Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Weaning and Ventilation Service

NORTH WEST REGIONAL SPINAL INJURIES CENTRE

Are you looking for the challenge of a new post to help develop and assist in the delivery of respiratory services in our Regional Spinal Injuries Centre? If so, then this is the job for you, working as part of an experienced friendly multi-disciplinary team in our purpose-built centre. The centre provides comprehensive management of patients who have sustained spinal cord injury. Specialist ventilatory support services are also provided to people living in all areas of the UK and occasionally elsewhere in Europe. In-service training and education form an integral part of the work experience and personal development is given a high priority.

The post holder will be expected to work closely with other members of the respiratory and multi-disciplinary teams (including community-based teams), liaising with the Spinal Injuries consultants and case management team regarding the acute and long term respiratory and ventilatory conditions. The post holder will work closely with colleagues across the Trust and referring centres to ensure the delivery of evidence based respiratory practice and will have the opportunity to achieve a high level of knowledge in respiratory care, ventilation and secretion management.

Main duties of the job

• To take a proactive role within the weaning and ventilation team based at NWRSIC.
• To read and provide highly specialist weaning and ventilatory advice for patients admitted with SCI to support their clinical management.
• The role involves both clinical, leadership and educational opportunities to develop outstanding evidence-based practice in the management of patients with weaning and ventilatory needs following spinal cord injury.
• Excellent communication skills will be required to liaise effectively with treating clinicians, the patient and their family members from admission throughout their journey.
• As a member of the weaning and ventilation team, you will attend regular meetings to identify the most appropriate rehabilitation or care pathway on an individual patient basis.
• You will be encouraged to develop and enhance skills to manage the weaning and ventilation of patients that includes invasive and non-invasive ventilation, sleep investigations and treatment where needed.
• Actively promote a clinical environment that is conducive to high quality patient care and high standards of service delivery.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will work in their specialty setting at Mersey and West Lancashire NHS Trust. The post holder will take a lead role in the advanced clinical assessment and treatment of spinal cord injured patients with complex presentations within the specialist field of clinical practice. The post holder will have undertaken a Master’s Degree (level 7) aligned to the specialty and competencies specific for the clinical role to enable them to work independently and autonomously in clinical practice. They will determine clinical diagnosis and treatments and maintain records, both digital and written as appropriate, as an autonomous advanced practitioner.

The post holder will be expected to work closely with other members of the respiratory and multi-disciplinary teams (including community based teams), liaising with the spinal medical consultants and Case Management Team regarding the acute and long term respiratory and ventilatory conditions, whilst maintaining and ensuring competency base for acute spinal physiotherapists and acute ITU and NIV services. The role is part of the specialised team for diaphragmatic pacing. They will provide clinical expertise and leadership developing this service in collaboration with key stakeholders. Evidence based practice will underpin all aspects of the care and treatment and the post holder will be responsible for sharing knowledge and training others throughout the clinical area, the wider organisation and externally where appropriate.

Develop and extend scope of practice beyond primary profession as determined by the Non-Medical lead for Ventilation. They will undertake clinical caseload to an advanced professional standard using knowledge from theoretical and practical experience.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Diploma / Degree in Physiotherapy/ Nursing
• HCPC/NMC registered
• Membership / participant of special interest groups / networks
• Masters Degree or equivalent experience relevant to the area of Clinical Practice
• Post registration experience in the specialist field
• Completed a suitable communications course

Knowledge & Experience

• Significant demonstrable experience of working in an acute care setting some of this must include working at a senior level managing and leading teams
• Ability to demonstrate specialist expertise underpinned by theory through CPD
• Excellent clinical reasoning /clinical decision making skills
• Knowledge of Clinical risk management and Governance

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills demonstrating negotiation and persuasion skills
• Evidence of involvement in the development of programs of care, protocols and guidelines
• Evidence of tracheostomy theoretical and practical knowledge
• Evidence of both theoretical and practical skills and competency in invasive ventilation, NIV therapy, CPAP and care
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to make effective decisions
• Interpretation of diagnostic tests
• Ability to build rapport with colleagues, patients and relatives
• Strong leadership and team building skills
• Ability to use own initiative
• Ability to work autonomously or within a team
• Ability to manage demanding and challenging workload

Other

• Perform intricate physical procedures such as arterial blood gas sampling and Chest Physiotherapy

You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.