Practice Nurse
- Contract
- United Kingdom View on Map
- posted 2 months ago
- Posted : 29th November 2024 -Accepting applications
- View(s) 184
Job Detail
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Job ID 3836
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Job Location On-Site
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Experience No specific experience required
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Gender Any
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Industry General Healthcare
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Qualifications Degree Bachelor
Job Description
Practice Nurse
A Practice Nurse in the UK works within a GP practice or primary care setting, providing a wide range of healthcare services to patients. The role involves delivering clinical care, health promotion, and preventative care across a range of medical conditions, supporting the overall health and well-being of patients within the community. Practice Nurses work closely with General Practitioners (GPs) and other healthcare professionals, such as healthcare assistants and administrative staff, to ensure comprehensive care is provided.
Key Responsibilities:
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Clinical Care:
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Administering Vaccinations: Providing immunizations for both adults and children, including flu vaccinations, childhood vaccinations, and travel vaccinations.
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Chronic Disease Management: Supporting patients with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) by monitoring health, adjusting treatment plans, and providing education on disease management.
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Wound Care: Delivering wound care services, including dressing changes, wound cleaning, and managing any complications like infection.
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Health Screenings: Conducting health checks and screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and referring patients for further tests when necessary.
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Minor Injury Care: Providing first aid and treatment for minor injuries like cuts, sprains, and burns, and managing injuries such as suturing or removing stitches.
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Sexual Health and Contraception: Offering advice on contraception, sexual health, and sexual wellness, and performing related procedures such as cervical smears or fitting intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.
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Health Education and Preventative Care:
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Provide health promotion and lifestyle advice to patients, including advice on smoking cessation, weight management, healthy eating, alcohol reduction, and exercise.
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Promote preventative care initiatives, such as breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, and mental health support.
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Educate patients about managing their own health and well-being, including self-care techniques for chronic conditions and minor ailments.
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Run health clinics for specific conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma management.
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Chronic Disease Monitoring and Management:
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Monitor and assess patients with chronic conditions through regular assessments and check-ups.
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Carry out routine tests and checks for patients with chronic diseases, including blood tests, ECGs (electrocardiograms), spirometry (lung function testing), and urine tests.
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Review and adjust medication, in collaboration with GPs, and help patients with medication management and adherence.
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Educate and empower patients to manage their conditions, such as assisting diabetic patients with insulin management and diet modifications.
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Pre- and Post-Operative Care:
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Provide care and guidance to patients before and after minor surgical procedures, such as mole removal or minor excisions.
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Ensure that appropriate wound care and follow-up are provided to patients post-surgery.
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Emergency Response and Immediate Care:
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Provide immediate care in case of acute illness or minor emergencies that arise in the practice, such as fainting, panic attacks, or acute allergic reactions.
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Manage acute conditions under the guidance of the GP, including giving injections, monitoring patients, and providing first aid.
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Health Screening and Assessments:
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Undertake NHS health checks for eligible patients, assessing for risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
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Carry out screenings for conditions like cervical cancer (via cervical smears), breast cancer (via breast examinations and mammograms), and colorectal cancer (via stool tests or colonoscopies).
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Provide general health and wellness assessments, including physical exams and preventive health screenings.
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Patient Advocacy and Communication:
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Provide information and advice to patients about their health, treatments, and medications in an accessible and empathetic manner.
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Support patients in understanding medical instructions, managing their healthcare, and making informed decisions about their health.
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Communicate effectively with other members of the primary healthcare team, ensuring continuity of care and timely interventions.
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Administration and Record Keeping:
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Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in line with legal and professional requirements.
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Document all patient interactions, assessments, treatments, and care plans clearly and accurately in electronic health records.
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Ensure confidentiality and adhere to data protection regulations in all patient interactions and documentation.
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Order and manage medical supplies and equipment for the practice.
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Collaboration with the Multi-Disciplinary Team:
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Work closely with GPs, healthcare assistants, practice managers, physiotherapists, and other professionals within the primary care team to provide comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care.
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Liaise with community nurses, social workers, dietitians, and other specialists to ensure coordinated care for patients with complex health needs.
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Attend regular practice meetings to review patient care, discuss new protocols, and stay updated on best practices.
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Professional Development and Training:
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Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) to keep up-to-date with the latest healthcare guidelines, treatments, and innovations in primary care.
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Participate in mandatory training, including safeguarding, infection control, and health and safety protocols.
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Attend workshops, conferences, and courses to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to the practice nursing role.
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Skills and Qualifications:
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Registered Nurse (RN) Qualification:
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A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or equivalent nursing qualification.
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Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Nurse.
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Additional qualifications in practice nursing or specialist primary care nursing are highly beneficial.
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Clinical Skills:
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Proficient in delivering nursing services, such as administering vaccinations, performing health screenings, managing chronic conditions, and wound care.
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Expertise in chronic disease management, particularly for conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and COPD.
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Skilled in administering injections, blood tests, and performing minor procedures such as smears and contraception fittings.
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Ability to provide high-quality care and support for acute and long-term conditions in a community-based setting.
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Communication Skills:
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team.
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Ability to explain medical information and treatment options to patients in clear and accessible language.
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Compassionate and empathetic, able to build strong, trusting relationships with patients from diverse backgrounds.
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Organizational and Time Management Skills:
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Ability to manage a varied workload, prioritizing patient needs and clinical tasks effectively.
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Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems to document patient care and maintain accurate records.
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Capable of managing patient appointments and clinic schedules to ensure timely care.
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Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
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Ability to make clinical decisions independently and work well under pressure.
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Able to assess situations, identify issues, and take appropriate action quickly, especially in urgent or emergency situations.
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Teamwork and Collaboration:
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Ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with GPs, healthcare assistants, and other healthcare professionals.
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Active participation in practice meetings and team discussions to improve patient care and practice procedures.
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Health Promotion and Education:
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Knowledgeable about health promotion strategies and public health campaigns.
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Ability to educate patients on lifestyle changes, preventative care, and managing long-term health conditions.
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Professional Development:
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Commitment to lifelong learning and staying updated with current practices, guidelines, and research.
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Participate in ongoing professional development through CPD courses, workshops, and conferences.
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All applicants need to living in the United Kingdom (with residency in the UK, such as UK/Irish/EU Passport, or an Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa)