Nurse Associate

Job summary
To maintain a high professional standard of nursing care in adherence to all Practice protocols/policies & guidelines, as well as to provide nursing assistance to the GPs and other members of the primary healthcare team.

The role of the Nursing Associate needs to be flexible in line with the present atmosphere for change within the health service delivery. It is essential that the nursing associate works within their own level of competency and expands her/his role in accordance with practice requirements and own scope of practice.

Main duties of the job

• To assist and perform routine nursing tasks related to patient care, such as routine BP checks, ECG, suture and clip removal, BMI and lifestyle advice, as directed and agreed with line manager, registered general nurses and GPs.
• To support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing by using behaviour change interventions, such as undertaking health checks (physical and mental), Learning Disability physical reviews and smoking cessation services.
• To support the GPN team with the holistic assessment and planning of wound care plans for patients with chronic and acute wounds
• To implement agreed wound care plans, following local and national evidence-based guidelines, inclusive of the treatment of minor traumatic wounds within own level of competency. To recognise any deterioration of wounds or infection and arrange early review with GPN/GP or specialist as required.
• Following training and competency assessment, to undertake adult NHS immunisation programmes and ensure vaccines/injections are administrated via patient specific or group directives, in line with national NHS policy

About us
Stafford Town Primary Care Network have an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and enthusiastic Nurse Associate to join our dynamic and rapidly expanding team. We are looking for a Nurse Associate to join our Primary Care Team, focussing on providing support to our patients at Stafford Health & Well-Being Practice.

Job responsibilities

• To assist and perform routine nursing tasks related to patient care, such as routine BP checks, ECG, suture and clip removal, BMI and lifestyle advice, as directed and agreed with line manager, registered general nurses and GPs.
• To support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing by using behaviour change interventions, such as undertaking health checks (physical and mental), Learning Disability physical reviews and smoking cessation services.
• To support the GPN team with the holistic assessment and planning of wound care plans for patients with chronic and acute wounds
• To implement agreed wound care plans, following local and national evidence-based guidelines, inclusive of the treatment of minor traumatic wounds within own level of competency. To recognise any deterioration of wounds or infection and arrange early review with GPN/GP or specialist as required.
• Following training and competency assessment, to undertake adult NHS immunisation programmes and ensure vaccines/injections are administrated via patient specific or group directives, in line with national NHS policy
• To undertake the collection of pathological & microbiology specimens including venepuncture, swabs, urine culture in line with local guidelines
• To support management of long-term conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart failure, asthma, COPD) by undertaking preliminary checks such as, inhaler technique checks, asthma questionnaires, foot checks, BMI, ACR testing, and BP.
• Provide contraception advice and sexual health guidance in line with competency. Undertaking annual contraceptive reviews in line with practice policies.
• In line with national guidance and practice needs, undertake recognised competency-based training to undertake screening programs such as cervical screening tests.
• To be able to provide appropriate self-care advice for patients presenting with minor illness within own level of competency and referring to GP/ANP where appropriate.
• Chaperone and assist patients where appropriate who are being examined by another clinician.
• To maintain effective infection control measures in line with local guidelines and practice policy.
• To be able to perform Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BLS) and the correct use of Automated Defibrillator following training, according to the current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines.
• Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and medication. Assist in the completion of monthly stock take and support the cost-effective use of disposable items.
• Maintain adequate stock within the treatment room and assist with the re-stocking of other clinical rooms as required.
• To participate in developments within the practice and support QOF requirements.
• To be registered with the NMC. Work in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice for Nursing Associates
• Ensure accurate notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the patients notes and on computers, as per NMC guidelines.
• Attend and actively participate in practice meetings as required.
• Awareness of statutory protection procedures including referral and recognition of signs and symptoms of child abuse.
• Awareness of referral mechanisms for mental health issues, family violence, vulnerable adults and addictive behaviours.
• Actively take part in mandatory and internalexternal training as requested.
• Adhere to and follow all policies and protocols as listed in the Staff Handbook and contract.

Health and Safety
To comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. To take responsibility for his/her own health and safety and that of other persons who may be affected by his/her own acts or omissions.

Equality and Diversity
To carry out at all times his/her responsibilities in line with the Equal Opportunities Policy and Procedure.

Person Specification
Essential

• Registered Nurse Associate (on NMC Register)
• Nursing Associate Foundation Degree qualification
• GCSE Grade A-C in English and Maths or equivalent
• Competent to take patients bloods in phlebotomy
• Experience of working within a Multi-Disciplinary Team, under own supervision
• Experience of working to policies and procedures
• Experience of working within Primary Care
• Demonstrate the ability to value others
• Punctual and reliable
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Team player
• Ability to work under pressure and timescales
• Ability to work in an environment of change to meet the needs of primary care
• Able to deal with exposure to distressing circumstances or highly emotional events
• Flexibility to work outside of core office hours including extended hours services
• Meet regulatory requirements for vaccinations in line with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated activities) Regulations 2014 (the 2014

Desirable

• Qualified in Wound Management
• Trained to give Vaccinations and Immunisations
• Experience of using EMIS Web
• Flexibility and adaptability within the role and PCN business needs.

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.