The following are the core responsibilities of the practice nurse. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels: a. To develop, implement and embed health promotion and well-being programmes b.
To provide routine nursing care to patients as required in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF c. To provide wound care (ulcer/Doppler etc.) to patients d. To request pathology services as necessary e. To process pathology results as required f.
To maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation g. To ensure read codes are used effectively h. To chaperone patients where necessary i. To assist GPs with minor surgery when required j.
To prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately k. To support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies l. To recognise, assess and refer patients presenting with mental health needs m. To implement vaccination programmes for adults and children n.
To support patients in the use of their prescribed medicines or over the counter medicines (within own scope of practice) o. To liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients etc.) p. To delegate clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of practice of the individual) q. To support the clinical team with all safeguarding matters in accordance with local and national policies r.
To understand practice and local policies for substance abuse and addictive behaviour, referring patients appropriately s. To deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate In addition to the primary responsibilities, the practice nurse may be requested to: a. Monitor and ensure the safe storage, rotation and disposal of drugs b. Support junior members of the nursing team, providing guidance when necessary c.
Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care d. Support and participate in shared learning within the practice e. Continually review clinical practices, responding to national policies and initiatives where appropriate f. Participate in the review of significant and near-miss events applying a structured approach, i.e.
root cause analysis (RCA)