Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Main duties of the job include assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating treatment/interventions and care for patients presenting with an undifferentiated diagnosis and/or with complex needs. Clinically examine and assess patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective, and plan clinical care accordingly. Proactively identify, diagnose and manage treatment plans for patients at risk of developing a long-term condition (as appropriate). Diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions, integrating both drug- and non-drug-based treatment methods into a management plan. As an independent prescriber, prescribe safe, effective and appropriate medication as defined by the current legislative framework and within scope of practice. Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care. Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, and apply principles of self-care. Support and manage health needs of women presenting for family planning, cervical cytology or sexual health consultation. Assess, identify and refer patients presenting with mental health needs. Implement and participate in vaccination and immunisation programmes for both adults and children. Provide expert nursing advice to other nurses. Participate in MDT virtual care home ward rounds, proactively identifying patients to be assessed.

Job responsibilities include working as part of the MDT to optimise patient care and liaise with other key services such as the dietetics team, specialist care home nurse, district nursing teams and the palliative care team. Attend any training courses identified as key to current practice. Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles to ensure patients are fully informed and gain appropriate consent to treatment. Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating. Anticipate barriers to communication and take action to improve communication. Maintain effective communication within the practice environment and with external stakeholders. Act as an advocate for patients and colleagues. Ensure awareness of sources of support and guidance and provide information in an acceptable form to all patients, recognising any difficulties and referring where appropriate. Communicate suggested management plans to the patient’s registered GP practice. Recognise and work within one's own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the NMC. Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. Prioritise, organise and manage own workload to maintain and promote quality. Deliver care according to NICE guidelines and evidence-based care. In partnership with other clinical teams, collaborate on improving the quality of health care that responds to local and national policies and initiatives as appropriate. Create clear referral mechanisms to meet patient needs. Enable others to promote equality and diversity in a non-discriminatory culture. Delegate clearly and appropriately, adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence. Follow professional and organisational policies/procedures related to performance management. Promote diversity and equality in people management techniques and lead by example. Understand and demonstrate the characteristics of a role. Demonstrate understanding of the mentorship process. Conduct teaching and assessment effectively according to a learning plan. Engage in continuous professional development activity and work with senior managers to identify areas for growth. Critically evaluate and review literature, identify gaps in the evidence base to support practice, and generate evidence suitable for presentation locally. Apply research evidence to the workplace and understand principles of research governance. Comply at all times with Health and Safety policies, following agreed safe-working procedures and reporting incidents using the organisation’s Incident Reporting System. Advocate for policies that reduce environmental health risks, are culturally sensitive and increase access to health care for all. Interpret national strategies and policies into local implementation strategies aligned to the values and culture of general practice. Comply with the Data Protection Act (1984) and the Access to Health Records Act (1990). Ensure confidentiality and security of all information dealt with in the course of performing duties. Maintain all systems for Information Governance, GDPR and confidentiality at all times. All employees must comply with Prevention and Control of Infection policies and complete any related mandatory training. Co-operate with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment; all staff are expected to treat patients, visitors and colleagues equally regardless of gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, etc. Safeguard and protect vulnerable adults, children and young people from abuse; all staff are required to undertake relevant mandatory training. Travel independently between sites (where applicable) and attend meetings hosted by other agencies. May have contact with body fluids such as wound exudates; urine, etc., while in clinical practice.

Key performance objectives, development needs and completion of a Personal Development Plan will be discussed and agreed at annual appraisal reviews.

Person Specification

• Experience: Working autonomously in an advanced nursing role with significant post-registration experience. Recent primary and community nursing experience. Nurse-led management of minor illness, minor ailments and injuries. Nurse-led triage. Compiling protocols and clinical guidelines. Clinical leadership, audit and research. Nurse prescribing.
• Skills: Clinical leadership skills. Communication skills, both written and verbal. Communication of difficult messages to patients and families. Negotiation and conflict management skills. Change management. Teaching and mentorship in a clinical setting. Resource management.
• Qualifications: Registered first-level nurse. MSc or equivalent. Relevant nursing/health degree. Clinical supervision training. Independent prescribing qualification.
• Knowledge: Advanced clinical practical skills. Management of patients with long-term conditions. Management of patients with complex needs. Clinical examinations skills. Accountability of own and others’ roles in nurse-led service. Clinical governance issues in primary care. Knowledge of public health issues in the area. Identify social determinants of health in the area. Aware of local and national health policy.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous convictions. Depending on experience: Equivalent to AfC 8A.