Advanced Clinical Practitioner, CICU and HDU, Cardiac Surgery

Job overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) to join our dynamic Cardiac Surgery team at Nottingham University NHS Trust. The postholder will work autonomously and as part of the wider multidisciplinary team, providing expert clinical care across the cardiac surgical pathway.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of safe, high-quality care and to participate in the continuing development of advanced practice within a nationally recognised surgical centre.

Main duties of the job

The ACP will use specialist knowledge and skills to provide healthcare autonomously to patients CICU/CHDU.  The ACP is accountable for independent clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with undiagnosed and undifferentiated conditions. In addition to this the ACP is also responsible for appropriately referring patients to relevant specialities for any necessary investigations as well as facilitating safe patient discharge.

The ACP will be a registered healthcare professional and hold an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice which includes patient assessment modules and/or hold a NHS England Advanced Practice Digital Badge. Possession of a digital badge is essential for those who hold an equivalent MSc not in advanced clinical practice. They will have a completed portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence across the four pillars as described by the advanced clinical practice framework (HEE, 2017), mapped to the trust generic clinical competency framework (if training undertaken at NUH) and NHS England standards. The key job responsibilities described are divided across the four pillars of advanced practice

The ACP will may be an independent Non-Medical Prescriber.  They will practice at an advanced level demonstrating in depth knowledge and competence in all aspects of Cardiac Surgery, encompassing clinical assessment, critical thinking and clinical management skills that are evidence based and deliver high quality patient care

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Cardiac Surgery ACP team provide 24/7 clinical cover of CICU & CHDU. The rota generally consists of Long Day shifts and Night Shifts Monday-Sunday.

The ACP will use specialist knowledge and skills to provide healthcare autonomously to patients in their area.  The ACP is accountable for independent clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with undiagnosed and undifferentiated conditions. In addition to this the ACP is also responsible for appropriately referring patients to relevant specialities for any necessary investigations as well as facilitating safe patient discharge.

The ACP will be a registered healthcare professional and hold an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice which includes patient assessment modules and/or hold a NHS England Advanced Practice Digital Badge. Possession of a digital badge is essential for those who hold an equivalent MSc not in advanced clinical practice. They will have a completed portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence across the four pillars as described by the advanced clinical practice framework (HEE, 2017), mapped to the trust generic clinical competency framework (if training undertaken at NUH) and NHS England standards. The key job responsibilities as described below are divided across the four pillars of advanced practice.

The ACP will may be an independent Non-Medical Prescriber registered with the appropriate professional body. They will practice at an advanced level demonstrating in depth knowledge and competence in all aspects of Cardiac Surgery, encompassing advanced clinical assessment, critical thinking and clinical management skills that are evidence based and deliver high quality patient centred care.

The ACP will have a Trust-wide responsibility to promote clinical excellence in the care of patients referred or presenting to their area by providing clinical advice and support to the MDT.  They will provide expert professional and independent clinical care which enables the coordination of a multi professional seamless service for patients.

The role will include developing audit and research projects within Cardiac Surgery and participating in up-dating and implementing departmental/practice policies, protocols, and guidelines, in line with national guidance and contemporary evidence.

The ACP will have protected time to maintain and further develop their professional competence, participating in annual appraisal and annual review of clinical practice (ARCP). The ACP will also provide ongoing supervision and support, participating in the induction and training of AHP, nursing and medical staff. As a senior member of the team, the ACP will also play a pivotal role in the operational development of their specialty. They will initiate, manage, and drive change within the department, innovating changes in practice for the benefit of patient care in line with national and current trust and local programmes. A minimum of 16% of the post holder’s time will be used for these purposes.

The ACP will undertake the role in accordance with organisational guidelines but have independence to act within broad policies and protocols, in accordance with professional responsibilities and boundaries.