Advanced clinical/nurse practitioners work autonomously within the practice using their enhanced clinical assessment and treatment skills, to provide first point of contact for patients presenting with undifferentiated, undiagnosed problems relating to minor illness or injury, abdominal pains, chest pains and headaches. They are autonomous in making decisions based on assessment, diagnosis and interpretation of test results. They can independently prescribe appropriate medication, evaluate or refer to other specialists if necessary. ANP/ACPs in this role will focus solely on medically urgent patients.
Key duties and responsibilities The following are the core responsibilities of the Advanced Clinical/Nurse Practitioner. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels: 1. Manage patients presenting with a range of acute and chronic medical conditions, providing subject matter expert advice 2. Implement and evaluate individual specialised treatment plans for chronic disease patients 3.
Identify, manage and support patients at risk of developing long-term conditions, preventing adverse effects to the patients health 4. Provide advanced, specialist care to patients as required in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF 5. Undertake the collection of pathological specimens? 6.
Request pathology services as necessary 7. Process and interpret pathology and other test results as required? 8. Maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation 9.
Ensure SNOMED CT codes are used effectively 10. Chaperone patients where necessary 11. Prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately 12. Support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies 13.
Recognise, assess and refer patients presenting with mental health needs 14. Be an extended and supplementary prescriber, adhering to guidance 15. Support patients in the use of their prescribed medicines or over the counter medicines (within own scope of practice), reviewing annually as required 16. Contribute to practice targets (QOF, etc.), complying with local and regional guidance 17.
Liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients, etc.) 18. Delegate clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and that the task is within the scope of practice of the individual) 19. Support the clinical team with all safeguarding matters in accordance with local and national policies 20. Understand practice and local policies for substance abuse and addictive behaviour, referring patients appropriately 21.
Deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate