• Support the team to deliver care that helps improve the health of the individual and wider community.
• Support the team in demonstrating compassion through effective relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity.
• Develop own competence to deliver effective care and treatments through improving clinical/technical knowledge / skill, and expertise.
• Communicate appropriately with others involved in the care of the patient.
• Act as an advocate for safeguarding patients, demonstrate courage to speak up when there are concerns about care.
• Demonstrate commitment to improving care and the patient experience.
• To work according to the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Professional Conduct and other professional bodies e.g. Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Association of Independent Healthcare Organisations (AIHO).
• Assist in the delivery of patient care and ensure that treatments prescribed by the medical staff are carried out, and that multidisciplinary team members are informed of changes in the patient’s condition.
• To treat all medical patients in concordance with the medical patient’s pathway ensuring accurate and timely notation of all multidisciplinary team members in the pathway document.
• To review and assess all urgent care patients in accordance with the urgent care pathway and urgent care operational policy.
• Maintain contemporaneous records of the consultation and action using the computer software and where necessary written records, in line with NMC guidance and local policies, guidelines and procedures.
• Working towards agreed objectives and demonstrating Circle Health Group behaviours at all time.
• Contribute to quality improvement.
• Develop and enhance the skills and knowledge of others and self with particular core skill in urgent care nursing, such as assessment and clinical knowledge of medical conditions.
• Promote best evidence based practice within own scope of practice.
• Apply legislation, policies and procedures correctly.
• Demonstrate compassion through effective relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity.
• Ensure the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based, individualised patient care for minor injuries/illness and primary care needs either on the ward or in the Urgent Care Centre, involving other members of the clinical team as appropriate.
• Undertake Emergency Nurse Practitioner minor injury procedures, including; wound closure with sutures: glue, steri-strips, limb assessment and treatment, wound management, fracture. management, minor head injury management and ophthalmology assessment and use of slit lamp.
• Refer patients for investigations when necessary/appropriate including the ordering and interpretation of X-rays.
• Minor illness assessment and diagnosis including chest auscultation, ENT assessment and incision and drainage of abscess.
• To inform educate, empower and teach patients whilst providing treatment, support and advice. Using the opportunity for health promotion and education.
• Maintain accurate patient records using appropriate IT systems.

• To actively keep up to date with current evidence- based best practice guidelines and share this with clinical colleagues.
• Exercise a higher degree of personal and professional autonomy using advances clinical practice skills to include clinical interventions.
• Make a final diagnosis, decide on and carry out treatment, including the prescribing of medicine or referring to primary or secondary care specialist services within local agreed pathways and protocols as appropriate.
• Ensure that all treatments and care provided are based on best practice/evidence based care.
• Assist in clinical audit and setting and monitoring of service and unscheduled care.
• Identify and take appropriate actions to address risk to the patient, this will include:
  • Identification of emergency care needs requiring despatch of a 999 ambulance.
  • Safeguarding children and protection of vulnerable adult issues which require referral on to other agencies in line with local policies.
• Work independently and at the same time contribute to the work of the whole team to ensure the delivery of a consistently high level of service, taking responsibility and being accountable for managing own workload, risk assessment and management, acting within professional codes and appropriately to the clinical lead for advice and support.
• Identifying issues which may negatively impact upon service delivery and reporting these on to the relevant manager in a timely fashion.
• Acting as a clinical resource for non-clinical staff who may require advice and support.
• Remain focused on the delivery of an excellent service within an unpredictable, diverse and challenging workload.
• Develop communication skills in order to convey complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming any barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing or emotional events. This includes expanded role responsibilities, following appropriate training.
• Produce care plans that are appropriate to the patient’s needs, monitor and update them.
• Plan and co-ordinate patients’ discharge arrangements, liaising with the community as necessary and coordinating the multidisciplinary team.
• Assist with the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with local, company policy and legal requirements.
• Handle and dispose of all body fluids in accordance with universal precautions.
• Provide information which enables patients to make choices about adopting a healthier lifestyle.
• Participate in the promotion and maintenance of effective communication with the patient and their carer(s).
• Maintain patient confidentiality of information e.g. written, verbal, and electronic; too be aware of the Freedom of Information Act.
• Maintain professional boundaries and working relationships with patients and colleagues.
• Under supervision gain experience and skills in clinical practice, facilitation, teaching and management (as appropriate).
• Educate patients and their carers as required where a need has been identified.
• Attend Circle Health Group Corporate/local induction programmes, mandatory training sessions and annual updates.
• Be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness in accordance with CPD requirements and maintain a professional profile.
• Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of nursing practice standards, guidelines, policies and care pathways.
• Contribute to the setting and monitoring of measurable standards of care and be accountable for maintaining standards.
• Deliver care based on current evidence, best practice and validated research when available.
• Develop skills in efficient and effective resource management, e.g. staffing, equipment and materials.
• Contribute to research and development programmes within the nursing department.
• Participate in audit process for monitoring and reviewing nursing quality.
• Ensure safe discharge of patients in accordance with policy.
• Help maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and act as a facilitator in the supervision and teaching of nursing students and others to develop their competence.
• Develop own teaching skills and participate in staff/student education programmes that develop competence and performance.
• Supervise and support team members and ensure that all patients receive appropriate care.
• Assist in the training and development of Healthcare Assistants and complete assessors training as required.
• Act as a preceptor/facilitator/mentor for junior staff nurses.
• Develop an awareness of personal responsibility with regard to maintenance of a clean environment that is conducive to safe, therapeutic and ethical practice.
• Be accountable for and ensure own competence in practice, e.g. use of specialised equipment.
• Be aware of own personal and professional limitations and seek help of others to maintain safe practice.
• Ensure a welcoming, caring and safe environment is provided for the patient and their family, visitors and carers.
• Uphold quality initiatives that improve ‘Customer Care’ and enhance the interface between staff, patients and visitors and other wards and departments within Circle Health Group.
• Be aware of the role of the nurse in handling complaints in accordance with Circle Health Group policy.
• Report when the availability of supplies falls below an acceptable standard or level.
• Commitment to ensuring quality services are delivered to both internal & external stakeholders through continuous improvement activities.

• Compliance with Circle Health Group Policies and Procedures relevant to this role, ensuring you are fully aware of your responsibilities within these policies.
• Demonstrate awareness of regulatory requirements, taking appropriate action to ensure these requirements are implemented and adhered to.
• Ensure compliance with all Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures understanding your role in the prevention of infection in patients and staff.
• To be aware of your responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. To ensure you are aware of your responsibilities, supporting policies and undertake the appropriate level of training for your role.
• Undertaking specific role related competencies and learning, ensuring 100% compliance of all relevant mandatory training within Learning Space timescales.
• Maintain knowledge of Health and Safety at Work Act. Ensuring appropriate measures are taken in respect of Health and Safety for patients, relatives, visitors, hospital staff and contractors.

This job description is intended as an outline of the general areas of activity. This job description is not an exhaustive document and may be subject to alteration in the light of future changes and developments.