Dermatology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Education, teaching, audit and research Act as first line of contact for patients seeking advice or support. To be an advocate for service users to highlight service deficiencies to improve patient centred care. To actively engage with service users and develop methods to measure patient satisfaction. To provide effective teaching to individual patients and their families. Communicates highly complex and sensitive information to patients, carers and other staff. To ensure patients are treated and cared for with respect. To advocate and ensure shared decision making. Contributes to service developments and innovations across the speciality and relevant external agencies, locally and nationally. Contributes to the trusts nursing and professional agenda. Nationally aware of patient pathways and patient experience initiatives, and be able to promote and assist in implementing these locally. Contribute to the development of annual objectives and strategies for the Dermatology Department. Liaise
with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure seamless patient care through the development of protocols and care pathways. Contribute to protocols, documentation systems, standards, policies and clinical guidelines for others to use in practice. To mentor and assist with the management of junior staff and students. Leadership and Management To provide advice on complex issues within care practices and delivery throughout the dermatology service using advanced nursing knowledge and skills. To develop advanced nursing practice in Dermatology, whilst being aware of personal and professional limitations. To assist with cross cover of the CNSs across all sites and to deputise in the absence of a Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist. To report all clinical and non-clinical incidents promptly and when requested to co-operate with any investigation undertaken. To establish strong working links with other key colleagues within the directorate both within the multi-professional team and
external bodies outside the Trust concerning Dermatology. To have a thorough understanding of safeguarding procedures and knowledgeable with respect to safeguarding triggers and risks. To document and maintain accurate records in line with professional standards of record keeping. To promote the Dermatology service within the Trust and within the local network. Ensures all information is stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act and Caldecott guidance. Process information electronically and manually. Ensure information is communicated through the appropriate trust channels as required. Maintain, advance and develop personal theoretical knowledge, high standards of clinical competence and professional development through self-education and attendance at relevant courses of study. To participate in relevant research including the measurement and evaluation of the service by the process of audit and patient satisfaction To contribute to the development of teaching resources
to develop knowledge base about Dermatology. To pursue a Programme of continuous education to achieve and maintain expertise for the post and continue professional development using the NMC Advanced Practice competencies as a framework. To be responsible for ensuring own awareness of current developments in Nursing, the Health Service and relevant specialist clinical practices. To be responsible for own professional development and participate in Performance and Development planning with the Lead Nurse in Dermatology Promote and monitor adherence to Health and Safety and Trust policy designed to protect healthcare staff and service users from known hazards. Maintain a clean, safe environment ensuring adherence to Trust standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control at all times. For further details please see the attached job description.