conditions in accordance with Practice protocols and current clinical guidance.Undertaking long-term condition reviews and supporting patients to understand and manage their conditions.Cervical screening in accordance with the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, subject to appropriate training and competency.Administration of vaccinations and immunisations in accordance with national guidance, Patient Group Directions and Practice protocols.Delivery of seasonal vaccination programmes.Wound assessment, wound care, dressings and removal of sutures or clips.Travel health advice, risk assessment and vaccinations within the post-holder's competence.Supporting the delivery of locally commissioned, enhanced and additional services.Undertaking appropriate clinical observations and investigations.Providing advice and support to patients in relation to their ongoing healthcare needs.Recognising changes in a patient's condition and escalating concerns appropriately.Referring patients to GPs or other members of the clinical team where further assessment or treatment is required.Providing appropriate follow-up care and safety-netting.Maintaining awareness of current evidence, guidance and best practice relevant to Practice Nursing.The post-holder must work within their professional competence at all times and seek appropriate advice or support where required.
3. Long-Term Condition ManagementThe Practice Nurse will contribute to the proactive management of patients with long-term conditions.
Depending upon their qualifications, training and competencies, this may include conditions such as:
DiabetesAsthmaCOPDCardiovascular diseaseHypertensionThe post-holder will work with patients to promote self-management, treatment adherence, prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.
They will contribute to the achievement of appropriate clinical indicators and quality standards, including those within the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and locally commissioned services.
4. Patient CareThe post-holder will:
Treat patients with dignity, respect and compassion.Involve patients in decisions about their care wherever possible.Communicate information clearly and in a way appropriate to the individual patient's needs.Recognise and respond appropriately to vulnerable patients and those requiring additional support.Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.Promote equality and ensure that care is provided without discrimination.Recognise when consent is required and act in accordance with relevant legislation, professional guidance and Practice policy.5. Clinical Records and AdministrationThe post-holder will:
Maintain accurate, clear and contemporaneous patient records using the Practice clinical system.Record consultations, observations, treatments, advice and follow-up arrangements appropriately.Review and act upon relevant clinical information within their area of responsibility.Complete associated clinical administration arising from patient consultations.Use Practice systems effectively to support safe patient care.Ensure appropriate coding and recording of clinical activity.6. Medicines ManagementWithin their level of competence and authority, the Practice Nurse will:
Administer medications, vaccinations and treatments in accordance with prescriptions, Patient Group Directions, Patient Specific Directions and relevant Practice protocols.Ensure medicines and vaccines are stored, handled and administered safely.Follow cold-chain requirements and report any concerns appropriately.Recognise and report medication-related incidents or concerns.Work within relevant professional and legal requirements relating to medicines management.7. Infection Prevention and ControlThe post-holder will maintain high standards of infection prevention and control and will:
Follow Practice infection prevention and control policies.Use appropriate personal protective equipment.Follow appropriate procedures for the handling and disposal of clinical waste and sharps.Maintain a clean and safe clinical environment.Report infection prevention and control concerns promptly.Participate in relevant training, audits and reviews.8. SafeguardingThe post-holder has a responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk.
They will:
Maintain the level of safeguarding training appropriate to their role.Recognise potential safeguarding concerns.Follow Practice safeguarding procedures.Discuss and escalate concerns promptly to the appropriate safeguarding lead or clinician.Maintain appropriate and accurate records of safeguarding concerns.9. Clinical Governance and Quality ImprovementThe Practice Nurse will contribute to the Partnership's clinical governance and quality improvement arrangements.
This will include:
Working in accordance with Practice policies, procedures and clinical protocols.Reporting incidents, significant events and patient safety concerns.Participating in significant event reviews and learning where appropriate.Contributing to clinical audit and quality improvement activity.Supporting improvements arising from complaints, incidents, audits or changes in clinical guidance.Contributing to the maintenance of high standards of care and CQC compliance.Identifying opportunities to improve the quality, efficiency or safety of services.10. Team WorkingThe post-holder will work collaboratively with:
GP Partners and salaried GPsNurse Partner and nursing colleaguesHealthcare AssistantsPharmacistsFirst Contact PractitionersOther members of the multidisciplinary clinical teamManagement, reception and administrative colleaguesExternal health and care professionals where appropriateThe post-holder will contribute positively to team working and support effective communication across the Partnership.
They may be required to attend relevant clinical, nursing or Practice meetings.
11. Professional ResponsibilitiesThe post-holder will:
Maintain current NMC registration.Work in accordance with the NMC Code and other relevant professional guidance.Take responsibility for maintaining and demonstrating their own clinical competence.Maintain appropriate professional indemnity arrangements where required.Participate in clinical supervision, appraisal and professional development.Maintain an appropriate portfolio of continuing professional development.Complete mandatory and statutory training required by the Partnership.Identify their own learning and development needs and discuss these appropriately with their line manager or clinical lead.12. Confidentiality and Information GovernanceIn the course of their duties, the post-holder will have access to confidential information relating to patients, staff and the Partnership.
All such information must be treated in the strictest confidence and handled in accordance with:
UK GDPRData Protection Act 2018Common Law Duty of ConfidentialityNHS information governance requirementsPractice policies and proceduresInformation must only be accessed where there is a legitimate requirement to do so in connection with the post-holder's duties.
13. Health and SafetyThe post-holder will:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.Follow the Partnership's health and safety policies and procedures.Report accidents, incidents, hazards and defective equipment promptly.Use equipment appropriately and in accordance with training.Participate in relevant health and safety training.14. Equality, Diversity and InclusionThe post-holder will support the Partnership's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and will treat patients, colleagues and visitors fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.
They will recognise and respect individual differences and make reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
15. FlexibilityWeeping Cross Health Partnership operates across multiple Practice sites and the post-holder may be required to work at any Partnership site according to service requirements.
The duties described within this Job Description are not intended to be exhaustive.
The post-holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the nature and level of the role.
The Job Description may be reviewed and amended periodically following discussion with the post-holder to reflect developments within General Practice, the Partnership and the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Qualifications and Professional Registration Registered Nurse with current NMC registration Evidence of relevant continuing professional development Commitment to maintaining professional competence and meeting NMC requirements Experience Experience of working as a Registered Nurse Experience of providing patient-facing clinical care Experience of managing and prioritising an individual clinical workload Experience of working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team Clinical Skills and Experience Appropriate experience and competence in: Diabetes management Asthma management COPD management Cardiovascular disease and hypertension Cervical screening Vaccinations and immunisations Wound management Travel health Seasonal vaccination programmes Clinical Knowledge and Skills Ability to assess patients appropriately and identify when escalation or further clinical assessment is required Good understanding of patient safety and clinical risk Understanding of infection prevention and control Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities for children and adults at risk Ability to work within professional boundaries and recognise the limits of own competence Ability to maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical records Good understanding of confidentiality and information governance Understanding of the role of Practice Nursing within modern General Practice Commitment to preventative healthcare, health promotion and supporting patients to manage their own health IT and Administration Good general IT skills Ability to use electronic patient records and clinical systems effectively Ability to record and communicate clinical information clearly and accurately Communication and Interpersonal Skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with patients from a wide range of backgrounds Ability to explain clinical information clearly and support shared decision-making Professional, approachable and compassionate manner Ability to develop positive working relationships with colleagues Ability to deal calmly and appropriately with challenging situations Personal Attributes Patient-focused and committed to delivering high-quality care Organised and able to prioritise workload effectively Reliable and able to work independently Positive and collaborative approach to team working Flexible and adaptable Willingness to learn and develop new skills Commitment to continuous improvement Able to recognise own limitations and seek advice appropriately Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and discretion Other Requirements Willingness and ability to work across Weeping Cross Health Partnership sites where required Ability to undertake the duties of the post, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion Willingness to undertake mandatory training and continued professional development
Desirable
Qualifications Practice Nurse or Primary Care nursing qualification Additional recognised qualifications in long-term condition management Independent or supplementary prescribing qualification General Practice Experience Previous experience working within General Practice or Primary Care Experience of working with QOF or other Primary Care quality frameworks Experience of delivering locally commissioned or enhanced services General Practice Knowledge Knowledge of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) Understanding of CQC requirements within General Practice Experience of clinical audit or quality improvement IT Experience of EMIS Web Experience of digital systems commonly used within General Practice Other Flexibility to support additional clinics or seasonal programmes where required
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Weeping Cross Health Centre
Address Bodmin Avenue
Stafford
ST17 0EG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.wxhc.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)