Podiatry Support Nurse

Job overview

This role would suit a nurse with an interest in high-risk foot and wound care who would like more experience within this specialist area.

The post holder will provide high-quality nursing care to patients with high-risk foot and wound-care needs within the Podiatry Service. The role will work collaboratively with podiatrists and the wider multidisciplinary team to assess, manage and monitor patients, provide evidence-based wound care and education, and ensure timely escalation of clinical concerns.

The post holder will be part of a highly motivated team working autonomously but with close support and supervision, in a community setting providing a high standard of quality clinical care.

The clinician will have already completed or be supported to complete a programme of competences (a preceptorship) to develop and demonstrate increased clinical skills in all areas.

Main duties of the job

To undertake assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care to a variety of patients with a wide range of clinical needs including:

A: Those with ‘at risk’ foot health status (deficiencies in circulatory and/ or neurological supply and reduced tissue viability).

B: Wound care under direction/supervision of a Podiatrist

To perform specialist foot assessments as required, then on an ongoing annual basis (or sooner if required), including:

A: Following completion of relevant training and competency assessment, undertake vascular assessments including Doppler, toe systolic pressures and ABPI, within the scope of professional competence and agreed service protocols.

B: Categorise patients risk status in line with national guidelines.

C: To directly refer to other specialist services as needed including (but not limited to) Vascular team, Diabetic foot Multidisciplinary team, Community Diabetes team within the agreed Podiatry pathways and protocols.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To work collaboratively with podiatrists to support the effective management of patients with high-risk foot and wound-care needs, enabling appropriate nursing interventions to be undertaken within the nurse's scope of practice and supporting the efficient use of specialist podiatry capacity.

To follow Departmental policies and guidelines on managing infection within wounds, including the appropriate swabbing techniques, dressing selection and antimicrobial treatments (via requests to GP’s) as required.

This post holder will be responsible for wound care on patients but will always have support via the podiatrists.

To be actively involved in the provision of Foot Health Education advice to patients, relatives and carers. When requested, deliver training/presentations to the Podiatry team within a team meeting context.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.