Practice Nurse

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for a nurse with a special interest in respiratory care. Candidates with a recognised Asthma and/or COPD qualification, or a strong desire to develop this specialism, are particularly encouraged to apply, as this post will play a key role in the delivery and development of our respiratory clinics.

Main duties of the job

Delivering high-quality chronic disease management clinics, with a particular focus on asthma and COPD reviews

Providing a broad range of general practice nursing duties including immunisations, wound care, cervical screening, travel health and health promotion

Working closely with GPs, the wider nursing team and allied health professionals to deliver holistic patient-centred care

Contributing to QOF achievement and clinical audit within the practice

Supporting the ongoing development of the practice's respiratory service, with opportunities to help shape pathways and patient education

About us

St James Medical Centre is a friendly, forward-thinking GP practice with a list size of approximately 18,000 patients, proud to deliver high-quality primary care as part of the Taunton Central Primary Care Network. St James Medical Centre has two sites one being in the centre of Taunton and the branch site is at Norton Fitzwarren. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed Practice Nurse to join our experienced nursing team.

Job responsibilities

Deliver structured asthma and COPD review clinics, including assessment, spirometry, where trained, inhaler technique review, and self-management planning

Undertake chronic disease management clinics e.g. diabetes, hypertension, CHD in line with practice protocols and QOF requirements

Administer immunisations and vaccinations in accordance with the national schedule and PGDs/PSDs

Carry out treatment room duties including wound care, dressings, ear irrigation, ECGs, venepuncture and phlebotomy

Provide travel health advice and administer travel vaccinations where competent to do so

Undertake cervical cytology screening, if trained, in line with the national programme

Support health promotion and disease prevention initiatives, including smoking cessation and lifestyle advice

Recognise and respond appropriately to medical emergencies, escalating to a GP or emergency services as required

Maintain accurate, timely and contemporaneous clinical records on the clinical system (EMIS)

Act as a point of clinical reference for asthma and COPD care within the nursing team

Support development and audit of respiratory pathways, including exacerbation and referral criteria

Contribute to patient education resources and self-management plans for respiratory conditions

Liaise with community respiratory teams and secondary care as needed for complex patients

Work within the NMC Code of Conduct and maintain professional registration and revalidation

Maintain competence through mandatory and role-specific training, and identify own CPD needs

Participate in clinical supervision, appraisal and practice meetings

Contribute to clinical audit, significant event analysis and quality improvement activity

Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control, safeguarding, and health and safety policies

Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018

Work flexibly across core practice hours to meet service need, including occasional extended access sessions where applicable

Support the induction and mentorship of new staff and students as required

Assist with the ordering, storage and stock control of vaccines, medical equipment and consumables

Contribute to the practice's CQC readiness and adherence to the Single Assessment Framework

Person specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Sound clinical assessment, decision-making and record-keeping skills
• Competent in venepuncture, wound care, immunisation and vaccination technique
• Good IT skills, including clinical (Emis)
• Effective communication skills with patients, carers and colleagues

Desirable

• Knowledge of spirometry testing and interpretation
• Understanding of asthma/COPD national guidelines (e.g. NICE, GOLD, BTS/SIGN)
• Knowledge of the NHS Long Term Plan and PCN structures

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Caring, compassionate and patient-focused approach
• Flexible and adaptable team player
• Able to remain calm under pressure
• Committed to equality, diversity and safeguarding principles

Experience

Essential

• Recent post-registration clinical nursing experience
• Experience of chronic disease management
• Experience of working autonomously and prioritising own workload

Desirable

• Experience running respiratory (asthma/COPD) reviews and clinics within a primary care setting
• Previous experience working within general practice / primary care
• Experience of QOF-related chronic disease recall and monitoring

Other Criteria

Essential

• Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to undergo)
• Up to date immunisation status/occupational health clearance
• Willingness to work flexibly across core hours to meet service need

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence and access to own transport

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse,RN, Adult with current, unrestricted NMC registration
• Evidence of continued professional development -CPD, in line with NMC revalidation requirements

Desirable

• Recognised post-registration qualification in Asthma and/or COPD management (e.g. Diploma/Certificate in Respiratory Care, National Asthma & COPD accredited course)
• Independent Nurse Prescriber (V300) or working towards this
• Diploma/degree in Practice Nursing or General Practice Nursing