Practice NurseNHS

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Practice Nurse to join our friendly GP practice team. We are happy to consider applicants who are looking for a contracted position as well as experienced Practice Nurses who would prefer to work the required sessions on a regular locum basis. The successful candidate must have previous General Practice/Primary Care nursing experience and be fully trained, competent and able to work independently in the key clinical areas required by the practice.

Main duties of the job

Applicants must be appropriately trained, up to date and competent in the following areas:

• Cervical screening (smears)
• Childhood/baby immunisations
• Adult vaccinations and immunisations
• Travel health and travel vaccinations
• Chronic disease management
• Wound care and dressings
• Injections and medication administration
• Health promotion and preventative care

Applicants should be confident in independently managing their own clinics within their professional scope of practice.

Job description

Chronic Disease Management

The successful candidate should have experience and appropriate competencies in chronic disease reviews and management, which may include:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• COPD
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Other long-term conditions commonly managed within General Practice

The Practice Nurse will undertake appropriate reviews, provide patient education and lifestyle advice, follow agreed clinical protocols and escalate or refer patients to a GP or other clinician when required.

Cervical Screening

The successful candidate must:

• Have completed recognised cervical screening training.
• Be currently competent to undertake cervical screening.
• Work in accordance with the NHS Cervical Screening Programme requirements.
• Maintain appropriate training and competency requirements.
• Provide patients with appropriate information and advice.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and follow-up.

Childhood Immunisations

The successful candidate must:

• Have completed appropriate childhood immunisation training.
• Be competent and confident in delivering the routine childhood immunisation programme.
• Maintain all required updates and competencies.
• Work safely under relevant Patient Group Directions (PGDs), protocols and national guidance.
• Provide appropriate advice to parents and carers.
• Maintain accurate vaccination records.

Travel Health and Vaccinations

The successful candidate must have appropriate training and competency in travel health and vaccinations.

Responsibilities may include:

• Undertaking travel health assessments.
• Providing appropriate travel health advice.
• Administering appropriate travel vaccinations within professional competence and relevant authorisations.
• Maintaining accurate patient records.
• Providing advice regarding vaccination schedules and preventative health measures.

General Practice Nursing Duties

Additional responsibilities will include:

• Wound assessment, dressings and wound management.
• Suture and clip removal.
• Blood pressure monitoring.
• Routine injections and vaccinations.
• Seasonal vaccination programmes.
• Health promotion and lifestyle advice.
• Routine clinical observations and assessments.
• Supporting preventative healthcare programmes.
• Recognising and appropriately escalating clinical concerns.

Professional Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Maintain current NMC registration.
• Work in accordance with the NMC Code and professional standards.
• Work independently within their professional scope of practice and demonstrated competencies.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous patient records.
• Maintain mandatory training and continuing professional development.
• Follow practice policies, procedures and clinical protocols.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Maintain appropriate safeguarding training and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Participate in clinical governance, audits and quality improvement where required.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients and colleagues.

About us

Downsfield Medical Centre is a friendly and supportive GP practice committed to providing high-quality, patient-centred care to our local community. We have a dedicated multidisciplinary team who work collaboratively to ensure our patients receive a professional, compassionate and efficient service.

We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and respectful working environment where every member of the team is valued. Our culture encourages teamwork, open communication and a positive approach to continuous improvement.

We are looking for colleagues who share our strong work ethic and commitment to excellent patient care. In return, Downsfield Medical Centre offers a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development and training, and the chance to become part of an experienced and approachable team. We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance and aim to provide a workplace where staff can develop, contribute and feel supported in their roles.