Practice Nurse in Sunderland

We are excited to offer an excellent opportunity for an experienced General Practice Nurse to become part of our friendly and supportive clinical team. The role will be 30 - 37.5 hours per week, dependent on candidate preference. At Fulwell Medical Centre, you will join an established team of experienced nurses, Nurse Associates and Healthcare Assistants, working together to provide high-quality care to our 9,200 patients. As a teaching practice for both medical students and GP Registrars, we pride ourselves on fostering a positive learning environment where professional development and training in areas of interest are actively encouraged and supported.

We are seeking a professional who demonstrates:

• A strong commitment to patient health and wellbeing
• A team-focused attitude
• Professional integrity and strong work ethic
• Provide a positive learning environment for students and trainees

Main duties of the job:

The successful candidate will be experienced in a range of core general practice nursing duties, including: cytology, childhood immunisations and travel health. An interest in chronic disease management is essential, with further training and development opportunities available to pursue lead areas.

About us:

Rated Good by CQC, Fulwell Medical Centre is a friendly practice in the heart of Fulwell serving 9,200 patients. This busy atmosphere thrives on the success of our team spirit, cooperation and excellent communication with both our patients and staff. Our experienced nursing team plays a vital role in delivering high‑quality care and treatment to our patients. As an education, training, and research practice, we foster a supportive and collaborative culture across the entire team. Listening, accuracy and confidentiality are essential skills common to every role. Together we aim to deliver an excellent patient‑centric service using innovative technology consistent with modern general practice.

We offer:

• Access to the NHS Pension Scheme
• Free on-site parking
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for training and career development
• Salary dependent on experience and qualifications

Job responsibilities:

To be responsible for the implementation of processes for the effective management of patients with long‑term conditions using evidence-based practice including care for elderly and housebound patients. Working as a senior member of the practice multidisciplinary team, the post holder will ensure nursing services are delivered effectively to the entitled patient population. The Practice Nurse will be responsible for a number of clinical areas such as health promotion, chronic disease management, cervical screening, as well as actively supporting the practice management team in the reviewing and delivery of clinical policy and procedure.

This organisation must ensure that the post holder has access to appropriate clinical supervision and an appropriate named individual in the organisation to provide general advice and support on a day-to-day basis.

Primary key responsibilities:

• To be instrumental in the support of the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) lead and to work to the IPC requirements by providing audits, training, support and evidence of compliance to the practice manager
• To support in the publication of the IPC annual statement in conjunction with the Quality & Service Improvement Lead
• To develop, implement and embed an effective care management programme for the frail and housebound patients registered at the practice
• To assess the needs of patients ensuring the provision of healthcare is appropriate, incorporating evidence-based practice
• To develop, implement and embed health promotion and wellbeing programmes
• To implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients that promote health and wellbeing
• To identify, manage and support patients at risk of developing long‑term conditions, preventing adverse effects to patients health
• As required, to provide routine nursing care to patients in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF
• As required, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions
• To review patient medications to enhance compliance
• To provide guidance to patients in the use of prescribed and over‑the‑counter medications regarding side effects and dosages
• To co‑ordinate the provision of travel medicine services
• To request pathology services and process pathology results as required
• To oversee the provision of chronic disease clinics, delivering patient care as necessary, referring patients to secondary/specialist care as required
• To maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation
• To ensure SNOMED CT codes are used effectively by all members of the nursing team
• To ensure the appropriate maintenance and use of chronic disease registers
• To develop, implement, embed and participate in well woman clinics
• To ensure compliance with the practice chaperone policy
• To assist GPs with minor surgery when required
• To prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately
• To support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies
• To recognise, assess and refer patients presenting with mental health needs
• To implement vaccination programmes for adults and children
• To support patients in the use of their prescribed medicines or over‑the‑counter medicines (within own scope of practice)
• To liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients etc.)
• To delegate clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of practice of the individual)
• To support the clinical team with all safeguarding matters, in accordance with local and national policies
• To understand practice and local policies for substance abuse and addictive behaviour, referring patients appropriately
• To deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

Secondary key responsibilities:

• Develop and review audit protocols and process for the practice, effectively utilising the audit cycle
• Develop, review and implement nursing protocols in conjunction with the partners
• Support all members of the nursing team, providing guidance when necessary, conducting appraisals and training needs analyses as required
• Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care
• Support and participate in shared learning within the practice in order to improve patient care
• Continually review clinical practices, responding to national policies and initiatives where appropriate
• Participate in the review of significant and near‑miss events applying a structured approach, i.e., root cause analysis (RCA)
• Lead the planning and implementation of changes within the nursing team, enhancing the provision of services to patients
• Support the practice team with the reviewing and implementation of practice policies and protocols, ensuring conformance to extant legislation

Person Specification:

Clinical Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience of Practice Nurse skills including wound care, ECG, venepuncture, immunisations, new patient medicals and women's health (cervical cytology, contraception etc.)
• Request pathology tests and process the results, advising patients accordingly
• Understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice
• Ability to promote best practice regarding nursing matters
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understand when to refer to GPs
• Good clinical system IT knowledge and an ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information effectively with people by telephone, email and face to face
• Understanding of safeguarding adults and children
• Understanding and knowledge of healthcare provision in GP surgeries, QOF and enhanced service
• Broad knowledge of clinical governance
• Knowledge of public health issues in the local area
• Aware of issues within the wider health arena and knowledge of health promotion strategies

Qualifications:

• Registered Nurse (Nursing and Midwifery Council)
• Has evidence of working at the relevant level of practice as described in the Primary Care and General Practice Nursing Career and Core Capabilities Framework
• Mentor or teaching qualification
• Family planning qualification

Experience:

• Broad knowledge of general practice and experience of working as a Practice or Community Nurse
• Experience with chronic disease management
• Experience of working autonomously
• Experience of infection prevention and control measures
• Experience of managing elderly and housebound patients
• Experience of quality initiatives, i.e., benchmarking
• An appreciation of the NHS landscape including the relationship between individual organisations, PCNs and the commissioners

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.