Practice Nurse in Bexleyheath

Lyndhurst Medical Centre in Barnehurst (London Borough of Bexley) is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic qualified Practice Nurse with a special interest in Diabetes to work part-time. The role is for 16 hours per week to be worked on a Wednesday and Friday. We are seeking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Practice Nurse to work as part of our very experienced and supportive healthcare team. The post holder will play an important role in supporting the multidisciplinary team to deliver high quality, patient centred care. We are a friendly practice who highly values both our patients and staff. We believe in developing our staff and offer excellent CPD opportunities.

Main duties of the job

• The practice nurse will undertake a range of nursing assessments and provide appropriate care / treatment in conjunction with GPs, and Practice Nurses or independently as appropriate for the need, according to practice policy, protocols etc.
• The practice nurse will strive to improve standards of care, be involved in identifying practice population needs and enhance nursing services within the Practice.
• Chronic Disease management will form part of the role, particularly diabetes, as well as the mentoring of the Health Care Assistant.
• Knowledge of the GMS contract, eg The Quality and Outcomes Framework, is a vital element of the post.
• Practice Nurses are encouraged and supported to undertake any further training required to ensure appropriate role development.

About us

Lyndhurst Medical Centre is offering an exciting opportunity to work within a well-established, friendly and high-performing team in a well-regarded GP practice at the heart of the local community in Barnehurst (London Borough of Bexley). We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and dedicated with the ability to demonstrate a friendly, caring and professional service to our patients. We are an expanding 4 Partner PMS teaching practice with a growing patient population of 12,300 using EMIS web clinical system.

Job responsibilities

• Assist GPs to help deliver effective implementation of management of patients with chronic diseases as detailed by the Quality and Outcomes framework.
• Contribute to the development of policies, protocols and guidelines within the practice.
• Aid the practice team with implementation of new initiatives in the delivery of chronic disease management services.
• Formulate reports as required for the Practice Manager.
• Support the implementation of evidence-based guidelines in conjunction with the practice nursing team.
• Encourage the development of integrated services within Primary Care to include integrated practice based teams and multidisciplinary working.
• Promote the continuing professional development of yourself and other Nurses and HCAs within the Practice.
• Recognise the opportunities for working in partnership with the Primary Health care Team.
• Participate in an annual appraisal.

Leadership

• Provide professional and managerial support to the Health Care Assistant and review and monitoring of patients within primary care.
• Offer guidance and support to the Health Care Assistant to improve standards of care if needed.
• Participate in chronic disease management within the practice and provide practical assistance and professional advice to achieve minimum standards of care.
• Provide clinical input where required alongside the GPs to assist in skill development and sharing of best practice.
• Delegate to others, with appropriate skills, knowledge and competence.
• Act as a resource to the general public, patients within the health care system and their families, carers and various healthcare professionals.

Clinical

• Work alongside the Health Care Assistant to help develop their skills.
• Support the practice in achieving quality indicators and targets of the GMS contract and any relevant National Service Frameworks.
• Undertake opportunistic screening when clinically required.
• Perform 24 Hour BP Monitoring.
• Undertake wound care/management/dressing techniques.
• Undertake male, female and family planning assessments and give advice.
• Perform cervical screening and promote breast awareness - following appropriate training.
• Administer adult and paediatric injections/immunisations under an individualised prescription or Patient Group Direction, ensuring safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs.
• Undertake accredited training in specific chronic disease management as or if required eg diabetes, respiratory, epilepsy, CHD etc. following appropriate training.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the practice diseases registers.
• Provide advice on lifestyle issues, assist and support patients in changing their unhealthy behaviours and refer appropriately.
• Deliver travel health care, including vaccinations and advice for patients - following appropriate training if required.
• Recognise the signs of child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse, addictive behaviours, suicidal tendencies and is aware of local, referral procedures.
• Apply infection control measures when collecting and handling of laboratory specimens, disposing of waste materials, dealing with blood and body fluids spillages and report and treat sharps injuries.
• Ensure that Infection Control standards are maintained within the Practice premises.
• Undertake first aid and management of emergencies, eg burns, haemorrhage, hypo, hyperglycaemic emergencies, asthma attacks.
• Undertake annual training and demonstrates competency in anaphylaxis and resuscitation techniques.

Education and Training

• Provide professional advice and support to health care professionals within the Primary Health Care Team.
• Following identified training needs, participate in training and facilitation of other practice nurses & health care assistants.
• Provide mentorship and guidance for the Health Care Assistant and student nurses.
• Maintain a level of expertise in specific chronic disease management (when appropriate) and other pertinent areas of health care, and seek to develop new and improved skills.
• Advise members of the public on the concepts of health promotion, education, prevention and protection.
• Take responsibility for personal development and education including in-service training.
• Direct, supervise and help mentor the Health Care Assistant in the clinical setting.
• Actively participate in multidisciplinary education and training.
• Monitor and maintain consistency of professional standards and take appropriate action if standards are not met.
• Maintain professional development by attending relevant courses and study days to keep abreast of current knowledge and developments.
• Abide by the legal requirements and statutory rules relating to practice and record and maintain periodic professional registration with RCN & NMC.
• Participate in an annual appraisal.

Person Specification

• Registered nurse (adult, child, mental health, or learning disability) with a valid NMC registration and a degree or diploma in nursing.
• Chronic Disease Management: Training in diabetes.
• Immunisation and Vaccination: Child and adult immunisation training.
• Smear Taking: Cervical screening certification.

Experience

• Experience of working as a Practice Nurse in primary care or experience of working as a diabetes specialist nurse in a hospital setting.

Knowledge and skills

• Practice nurses must be highly organized, flexible, and autonomous, managing diverse caseloads with strong clinical judgment and observation skills.
• Essential qualities include empathy, excellent communication (both listening and patient education), and a commitment to continuous learning.
• They must be adaptable, working collaboratively within a team to deliver holistic care in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to assess patients, interpret results (e.g., spirometry), manage long-term conditions (diabetes, asthma), and handle wound care.
• Able to work independently, making decisions, and acting as a strong patient advocate.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively with GPs, pharmacists, and support staff to provide comprehensive care.
• Experience of working within a primary care setting.

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.

Salary

£22 to £28 an hour. Salary is negotiable dependant on experience.