Advanced Clinical Practitioner Nurse (Alpha PCN) inHemel Hempstead inHemel Hempstead PUBLISHED 29 APR 2024

Job summary


The first round of interviews will be held via Teams Meeting within two weeks of the closing date. Please note that this is a Band 8a role and the successful applicant must be able to prescribe.


We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a large number of applications or a suitable candidate is found. It is therefore advisable for you to complete your application as early as possible and not wait until the closing date.


Proposed hours of work - 9am to 6pm with one hour break on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.


The postholder will demonstrate courageous and critical thinking and is a caring, compassionateand committed experienced nurse who, acting within their professionalboundaries, will provide care for the presenting patient from initial historytaking, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care. Theywill demonstrate safe, competent clinical decision-making and expert care,including assessment and diagnostic skills, for patients within the generalpractice.

The postholder will commit to demonstrating critical thinking in the safe clinicaldecision-making process. They will communicate and work collaboratively withthe general practice team to meet the needs of patients, supporting thedelivery of policy and procedures, and providing nurse leadership as required.

Main duties of the job


See attachment for full details of the main duties.


Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment/interventions and care for patients presenting with an undifferentiated diagnosis

Clinically examine and assess patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective, and planclinical care accordingly

Assess, diagnosis, 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-basedtreatment methods into a management plan

Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols, and within scope of practice

Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care

Support and manage health needs of women presenting for family planning, cervical cytology or sexual health consultation

Assess, identify, and refer patients presenting with mental health needs in accordance with the NSF for Mental Health

About us

Primary Care Networks (PCNs), supported by Dacorum Healthcare ProvidersLimited (DHPL), are developing new and exciting additional roles under the 2020scheme to support GPs and clinical teams at enhancing patient services in thelocal community.

There is a wide socio-economic and demographic served within this areawhich will provide an interesting and varied case mix. The role will contribute to improving qualityof patient care across the network of practices.

DHPL has been awarded the Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group(HVCCG) Certificate of Achievement in recognition of exceptional contributionto the Primary Care workforce under the category of Supported Retention andRecruitment of Staff. As such, youwill be joining an enthusiastic team of clinicians and administrators and willbe well supported with on-going professional development (training support, CPDand peer support).

Job description

Job responsibilities


See attachment for full details:



Primary Responsibilities



Clinical Practice


Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment/interventions and care for patients presenting with an undifferentiated diagnosis

Clinically examine and assess patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective, and plan clinical care accordinglyAssess, diagnosis, 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

Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols, and within scope of practice

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

Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, and apply principles of self-care

Support and manage health needs of women presenting for family planning, cervical cytology or sexual health consultation

Assess, identify, and refer patients presenting with mental health needs in accordance with the NSF for Mental Health

Implement and participate in vaccination and immunisation programmes for both adults and children

Advise, support, and administer vaccinations for patients travelling abroad, where appropriate

Promote and deliver evidence-based care for patients presenting with aural conditions

Meet the needs of patients presenting for opportunistic wound care

Undertake minor surgery as appropriate to competence


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


Delivering a quality service


Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the NMC

Produce accurate, contemporaneous, and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies, and procedures

Deliver care according to NSF, NICE guidelines, and evidence-based care

Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review, benchmarking, and formal evaluation

Evaluate patients response to health care provision and the effectiveness of care

Support and participate in shared learning across the practice and wider organisation

Use a structured framework (e.g. root-cause analysis) to manage, review and identify learning from patient complaints, clinical incidents, and near-miss events

Working with the practice management monitor and develop the performance of the GPN team in accordance with local policies


Leadership personaland people development


Act as a clinical leader in the delivery of practice nursing services ensuring that the needs of the patient are a priority

Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in clinical supervision and acting as a positive role model

Support staff development in order to maximise potential

Work with practice management to ensure sufficient staff of appropriate ability, quality and skill-mix are available to meet current and future service delivery, that selection and recruitment processes are effective and that equality of treatment of the team incorporates quality HR principles and processes

Contribute to the development of local guidelines, protocols and standards


Team working


Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time

Work as an effective and responsible team member, supporting others and exploring the mechanisms to develop new ways of working

Delegate clearly and appropriately, adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence

Create clear referral mechanisms to meet patient need


Management of Risk


Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients

Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines

Ensure appropriate supervision of safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs. Oversee the monitoring, stock control and documentation of controlled drug usage according to legal requirements where appropriate


Managing Information


Use technology and appropriate software as an aid to management in planning, implementation and monitoring of care, presenting and communicating information

Review and process data using accurate Read codes in order to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes

Understand responsibility of self and others to the practice and primary care trust regarding the Freedom of Information Act


Learning and development


Undertake mentorship for more junior staff, assessing competence against set standards

Disseminate learning and information gained to other team members in order to share good practice and inform others about current and future developments (e.g. courses and conferences)

Assess own learning needs and undertake learning as appropriate

Provide an educational role to patients, carers, families and colleagues in an environment that facilitates learning


Secondary Responsibilities



Delivering a quality service


Initiate and participate in the maintenance of quality governance systems and processes across the organisation and its activities

Utilise the audit cycle as a means of evaluating the quality of the work of self and the team, implementing improvements where required

In partnership with other clinical teams, collaborate on improving the quality of health care responding to local and national policies and initiatives as appropriate

Assess the impact of policy implementation on care delivery

Contribute to the appraisal of the performance of the team, providing feedback as appropriate

Understand and apply legal issues that support the identification of vulnerable and abused children and adults, and be aware of statutory child/vulnerable patients health procedures and local guidance

Working with practice managementto ensure the whole team have skills and knowledge regarding domestic violence,vulnerable adults, substance abuse and addictive behaviour. Provide guidanceand support to ensure appropriate


Leadership personal andpeople development


Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice

Encourage others to make realistic self-assessment of their application of knowledge and skills, challenging any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services

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

Maintain effective communication with those responsible for the overall commissioning and procurement process

Maintain active involvement in the planning and processes of practice-based commissioning or similar initiatives

Promote the role of the advanced nurse practitioner in general practice


Team working


Prioritise own workload and ensure effective time-management strategies are embedded within the culture of the team

Work effectively with others to clearly define values, direction and policies impacting upon care delivery

Discuss, highlight, and work with the team to create opportunities to improve patient care

Manage and lead on the delivery of specifically identified services or projects as agreed with the practice management team

Agree plans and outcomes


Management of Risk


Working with the practice management, ensure the nursing team has access to and undertakes mandatory and statutory training requirements

Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines

Advocate for policies that reduce environmental health risks, are culturally sensitive and increase access to health care for all

Interpret national strategies and policies into local implementation strategies that are aligned to the values and culture of general practice


Managing Information


Manage information searches using the internet and local library databases

Collate, analyse, and present clinical data and information to the team

Communicate essential financial restraints with the team and discuss with them ideas for effective and efficient working within these constraints

Manage, if agreed, the nursing budget within financial principles

Job description
Job responsibilities


See attachment for full details:



Primary Responsibilities



Clinical Practice


Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment/interventions and care for patients presenting with an undifferentiated diagnosis

Clinically examine and assess patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective, and plan clinical care accordinglyAssess, diagnosis, 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

Prescribe and review medication for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols, and within scope of practice

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

Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, and apply principles of self-care

Support and manage health needs of women presenting for family planning, cervical cytology or sexual health consultation

Assess, identify, and refer patients presenting with mental health needs in accordance with the NSF for Mental Health

Implement and participate in vaccination and immunisation programmes for both adults and children

Advise, support, and administer vaccinations for patients travelling abroad, where appropriate

Promote and deliver evidence-based care for patients presenting with aural conditions

Meet the needs of patients presenting for opportunistic wound care

Undertake minor surgery as appropriate to competence


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


Delivering a quality service


Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the NMC

Produce accurate, contemporaneous, and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies, and procedures

Deliver care according to NSF, NICE guidelines, and evidence-based care

Assess effectiveness of care delivery through self and peer review, benchmarking, and formal evaluation

Evaluate patients response to health care provision and the effectiveness of care

Support and participate in shared learning across the practice and wider organisation

Use a structured framework (e.g. root-cause analysis) to manage, review and identify learning from patient complaints, clinical incidents, and near-miss events

Working with the practice management monitor and develop the performance of the GPN team in accordance with local policies


Leadership personaland people development


Act as a clinical leader in the delivery of practice nursing services ensuring that the needs of the patient are a priority

Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in clinical supervision and acting as a positive role model

Support staff development in order to maximise potential

Work with practice management to ensure sufficient staff of appropriate ability, quality and skill-mix are available to meet current and future service delivery, that selection and recruitment processes are effective and that equality of treatment of the team incorporates quality HR principles and processes

Contribute to the development of local guidelines, protocols and standards


Team working


Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time

Work as an effective and responsible team member, supporting others and exploring the mechanisms to develop new ways of working

Delegate clearly and appropriately, adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence

Create clear referral mechanisms to meet patient need


Management of Risk


Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients

Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines

Ensure appropriate supervision of safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs. Oversee the monitoring, stock control and documentation of controlled drug usage according to legal requirements where appropriate


Managing Information


Use technology and appropriate software as an aid to management in planning, implementation and monitoring of care, presenting and communicating information

Review and process data using accurate Read codes in order to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes

Understand responsibility of self and others to the practice and primary care trust regarding the Freedom of Information Act


Learning and development


Undertake mentorship for more junior staff, assessing competence against set standards

Disseminate learning and information gained to other team members in order to share good practice and inform others about current and future developments (e.g. courses and conferences)

Assess own learning needs and undertake learning as appropriate

Provide an educational role to patients, carers, families and colleagues in an environment that facilitates learning


Secondary Responsibilities



Delivering a quality service


Initiate and participate in the maintenance of quality governance systems and processes across the organisation and its activities

Utilise the audit cycle as a means of evaluating the quality of the work of self and the team, implementing improvements where required

In partnership with other clinical teams, collaborate on improving the quality of health care responding to local and national policies and initiatives as appropriate

Assess the impact of policy implementation on care delivery

Contribute to the appraisal of the performance of the team, providing feedback as appropriate

Understand and apply legal issues that support the identification of vulnerable and abused children and adults, and be aware of statutory child/vulnerable patients health procedures and local guidance

Working with practice managementto ensure the whole team have skills and knowledge regarding domestic violence,vulnerable adults, substance abuse and addictive behaviour. Provide guidanceand support to ensure appropriate


Leadership personal andpeople development


Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice

Encourage others to make realistic self-assessment of their application of knowledge and skills, challenging any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services

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

Maintain effective communication with those responsible for the overall commissioning and procurement process

Maintain active involvement in the planning and processes of practice-based commissioning or similar initiatives

Promote the role of the advanced nurse practitioner in general practice


Team working


Prioritise own workload and ensure effective time-management strategies are embedded within the culture of the team

Work effectively with others to clearly define values, direction and policies impacting upon care delivery

Discuss, highlight, and work with the team to create opportunities to improve patient care

Manage and lead on the delivery of specifically identified services or projects as agreed with the practice management team

Agree plans and outcomes


Management of Risk


Working with the practice management, ensure the nursing team has access to and undertakes mandatory and statutory training requirements

Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines

Advocate for policies that reduce environmental health risks, are culturally sensitive and increase access to health care for all

Interpret national strategies and policies into local implementation strategies that are aligned to the values and culture of general practice


Managing Information


Manage information searches using the internet and local library databases

Collate, analyse, and present clinical data and information to the team

Communicate essential financial restraints with the team and discuss with them ideas for effective and efficient working within these constraints

Manage, if agreed, the nursing budget within financial principles

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• 5 years post registration experience including 6 months experience in a GP practice/ Walk in Centre/ Urgent Care Centre
• Nurse-led management of minor illness, minor ailments, and injuries
• Nurse-led triage
• Compiling protocols and clinical guidelines
• Clinical Leadership
• Audit
• Research
• Nurse prescribing
• Experience of chronic disease management

Desirable

• Project management
• Working with community development initiatives
• Health-needs assessment

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered first level nurse
• MSc in a nursing related subject
• Mentor / teaching qualification
• Clinical supervision training and experience
• Non-medical prescriber

Desirable

• Level 3 Extended Brief Interventions (NICE guidelines)
• NMC's "Academic Assessors", "Practice Supervisors" and "Practice Assessors" accreditations

Clinical Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Immunisations (routine, childhood, B12, travel)
• Wound Care / Treatment of advanced injuries / Removal of sutures & staples
• Womens health (Cervical cytology, contraception, etc.)
• Dressings
• Diabetes review
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease primary prevention
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Blood pressure
• Travel medicine
• Mental Health
• ECGs
• Asthma
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to GPs
• Advanced clinical practice skills Management of patients with long-term conditions
• Management of patients with complex needs and chronic diseases
• Clinical examination skills
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Clinical governance issues in primary care
• Patient group directions and associated policy
• Understands the importance of evidence-based practice
• Understanding of Extended brief interventions (NICE guidelines)
• Cytology certificates

Desirable

• Local and national health policy
• Venepuncture
• New patient medicals
• Chaperone procedure
• Requesting pathology tests and processing the results, advising patients accordingly
• Knowledge of public health issues in the local area
• Able to identify determinants on health in the area
• Awareness of issues within the wider health arena

General Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Clinical leadership skills
• Negotiation and conflict management skills
• Strong IT skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• Competent in the use of patient record management systems: EMIS / SystmOne
• Competent in Document Management systems: Docman
• Competent in other portals: Open Exeter, Coordinate my Care
• Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Problem solving & analytical skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
• Experience with audit and able to lead audit programmes
• Experience with clinical risk management

Desirable

• Change management
• Teaching and mentorship clinical setting
• Resource management
• Facilitation of Learning for patients, carers, other staff and students
• Leadership and management skills, as part of a general practice nursing team with delegated accountability and responsibility for patient care
• Evidence, research and development - has an enquiring approach to practice to ensure best quality care is offered within any constraints of the service

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated, forward thinker
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
• Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Effectively utilises resources
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort

Person Specification
Experience

Essential

• 5 years post registration experience including 6 months experience in a GP practice/ Walk in Centre/ Urgent Care Centre
• Nurse-led management of minor illness, minor ailments, and injuries
• Nurse-led triage
• Compiling protocols and clinical guidelines
• Clinical Leadership
• Audit
• Research
• Nurse prescribing
• Experience of chronic disease management

Desirable

• Project management
• Working with community development initiatives
• Health-needs assessment

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered first level nurse
• MSc in a nursing related subject
• Mentor / teaching qualification
• Clinical supervision training and experience
• Non-medical prescriber

Desirable

• Level 3 Extended Brief Interventions (NICE guidelines)
• NMC's "Academic Assessors", "Practice Supervisors" and "Practice Assessors" accreditations

Clinical Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Immunisations (routine, childhood, B12, travel)
• Wound Care / Treatment of advanced injuries / Removal of sutures & staples
• Womens health (Cervical cytology, contraception, etc.)
• Dressings
• Diabetes review
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease primary prevention
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Blood pressure
• Travel medicine
• Mental Health
• ECGs
• Asthma
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to GPs
• Advanced clinical practice skills Management of patients with long-term conditions
• Management of patients with complex needs and chronic diseases
• Clinical examination skills
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Clinical governance issues in primary care
• Patient group directions and associated policy
• Understands the importance of evidence-based practice
• Understanding of Extended brief interventions (NICE guidelines)
• Cytology certificates

Desirable

• Local and national health policy
• Venepuncture
• New patient medicals
• Chaperone procedure
• Requesting pathology tests and processing the results, advising patients accordingly
• Knowledge of public health issues in the local area
• Able to identify determinants on health in the area
• Awareness of issues within the wider health arena

General Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Clinical leadership skills
• Negotiation and conflict management skills
• Strong IT skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• Competent in the use of patient record management systems: EMIS / SystmOne
• Competent in Document Management systems: Docman
• Competent in other portals: Open Exeter, Coordinate my Care
• Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Problem solving & analytical skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
• Experience with audit and able to lead audit programmes
• Experience with clinical risk management

Desirable

• Change management
• Teaching and mentorship clinical setting
• Resource management
• Facilitation of Learning for patients, carers, other staff and students
• Leadership and management skills, as part of a general practice nursing team with delegated accountability and responsibility for patient care
• Evidence, research and development - has an enquiring approach to practice to ensure best quality care is offered within any constraints of the service

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated, forward thinker
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
• Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Effectively utilises resources
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Additional information
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Dacorum Healthcare Providers Ltd
Address

Imex

Maxted Road

Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate

Hemel Hempstead

Hertfordshire

HP2 7DX

Employer's website