Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Job Responsibilities: Clinical Practice Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment/interventions and care for patients presenting with an undifferentiated diagnosis, to include telephone triage Clinically examine and assess patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective based on advanced nursing knowledge and skills, and plan clinical care accordingly, make differential diagnosis using decision making and problem solving skills Make professional autonomous decisions within the boundaries of competence, acknowledging limitations Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate interventions/treatments for patients with complex needs. Proactively identify, diagnose and manage treatment plans for patients at risk of developing a long-term condition (as appropriate) Diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions, integrating both drug- and non-drug-based treatment methods into a management plan Independently prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national, local and practice protocols, and within scope of practice Order necessary investigations and provide treatment and care both individually and as part of a team, and through referral to other agencies Work with patients in order to support compliance with and adherence to prescribed treatments. Provide information and advice on prescribed or over-the-counter medication on medication regimens, side-effects and interactions Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care Screen patients for disease risk factors and early signs of illness Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, and apply principles of self-care, provide counselling and health education Undertake the collection of pathological specimens including intravenous blood samples, swabs etc. Make any necessary referrals to other members of the health care team or secondary care. Communication Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment Communicate with and support patients who are receiving bad news Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating Anticipate barriers to communication and take action to improve communication Maintain effective communication within the practice environment and with external stakeholders Act as an advocate for patients and colleagues Ensure awareness of sources of support and guidance (eg PALS) and provide information in an acceptable format to all patients, recognising any difficulties and referring where appropriate Administration and professional responsibilities Participate in the administrative and professional responsibilities of the Practice Team Ensure accurate and legible notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in patient notes Prioritise, organise and manage own workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality Ensure the clinical computer system is kept up to date, with accurate details recorded and amended Ensure appropriate items of service claims are made accurately, reporting any problems to the Practice Administrator Ensure accurate completion of all necessary documentation associated with patient health care and registration with the Practice Ensure collection and maintenance of statistical information required for regular and ad hoc reports and audit Attend and participate in Practice meetings as required Provide leadership as required Support practice nurse team as required Maintenance of equipment and stock relating to patient care Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review Initiate and participate in the maintenance of quality governance systems and processes across the organisation and its activities Support and participate in shared learning across the practice and wider organisation Leadership personal and people development Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in clinical supervision and acting as a positive role mode Support staff development in order to maximise potential Critically evaluate and review innovations and developments that are relevant to the area of work Enlist support and influence stakeholders and decision-makers in order to bring about new developments in the provision of services Take a lead role in planning and implementing changes within the area of care and responsibility Contribute to the development of local guidelines, protocols and standards Market the role of the advanced nurse practitioner in general practice Training, personal and professional development Training requirements will be monitored by yearly appraisal and will be in accordance with Practice requirements. Personal development is encouraged and supported by the Practice. It is the individuals responsibility to remain up to date with clinical and professional development. Practice in the education and training of students of all disciplines, and the induction of all members of the Practice staff where appropriate Maintain continuing education by attendance at courses and study days as deemed useful or necessary for professional development ensuring revalidation requirements are met. If it is necessary to expand the role to include additional responsibilities, full training will be given Disseminate learning and information gained to other team members in order to share good practice and inform others about current and future developments (eg courses and conferences) Provide an educational role to patients, carers, families and colleagues in an environment that facilitates learning. Confidentiality In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice Staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. As such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data Health & Safety The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include: Using personal security system within the workplace according to Practice guidelines Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified Equality and Diversity The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings and priorities and rights. Quality The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will: Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Contribution to the Development of Services The post-holder will: Apply Practice policies, standards and guidance Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work Participate in audit where appropriate Carry out other duties appropriate to the grade and function of the post