A Respiratory Nurse Specialist in a Primary Care Network (PCN) plays a pivotal role in managing and improving respiratory health within the community. They provide expert care for patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments, supporting diagnosis (e.g., spirometry), and creating individualized management plans.
They lead on patient education, empowering individuals to self-manage their conditions through advice on medication adherence, inhaler techniques, and lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation. They collaborate with GPs, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to care.
These specialists also drive quality improvement initiatives, such as auditing respiratory care within the PCN, implementing evidence-based guidelines, and leading on staff training. They may run clinics, manage exacerbations, and provide follow-up care, reducing hospital admissions and improving patient outcomes.
Ultimately, their role ensures a proactive and preventative approach to respiratory health, enhancing both individual well-being and community health outcomes.
Patient Assessment: Conduct comprehensive evaluations for patients with respiratory conditions.Support Diagnosis: Perform and interpret diagnostic tests, including spirometry.Care Planning: Develop and implement individualized management plans.Patient Education: Teach patients about medication use, inhaler techniques, and lifestyle modifications.Smoking Cessation Support: Provide advice and resources for smoking cessation.Clinical Management: Manage acute exacerbations and provide follow-up care.Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work with GPs, pharmacists, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care.Training and Education: Train primary care staff in respiratory care and guideline updates.Quality Improvement: Lead audits, implement best practices, and improve respiratory services.Community Engagement: Promote respiratory health and preventative measures in the PCN About us
Role Description
To provide expert care and management for patients with respiratory diseases within the community and primary care settings. The postholder will lead in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based care for individuals with acute and chronic respiratory conditions, fostering high standards of practice and promoting patient-centred care.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership - Act as a clinical expert in the management of respiratory conditions, including COPD, asthma, and other complex respiratory diseases.
- Lead respiratory clinics, providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plans.
- Support primary care teams in delivering spirometry, FeNO testing, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
- Facilitate seamless care pathways across primary, secondary, and community services.
- Provide home visits for patients during exacerbations and post-hospital discharge.
Education and Training - Deliver education sessions for healthcare professionals, patients, and carers.
- Mentor and supervise Band 6 respiratory nurses and other team members.
- Participate in the training of practice nurses in spirometry and respiratory reviews.
Research and Audit - Promote evidence-based practice through active participation in research and audit projects.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of care pathways and interventions.
- Lead quality improvement initiatives related to respiratory care.
Service Development - Contribute to the development of respiratory services, ensuring alignment with local and national guidelines.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and represent the respiratory service in strategic planning discussions.
- Support the establishment of a diagnostic hub for spirometry and FeNO testing.
Patient-Centered Care - Empower patients to manage their health through education and self-management plans.
- Coordinate care plans in collaboration with patients, carers, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Ensure the psychological and emotional needs of patients are addressed compassionately.
Review Clause
This job description is subject to periodic review to meet the evolving needs of the service. The postholder will be consulted on any changes and will be expected to adapt to reasonable modifications in duties.