Nethertown Surgery
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: MINOR ILLNESS AND TRIAGE NURSE
JOB PURPOSE:
- To undertake clinical assessment and treatment of patients attending the practice.
- To exercise a high degree of professional autonomy and work closely as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
- Function in a dynamic way ready to adjust to the changing needs of the client group.
- To provide a Triage and Minor Illness Serviceincluding prescribing medications as appropriate to your prescribing qualification
- To maintain basic nursing skills
THE PRACTICE
A large GP practice of around 10,000 patients, with seven GP Partners, one Associate Partner (Nurse Practitioner), three Practice Nurses, and one Phlebotomist.
KEY RESULT AREAS
- To put the patient at ease and ask appropriate questions in a manner that he/she can understand in order to inform a clinical assessment.
- To use guidelines and professional knowledge and expertise to inform an assessment of the client’s health and presenting problem.
- On the basis of assessment to treat or refer the client to the appropriate practitioner or service. Responding quickly to emergency or urgent situations.
- To prescribe suitable medication as appropriate to your prescribing qualification
- To provide advice and information in appropriate non-clinical language to empower clients to undertake self-care of their presenting clinical condition.
- To maintain accurate and timely record of all clinical consultations and ensure that the NMC Professional code of conduct is adhered to.
- To maintain and develop professional practice, knowledge, skills and expertise to meet the needs of the practice.
- To establish effective networks with other health professionals and outside agencies.
- To work closely with other members of the team promoting effective team working.
- To participate in on-going audit and evaluation of the minor illness and triage service promoting continuous improvement.
- To maintain accountability for own professional practice in line with the requirements of clinical governance and the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
- To undertake appropriate administration in accordance with agreed procedures and to undertake audit in accordance with agreed guidelines.
- To work as a member of the Primary Healthcare Team in order to provide an efficient and high standard of service to patients.
The post holder will be expected to work with a high degree of independence and manage his/her own workload according to priorities.
The post holder will participate in annual appraisal.
The post holder will be expected to establish communications with other primary health care team members and with outside agencies.
ACCOUNTABILITY
In all clinical matters the Triage and Minor Illness Nurse is ultimately accountable to the Partners, who will be represented by the Nurse Practitioner Partner, Suzanne Geraghty.
Professional matters – accountable to the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Matters involving other members of the Practice and the running of the Practice, and matters relating to terms and conditions of employment, are to be referred to the Practice Manager.
Administration
Keep appropriate written and computer records of all patient contacts and all other appropriate aspects of practice nursing work.
Meet with the Practice Manager to discuss relevant aspects of administration.
Miscellaneous
- Attend Practice Meetings
- Perform audit of aspects of practice nursing work.
- Refer patients to appropriate disciplines within the Primary Care Team and to outside agencies, with GPs involvement where appropriate.
- Work as a member of a coordinated Nurse team and take part in joint projects.
- Attend such training courses as may be required to maintain professional qualifications and expertise, which may be outwith normal working hours.
- Have an interest in, and commitment to, continuous professional development
QUALIFICATIONS
RGN 1st Level Nurse is essential
- A recognised Minor Illness Course or equivalent is essential
Experience in more than one nursing environment.
- Experience in patient assessment including clinical examination skills.
ANurse Prescribing Qualification would be desirable
- Excellent communication skills
- Effective decision making skills
- Basic computer skills
SMOKING
Nethertown surgery operates a total no-smoking policy within the confines of the surgery premises