Specialist Community Practitioner - District Nurse

Job overview

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust are inviting applications for a  highly motivated Band 7 Specialist Community Practitioner  to provide caseload management and hold  responsibility for the care of a defined client group over a 24 hour period.

The post is full time and whilst situated in Central Halifax, there is an expectation that cover would be provided across the Calderdale geographic area where required.

We welcome applications from highly motivated dynamic individuals who  currently hold a District Nursing qualification or are currently due to qualify this year.

We are committed to diversity in the workplace, equality of employment and the promotion of flexible working including job share.

If you feel you have the commitment and vision to support us on our journey this could be the job for you.

The post

• To provide professional leadership and carry the continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs.
• To manage and have responsibility for the care of a defined client group (caseload) over a twenty – four hour period.
• To manage a district nursing team within a geographical area. Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust provide a 24 hour district nursing service

Main duties of the job

• Able to create a professional nursing culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovation whilst reflecting organisational strategy and values.
• Demonstrate the ability to keep up to date with developments in nursing practice, maintaining professional knowledge and attending essential in-service training programmes.
• Ensure that all nursing practice is based on current evidence, best practice and where available, validated research.

• Develop mechanisms for supporting staff in the development of their scope of practice.
• Encourage a learning environment, which facilitates appropriate education and training.
• Support staff through clinical supervision, reflecting on own role as an accountable practitioner

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Co-ordinating Care:

Provide a safe environment for staff and service users having due regard to legislative requirements. Act as an advocate for patients Contribute to a culture that recognises and works in partnership with service users and carers, involving them in all decisions. Maximise the effectiveness of the community nursing team, e.g. through skill mix, monthly duty rotas and training. Provide professional advice on all complaints and untoward occurrences as appropriate. Collaborates with team members to devise protocols, guidelines and policies appropriate to community nursing, seeking advice where necessary. Working and co-ordinating care in a collaborative manner with other health care professionals and agencies. ‘Recognises and respects the role of patients and clients as partners in care and the contribution they can make to it’ (NMC 2002) Ensure that adequate and accurate documentation and records are maintained in accordance with NMC standards for record keeping. Develop systems that ensure continuity of care. Appropriately manage highly distressing situations.

Delivery of Care:

Contribute to the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care by completing patient held records. Engages and actively involves the individual and, if appropriate, their family/carer, in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes of treatment and/or care by using person-centred techniques to promote a culture of self-care and empowerment Be aware of health and safety issues regarding the frequent handling/exposure of bodily fluids when caring for clients. (Taking blood/urine samples etc) Ensure own continuous professional development Identify and use opportunities to continually develop clinical expertise. Ensure best practice when doing procedures e.g. Doppler studies, catheterisation, changing tracheotomy tubes, syringe drivers etc. Provide a safe environment for staff and service users having due regard to legislative requirements. Contributes to the equity of care for all individuals. Assist qualified staff in the delivery of planned packages of care, working to evidence based care plans. Assist in the delivery of unscheduled, unpredictable episodes of care on a regular basis, with appropriate use of initiative.                                                 Instigate emergency procedures where appropriate. Undertakes delegated care without direct supervision where appropriate. This may require the use of observational / analytical skills to monitor the health and wellbeing of clients. Observe a personal duty of care when using equipment, ensuring own safety and that of others. Contributes to the management of aggressive/abusive behaviour Participates in the ongoing support of clients and their carers / relatives. Work in a collaborative manner with other healthcare professionals and agencies to deliver a high standard of care. Participate in the delivery of care of terminally ill / chronically ill clients and their carers / relatives using tact and diplomacy. Be aware of the health and safety issues regarding the handling/exposure to bodily fluids when caring for clients. Contributes to the promotion of Health and well being, encouraging people to view their health as a positive aspect of their lives, through planned activities and shared decision making.

