GP Practice Nurse

Primary key responsibilities The following are the core responsibilities of the Practice Nurse. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels: a. To act as support the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) lead and to work to the IPC Policy supporting the implementation of] audits, training, support and evidence of compliance to the practice manager b. To support the production of the IPC annual statement in conjunction with the practice manager c. To develop, implement and embed an effective care management programme for the frail and housebound patients registered at the practice d. To assess the needs of patients ensuring the provision of healthcare is appropriate, incorporating evidence-based practice e. To develop, implement and embed health promotion and wellbeing programmes f. To implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients that promote health and wellbeing g.
To identify, manage and support patients at risk of developing long-term conditions, preventing adverse effects to patients' health h. As required, to provide routine nursing care to patients in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF i. As required, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions especially respiratory conditions j. To prescribe medication for patients in accordance with PGDs and own scope of practice k. To review patient medications to enhance compliance l. To provide guidance to patients in the use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications regarding side effects and dosages m. To request pathology services and process pathology results as required n. To oversee the provision of chronic disease clinics, delivering patient care as necessary, referring patients to secondary/specialist care as required o. To maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation p. To ensure read codes are used effectively by all
members of the nursing team q. To ensure the appropriate maintenance and use of chronic disease registers r. To develop, implement, embed and participate in well woman clinics s. To develop, implement, embed and participate in well man clinics t. To ensure compliance with the practice chaperone policy u. To prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately v. To support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies w. To recognise, assess and refer patients presenting with mental health needs x. To implement vaccination programmes for adults and children y. To support patients in the use of their prescribed medicines or over-the-counter medicines (within own scope of practice) z. To liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients etc.) aa. To delegate clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of practice of the individual) bb. To support
the clinical team with all safeguarding matters, in accordance with local and national policies cc. To understand practice and local policies for substance abuse and addictive behaviour, referring patients appropriately Secondary responsibilities In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Practice Nurse may be requested to: a. Develop and review audit protocols and process for the practice, effectively utilising the audit cycle b. Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care c. Support and participate in shared learning within the practice in order to improve patient care d. Support the Senior Practice Nurse in continually review clinical practices, responding to national policies and initiatives where appropriate e. Participate in the review of significant and near-miss events applying a structured approach, i.e., root cause analysis (RCA) f. Support the practice team with the reviewing and implementation of practice policies