Practice Nurse (with interest in Diabetes)

Practice Nursing Responsibilities and Duties Provide nursing services to patients, including treatment, screening, advice and minor therapeutic procedures Run clinics for patients including vaccinations, cervical cytology, contraception reviews and wound care to include removal of sutures and leg ulcers. To undertake diagnostic tests including blood glucose monitoring and urine analysis To take and despatch safely laboratory specimens including blood, urine, swabs and smears To provide treatment for cuts and bruises, dressings of wounds and leg ulcers and removal of sutures To provide immunisations for all ages and diseases and to know the contra-indications and side effects of vaccinations To provide telephone advice to patients and occasional home visits where appropriate and within levels of competence Helping to maintain a positive, patient focussed culture Helping to maintain a positive, supportive culture across the whole of the practice team Diabetes Nursing Responsibilities and Duties To run special diabetic clinics for patients Give patients appropriate dietary and lifestyle advice Development of individual patient management plans Assist in the formulation of appropriate diabetic protocols Monitor the overall practice performance in the area of diabetes In-depth knowledge about the use of oral hypoglycaemias and to be able to educate patients appropriately In-depth knowledge about the use of insulin and to be confident advising patients on how to administer insulin and adjust doses Identify high risk patients and liaise with the community diabetic team where appropriate Awareness of how to manage diabetic emergencies and to educate patients appropriately Providing assessment, screening and treatment services and health education advice Provide nursing treatments to patients in participation with general practitioners or independently to agreed protocols Provide general and specific health screenings to the practice patients (within agreed protocols) with referral to general practitioners as necessary Advise patients on general health care and minor ailments with referral to GPs as necessary Assist in and perform routine tasks related to patient care as directed by senior nursing staff and GPs Following agreed clinical protocols with referral to senior nurses or GPs as appropriate Additional Expectations An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality Ability to use own judgment, resourcefulness and common sense. A commitment to maintain a high professional standard of nursing care and keep up to date with all aspects of nursing care relevant to the post A commitment to ensure all Health and Safety requirements and Infection Control measures are met and to report any problems to the Practice Manager A commitment to the effective use of practice and NHS resources. An awareness of own limitations and experience To work only in accordance with the UKCC Code of Conduct and within the scope of professional practice To have a written professional development plan and to maintain an up-to-date portfolio which meets the requirements of registration with the UKCC