Tissue Viability Nurse

Job overview

In collaboration with the other members of the IPC and Tissue Viability Nursing Team, the post holder will provide clinical expertise and demonstrate a sound understanding of infection prevention and control, wound management and tissue viability (TV). This will include the identification, assessment, treatment and management of patients who require specialist input to their care.

**Please note that we have no access to OSCE support courses, and nurses pending registration are welcome to apply but must be able to evidence that they have satisfied the NMC Objective Structured Clinical Examination Test of Competence**

Main duties of the job

The postholder will have a high visible presence in a variety of clinical areas.  They will monitor and improve standards of care through providing specialist advice and guidance, supervision of practice, clinical audit, education and research, supporting professional colleagues through skilled professional leadership. They will assist and support the Lead TVN in the delivery of the TV strategies and ambitions.

The postholder will be required to work flexibly within the team structure to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided to the Trust and when necessary, will act up or deputise for the Lead TV Nurse. They will actively contribute to clinical governance processes and meetings within the service which will be aligned to compliance with the Health and Social Care Act (2008).

As an NMC registered nurse educated to degree level, the post holder will ensure high professional standards of nursing practice and clinical excellence in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and embody the Trust values and standards, keeping the patient central in all aspects of care.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To deliver excellent, evidenced-based clinical practice, and to provide clinical knowledge, training, advice and support to all healthcare staff, patients, visitors and non-Trust staff working within the Trust regarding all areas of TV.

To work with the Lead TV Nurse to maintain high standards of Infection Prevention and Control and wound management in the Trust. This includes regularly working clinically within the ward and outpatient areas to provide TV support to staff to promote safe clinical practice.

To develop new initiatives, guidelines, and implement current government policy relating to TV to ensure a consistent quality improvement cycle is maintained to meet the requirements of clinical guidelines, regulatory requirements, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.

To assist in the updating of Trust policies and guidance as required and delegated by the Lead TVN.

Monitor, investigate and follow up on TV events reported via the Datix system, including serious events.

Perform a variety of clinical duties including ward and classroom-based training, positive role modelling and lead and participate in TV quality improvement projects.

Lead on and contribute to individual case reviews concerning  TV in line with PSIRF. Analyse findings from these investigations, make and lead on implementing recommendations.

Develop and deliver a planned programme of surveillance and audit compliance with guidelines and standards, promote surveillance within the Trust, plan and oversee the collection and submission of data within specified timeframes.

To undertake project and research work, enhancing the provision of TV and surveillance through data analysis, pattern recognition and produce detailed reports as required for assurance purposes.

To assist with the interpretation of microbiology results and ensure liaison between the appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team to optimise patient outcomes including using clinical judgement and expert knowledge to assess patient’s surgical wound sites for infection.

To attend, and lead on TV link meetings and disseminate relevant information.

To manage the development and implementation of TV competency assessments for staff.

To manage spreadsheets, data and reports on all TV related issues, maintaining accurate, timely and legible records/documentation in accordance with the Trust and NMC guidelines and requirements (both paper format and digital).

Plan, organise and lead educational initiatives and events to raise awareness of TV issues.

Contribute to and deliver Trust-wide education sessions e.g. Trust Induction and study days and deliver focussed and bespoke specialised teaching programmes.

Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour, and role model the Trusts Values and Standards and act professionally at all times in line with the NMC Code.

Promote and foster positive relationships on behalf of the IPC/TV Team with all grades of staff within the Trust, maintaining professional boundaries and standards at all times.

Actively and effectively communicate specific information relating to the IPC/TV with colleagues within the Team and Trust departments and Units.