Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities

1. Clinical / direct care practice

1.1. To receive referrals within the specialty from the health care team and respond to requests for expert advice and guidance.

1.2. To work within an agreed job plan to meet service needs which should be reviewed annually

1.3. To conduct holistic assessment and providing supervision & guidance to colleagues in skilled history taking, physical examination, observation and ordering, conducting and interpreting relevant tests and investigations

1.4. To work in collaboration with the multi professional team, contributing expert, evidence based knowledge and skills to relevant aspects of the patients care and treatment.

1.5. To maintain boundaries of own practice within agreed guidelines and protocols, use professional judgment in managing complex and unpredictable situations and seek guidance from other relevant experts

1.6. To address patient’s risk factors and health promotion needs through comprehensive assessment of individuals for risk factors and early signs of illness.

1.7. To builds an environment of trust and rapport, enabling patent empowerment in their healthcare and acting as an advocate for the patient in treatment decisions and choices

1.8. To draw upon an appropriate range of multi-agency and inter-professional resources to ensure that patients receive appropriate services, making referrals to other professions and services as appropriate

1.9. To use effective communication and interpersonal skills to provide information, explanation and reassurance to patients and families.

1.10. To plan and conduct appropriate follow up, closure or transition of care for the patient

1.11. To maintain accurate and contemporaneous records of patients assessment, care and treatment

2. Leadership and Collaborative Practice

2.1 To provide advice, guidance and support to own and other professions to enable best practice in care and treatment within area of expertise

2.2. To work collaboratively with colleagues, patients and families to seek their views and to develop and improve practice and the service

2.3. To continually evaluate and develop own role and competencies to meet the evolving needs of patients and the service

2.4. To develop networks and collaborative working across professional, and organizational boundaries to develop, integrate and coordinate care

2.5. To support and contribute to delivering the wider Trust agenda as directed by the Chief Nurse and the Trust Senior Nursing and Midwifery Council

2.6 To participate and contribute to National objectives

3. Improving Quality and Developing Practice

3.1 To develop valid and reliable methods to continually evaluate and audit own practice and service outcomes, identifying, interpreting and acting on audit outcomes

3.2. To maintain records of activity including clinical coding, maintain appropriate documentation and participate in audit of documentation, clinical activity and outcomes

3.3. To use and develop information systems to support decision making and improve care

3.4. To maintain knowledge of contemporary epidemiological, demographic, social, political and professional factors relevant to the specialist area of practice.

3.5. To use a reflective and questioning approach to practice, identifying potential opportunities for clinical or service changes

3.6 To maintain awareness and application of relevant research and evidence based practice relating to area of clinical expertise and profession practice

3.7 To identify and responds to gaps in evidence and/or practice knowledge, and to contribute/lead in research / audit/ practice development.

3.8 To enable the sharing of new knowledge and developments with others

3.9 To facilitate and enable change at individual and team levels to improve practice and health outcomes, monitoring and evaluating the impact of resultant changes in practice.

3.10. To continually assess, monitor and act on risks in own and others’ practice through risk assessment

3.11. To ensure the appropriate and effective use of resources to ensure both cost effectiveness and quality.

3.12. To participate in business and service development including activity and income generation

4.Developing Self and Others

4.1 To participate in review of own practice with colleagues from own and other professions thorough case review and clinical supervision

4.2 To develop and provide patient education and information which is appropriate and responsive to individual needs and level of development.

4.3. To participate in the development of evidence based protocols, standards, policies and clinical guidelines

4.4. To evaluate knowledge and practice, identifying learning opportunities and continuing development through appraisal and personal development planning

4.5.To maintain a personal portfolio illustrating evidence of competence and continuing development

4.6 To supports colleagues in their learning and application of theory to practice through assessment, teaching and clinical supervision

4.7 To contribute to wider education and development programmes in external organizations

4.8. Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge through publication and presentation

5. Communication

5.1Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward. 

5.2Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.

These duties are not exhaustive and will be reviewed with the postholder, allowing for amendments within the broad scope and band level of the role

All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level.  If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.