Primary Care Networks (PCN) are groups of GP practices working closely together - along with other healthcare staff and organisat.....
Primary Care Networks (PCN) are groups of GP practices working closely together - along with other healthcare staff and organisations - providing integrated services to the local population. Sunderland has 6 PCNs who use a city wide approach to strengthen communities and reduce inequalities in health. Job Role/Purpose The role of the Nursing Associate is to work with the multi professional team and the Practice Nurse to assess, plan, organise and deliver clinical care in line with service and patient needs, as agreed with supervising clinicians The nursing associate has a breadth of knowledge across the lifespan and across the fields of nursing, providing holistic and person centred care and support of people of all ages and in a variety of settings. The nursing associate works independently under the leadership of the practice nurse, working within the sphere of nursing care and within all aspects of the nursing process (Health Education England 2018) Nursing associates are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a nursing associate with work to a nationally recognised Nursing and Midwifery Councils code of conduct (NMC) and must meet the NMC standards of proficiency. The following criteria identify the core components of the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of the nursing associates: -Carry out Chronic Disease Management annual reviews delegated by the Practice Nurse or senior colleague -Monitor and support the Practice Nurse with the management of patients with long-term conditions/chronic diseases, using a holistic patient centred approach -Assist in and perform routine tasks related to patient care as directed by the Practice Nurse and GPs -Be able to take vital signs and observations and identify signs of improvement, report any deteriorations or concerns, e.g. pulse, blood pressure, respirations, oxygen saturations, peak flow, spirometry, blood glucose levels, ECG, assessing nutrition and hydration -Perform Cervical smear screening -Administer medications as prescribed and in accordance with NMC standards e.g. via nebuliser or injections using sub-cutaneous or intramuscular route under Patient Specific Directions -Following agreed protocols with referral to Practice Nurse or GPs as appropriate assist in the assessment, planning, development implementation and evaluation of programmes to promote health and well-being and prevent adverse effects on health and well-being -Deliver opportunistic health promotion using opportunities such as new patient medicals and NHS health checks -Document consultations accurately and appropriately, according to NMC guidelines -Ensure awareness of statuary and local clinical adult and children safeguarding protection procedures, including systems of referral. Ability to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse/neglect -Ensure infection prevention and control guidelines are maintained -To be responsible for providing the appropriate nursing evidenced based care of an allocated group of patients - Be an accountable professional who is responsible for their actions, working in line with NMC standards of proficiency -Recognise and work within the limits of their competency -To work as part of multidisciplinary team using resources efficiently -To deliver quality care to patients and to work effectively within the nursing team -To be competent in carrying out a variety of clinical procedures
