Practice Nurse

Job Purpose To provide high-quality, evidence-based nursing care in general practice, with a specialist focus on diabetes, alongside the full range of treatment room, chronic disease, screening and immunisation services. The post holder will work autonomously within their scope of practice and as part of the multidisciplinary team, helping to improve outcomes, reduce complications, promote self-management and meet QOF requirements. Key Responsibilities Diabetes management Carry out annual and interim reviews for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including interpreting HbA1c, renal function, ACR, lipids, blood pressure and BMI. Develop personalised care plans and support patients with education, lifestyle advice, self-management, glucose monitoring and insulin technique. Review and optimise diabetes medication in line with NICE guidance, local pathways and the post holder's competence and prescribing authority. Carry out diabetic foot assessments and risk stratification, and refer appropriately. Monitor for complications, recognise and escalate diabetes emergencies, and refer to specialist services, including for pregnancy and diabetes technology. Follow up patients who do not attend or remain outside target, and liaise with community, specialist and secondary care teams. Treatment room and general practice nursing Wound care, dressings, suture and clip removal, and leg ulcer care within competence. Adult and childhood immunisations, seasonal vaccinations and travel health where trained, maintaining the cold chain. Cervical screening, contraceptive injections and women's health advice where trained and accredited. Venepuncture, specimen collection, point-of-care testing, ECGs, injections (including B12 and Zoladex) and routine observations. Support minor surgery and GP-led procedures, and provide aftercare and safety-netting advice. Long-term conditions and prevention Contribute to reviews for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, CKD, obesity and other long-term conditions, and to NHS Health Checks and other commissioned services. Governance, safeguarding and quality Practise within the NMC Code and the limits of competence, keeping accurate records and coding. Follow infection control, medicines management, vaccine storage and emergency procedures. Recognise and act on safeguarding concerns for children and adults at risk. Report incidents and take part in audit, significant event reviews, QOF and recall work. Education and service development Help develop the practice's diabetes service and treatment room clinics. Support and teach healthcare assistants and nursing colleagues. Medicines Management The post holder will administer, supply or prescribe medicines only where legally authorised (prescription, PSD, PGD or prescribing qualification), trained and competent, and will follow the practice's medicines management policies. Professional Requirements The post holder must maintain NMC registration, appropriate indemnity, and up-to-date mandatory training and competencies; take part in appraisal, supervision and CPD; maintain confidentiality; and escalate clinical concerns promptly. General The post holder may be asked to undertake other reasonable duties in line with the role. This job description outlines the main duties and may be reviewed in consultation with the post holder.