Occupational Health Nurse in Mountain Ash

Responsible for the development and administration of efficient and professional operations of occupational health services in accordance with company policies, practices, procedures, and applicable regulations to achieve the desired goals and objectives of our client based in South Wales. Assists with all aspects of health services staffing, competency, processes, customer service, and quality improvement. As a member of the occupational health team you will be required to provide an occupational health surveillance, screening and immunisation service under the direction of the nurse specialist / nurse manager, having freedom to act within the policies and practices of the service. You will provide a service of excellence, which is primarily responsible for meeting the needs of Trust employees, but also external contracts from both the private and public sector. You will apply limited specialist knowledge and skills to undertake a clinical service and other varied responsibilities of the post. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to the following.) Other duties may be assigned. Oversee and manage the administrative and operational activities of occupational health services

• To assist in the updating and maintenance of the occupational health recording system including the recording of clinical outcomes and observations, tests or research results.
• To demonstrate IT skills to enable access to relevant information. i.e. management, clinical, and external.
• To be responsible for the safe use and maintenance of equipment.
• To work independently and as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
• To maintain effective communication with colleagues in the multi-disciplinary team, managers, clients and external agencies to ensure seamless service delivery.
• To be responsible for the ordering and maintaining of stock supplies to ensure safe storage, preparation and administration of vaccines in accordance with department processes, Trust policies and national guidance.
• To undertake the entering and updating of hepatitis 'b' information onto the Department of Health "Smartcard" system.
• To practice high standards of client care in a variety of clinical and non clinical settings as business/client needs require.
• To comply with the registration requirements of the NMC
• To act in accordance with local policies and procedures laid down by the department, local Trust and external clients.
• To work to meet the objectives of the department, local Trust and external clients.
• To work within the scope of the NMC Professional Practice and Code of Conduct.
• To attend study days, courses and conferences as agreed by the department.
• To maintain client confidentiality and work within the framework of the Data Protection Act.
• To act as a representative of the department as business and/or professional needs require

• Patient/Client Care Responsibilities

  To carry out the following using the skills and knowledge gained after appropriate training, assessment and experience and abiding by occupational health processes, Trust policies, patient group directives and service level agreements:

  • Venepuncture To undertake venepuncture after appropriate training, assessment and experience in relation to a variety of clinical/client needs:
  • Contact tracing for communicable diseases
  • Pre employment screening for EPP workers
  • Exposure to potentially toxic substances
  • In conjunction with appropriate vaccine programs

• Occupational Immunisation Programmes

  The maintenance and promotion of occupational and seasonal (influenza) immunisation programmes to healthcare employees. To provide an ongoing immunisation programme for all personnel who are at risk of exposure to pathogens during the course of their work. To maintain the highly developed skills of vaccine administration, including BCG's and mantoux testing. To apply nursing process to the needs of each individual.

• Management of Contaminated Sharps Injuries, Bodily Fluid Exposure and PEP

  To advise employees following contaminated sharps injury or bodily fluid exposure, undertaking a risk assessment and advising on the appropriate action in line with department protocols. To liaise with the Occupational Physician if PEP is required. To assess employee in a sensitive and reassuring manner following needlestick/ contamination incidents, providing support during potentially emotionally distressing circumstances. To give ongoing support and information to clients throughout their follow up period.

• Health Surveillance Programmes

  To participate in health surveillance programmes after appropriate training and experience, for both NHS and external contracts, in line with HSE regulation and guidance, Trust Policy and department processes:

  • Spirometry
  • Audiometry
  • Latex allergy and dermatitis

• Screening Programmes

  To participate in screening programs for both NHS and external contracts, in line with department processes, Trust policies and other related legislation and guidance after appropriate training has been given:

  • Drivers' medicals
  • Contact tracing for communicable diseases, e.g. tuberculosis, varicella
  • Exposure to potentially toxic substances i.e. lead, mercury
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Keystone vision screening
  • Corporate induction programs

• Employment Health Assessment

  To undertake limited employment health assessment in line with department policies, under the supervision of an OH Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Manager or Consultant Occupational Physician

  • Catering medicals
  • EPP workers ie medical staff

• Responsibilities for People, or Training

  • To take personal responsibility for own professional development.
  • To be familiar with all department processes, procedures, policies and standards and to ensure correct implementation.
  • To facilitate and update appropriate advice/information for clients.
  • To attend appropriate mandatory and statutory training.
  • To promote awareness of national and local health related campaigns and to promote health on a one-to-one basis.
  • To attend relevant meetings and participate in department working groups, as and when required.
  • To actively participate in the orientation and dissemination of current clinical practice to new members of the nursing staff at equivalent level and others as required.
  • To attend study days, courses and conferences as agreed by the department.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed, the jobholder may be required to perform other duties assigned by the supervisor/manager from time to time. This job description is a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the person and is not exhaustive - it should be used as a guideline only. Subject to the needs of the service, the content of the job description for this post is subject to continuous review.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Ability to act part of a team with the ability to work autonomously when needed
• Post registration experience in a variety of settings.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Professional awareness and ongoing professional development
• Good knowledge base of clinical conditions.
• Ability to cope with a varying work load
• NMC Registration Essential (Nursing & Midwifery Council) We can provide guidance if you need.
• RGN (Level 1) Evidence of professional development and willingness to acquire qualification relevant to occupational health nursing practice.
• Full UK Driving License