Respiratory Nurse Specialist in City of London

Overview

To establish and develop skilled practice in the multidisciplinary management and nursing care of adult patients with a range of respiratory conditions, predominantly Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), asthma, COPD and those requiring oxygen therapy. The post identifies specific education needs for patients, relatives and staff and facilitates meeting these requirements. The role offers an individualised service respectful of diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds, maintaining confidentiality and trust. Nursing care is assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated using appropriate research evidence. All nursing procedures are carried out in accordance with St George\'s Healthcare NHS Trust policies and emergency action taken as required. The post provides nursing expertise, follow up and support for patients with respiratory diseases.

In conjunction with the multidisciplinary team, you will be responsible for setting, monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of care, particularly for patients with multiple needs who require complex packages of care. Maintain personal contact with patients, relatives and carers, being sensitive to needs for courtesy, dignity and privacy and ensuring a friendly environment at all times. Assist in the management of all respiratory services in the absence of the senior nurse within the department, coordinating the clinical team and delegating duties as appropriate, maintaining safe staffing levels and informing the Matron of any problems or incidents that might arise. Ensure accurate and timely nursing records are maintained and take appropriate corrective action as necessary. Store, check and administer drugs in accordance with Trust policy. The post involves unsupervised work throughout all areas of the speciality, including wards and outpatients, and requires the ability to prioritise own work and that of others to ensure the respiratory service is managed effectively.

Organisational

• Co-ordinate the admission of patients from clinic in conjunction with the Bed Management Team.
• Arrange, in consultation with the multidisciplinary team, discharge/transfer of patients and initiate appropriate community care services.
• Communicate and cooperate with other wards and departments, giving accurate information as required, particularly for notification of incidents and accidents to staff, patients and visitors.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment within the clinical area in accordance with Trust Health and Safety, Clinical Risk and Infection Control Policies.
• Represent the Service at meetings and participate in audit, research and projects.
• Maintain and monitor levels of stock and ensure adequate supplies are available and resources are used efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records of clinical service and ensure confidentiality of information.
• Take appropriate action to address unexpected changes and inform the Lead Nurse or Matron as necessary.
• Be familiar with and use the Iclip and EPR systems and any other computerised system integral to running the service.
• Actively contribute to Clinical Governance and to achieving the goals of the care group and the Nursing Strategy.
• Demonstrate leadership, setting clear direction and providing consistent leadership at all times.

Specialist Knowledge and Skills

• Provide a respiratory service for patients under the care of Physicians in the Trust, and offer advice and guidance to colleagues within primary care.
• Have a good understanding of national guidelines for ILD, COPD and asthma, including diagnosis and evidence-based interventions.
• Provide support, treatment and ongoing review of patients with ILD, including administration of medication, monitoring for side effects, assessment of functional ability (e.g., 6 minute walk test) and palliation of symptoms.
• Manage and supervise clinical care of respiratory patients, including assessment, care planning and ongoing support; monitor adherence, inhaler technique, adverse drug effects, and arrange provision of oxygen therapy.
• Provide effective smoking cessation advice and recommend interventions and support.
• Provide advice, assessment and arrange installation of oxygen therapy.
• Perform diagnostic procedures such as spirometry, capillary blood gas sampling, and phlebotomy. In consultation with the respiratory nurse consultant, participate in the education and assessment of pre- and post-registration students in accordance with University and Trust requirements.
• Take responsibility for personal and professional development, recognise limitations and pursue continuing education.
• Initiate, implement and evaluate new ideas and changes in clinical practice.
• Plan and participate in the orientation of new staff and development of junior staff, including those in training, in conjunction with the Lead Nurse.
• Promote health education and provide information and advice to patients and their carers.
• Participate in and lead quality initiatives to ensure nursing care is evidence and research-based.

General

• Responsible for Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others and comply with Health and Safety Regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure information is released only to those acting in an official capacity in line with the Data Protection Act and amendments.
• Work in accordance with the Trust\'s Equal Opportunities policy to eliminate unlawful discrimination in employment and service delivery.
• Keep skills up-to-date and relevant to the role, follow Trust policies and professional codes, and maintain registration where required.
• Comply with St. George\'s Healthcare No Smoking Policies.
• Undertake such duties as may be required from time to time consistent with the grade and service needs.
• This job description is not exhaustive and may change in line with service needs after consultation with the postholder.
• St George\'s Healthcare NHS Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and operates a No Smoking Policy.