Professional Duties

Effective Communication:

Impart knowledge, plans and instructions clearly and effectively. Effectively communicate with key stakeholders. Establish clear lines of communication at all levels. Express ideas clearly through oral and written presentations. Evaluate the effectiveness of channels of communication. Vary the style and content of communication to ensure understanding of individuals at all levels. Organise and conduct meetings that have a clear purpose and outcome. Foster good relationships with other departments and agencies to enhance multi – disciplinary working. Communicates sometimes complex information that is both factual and relevant to patients and carers, using sensitivity and tact. Impart knowledge plans and instructions clearly and effectively Establish clear lines of communication at all levels Communicate relevant and factual information to patients and carers, using sensitivity and tact. Contributes to the understanding of patients where there are communication difficulties. Maintain patient and professional confidentiality at all times. Report any change to patient’s condition to appropriate qualified member of the team at earliest opportunity. Attend and contribute to meetings held by the team and the Trust.

Managing Information:

Use appropriate information to make timely and effective decisions in relation to the community nursing team. Proactively provide information in a form that meets the understanding of the receiver. Input relevant information (Home visits, tests ordered and prescriptions written) onto CHFT computer system for other members of the CHFT to use.

Disseminate information in an appropriate and meaningful manner

Understand and abide by relevant legislation, educating others in its implications. Contributing to the development of information systems. Interpreting and critically analysing data to support the decision making process. Use of both oral and written information that facilitates Use appropriate information to make timely and effective decisions in relation to the community nursing team. Contribute to the development of information systems. Obtains transmits and stores information relating to the delivery of care services (this may involve auditing) Participate in the use of information and technology including inputting data on the computer system enabling other members of the team to use. Provide information in a form that meets the understanding of the receiver at all levels. Use of oral, written and computerized information that facilitates continuity of patient care throughout the 24 hour period. Completes documentation in accordance with Trust’s policies and procedures.

Additional Requirements:

Participate in clinical supervision Participate in research / clinical trials as required Maintain their professional registration with the NMC Adhere to the statutory NMC Code of Professional Conduct Adhere to all CHFT policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines Assist with the educational development of basic and post basic students. Work as a member of the primary health care team and facilitate a holistic approach to care. Audit work to aid measuring performance. Be physically fit enough to assist in the movement and handling of unconscious/disabled clients. To take responsibility for identifying risks and taking action to control them as appropriate to the post At all times follow policies and guidelines of the Trust (and be mindful of those of other health care providers if on their premises) to negate the spread of infection to patients, staff and visitors. All employees have a duty for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Staff must be aware of the CHFT procedure for raising concerns about the welfare of anyone with whom they have contact

Managerial Duties

Managing Human Resources:

Create, maintain and enhance professional relationships. Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff. Contribute to leading and managing the performance of teams and individuals to achieve both team and organisational goals. Recognise and utilise the skills and knowledge of individuals. Coach others in their development and act as a mentor/preceptor Contribute to the protection of individuals from abuse. Ensure professional development of staff/team members by appraising on an annual basis. Deal with grievance and disciplinary matters in an appropriate manner, following trust guidelines.

Leadership Support:

Lead the implementation of CHFT strategies as appropriate to community nursing Balance staffing resources to match activity levels. Monitor and control the use of resources through effective systems of stock control. Needles, syringes, dressings, catheter equipment etc. Recognising opportunities to facilitate innovation. Recommend improvements to services, recognising potential costs and benefits Manage change, consulting with appropriate personnel. Facilitate the effective planning and delivery of primary health care services. Prioritise often unpredictable work and manage time effectively. Enabling and empowering staff. Take responsibility to recognise potential risks and develop strategies to minimise them. Ensure full compliance with routine and urgent work streams, cross-cover for other District Nurse Community team managers. Work as a cohesive team within the locality and organisation. Collaboratively work alongside all colleagues within the organisation, acute trusts, commissioners, primary care teams and local authority colleagues.

Managing Self

Participate in regular supervision. Attend all mandatory training. Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal. Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols. Carry out duties with due regard to the Trust’s Equal Opportunity Policy. Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary. Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times. Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration.

This job description is an outline only and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. It will be regularly reviewed and may be amended in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder.