Memory Assessment Nurse

Job overview

The Mental Health division of Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust employs more than 2,800 dedicated staff to provide vital and integral healthcare services for our patients in a wide variety of settings, ranging from community through to acute wards, covering a vast geographical area.  We need a strong, motivated and compassionate workforce to reflect our core values of Honesty, Compassion, Trust, Respect and Teamwork, and want to help our staff reach their full potential by committing to providing the support, skills and development to succeed.

This role is to work in the Memory Assessment Service (MAS) within the Older People’s Care Unit providing assessment, potential diagnosis and signposting to other services and support networks for individuals aged 65 and over referred to the service with cognitive impairment.

This is a vacancy for an existing Band 7 Nurse Prescriber, or an exciting opportunity to join the team as a Band 6 Nurse and receive full funding and support to undertake the Nurse Prescribing Course.  Upon completion of the course and having met the relevant competencies, you will progress into the Nurse Prescribing role.

Main duties of the job

A band 7 Nurse Prescriber will use their specialist clinical knowledge to independently assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate/monitor pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments and interventions for individuals as an autonomous practitioner.  There will also be a lead role in supporting memory clinic services and associated organisations locally, regionally and nationally in initiatives related to better outcomes for individuals with memory problems.

A band 6 Nurse will provide specialist mental health assessment to individuals presenting with cognitive impairment developing, implementing and evaluating programmes of care for a defined caseload.  In addition, you will also provide education, advice and liaison to other professionals, clients and their carers.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role is working within Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust within the Mental Health Services for Older People directorate.

The successful candidate will work within the MAS service and will review/accept referrals for individuals over the age of 65 with cognitive impairment, completing assessments for the same to ascertain whether or not a Dementia diagnosis is appropriate.

To screen referrals for appropriateness

To undertake initial assessments and create a treatment plan

To liaise with the MDT to explore symptoms and causes

To refer for additional assessments

To signpost for post diagnostic support

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.

Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa.

Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.

Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa