Clinical Nurse job description - Integrated Pain Service

To support the Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist and members of the multi disciplinary team in the delivery and development of the Integrated Pain Service (IPS). To assist in the provision of quality pain management across the through comprehensive clinical, educational, audit and research initiatives

1. Clinical
1.1. Provide specialist advice and guidance on the management of acute and chronic pain problems to all members of the multi professional team.
1.2. Under supervision of senior CNSs manages own caseload receiving direct referrals from consultant staff, junior medical staff, nursing staff and other allied health professionals (AHPs).
1.3. Makes supervised referrals to other professionals as necessary
1.4. Challenges poor practice and inappropriate interventions in relation to pain management.
1.5. Assesses the implementation of recommendations and the effectiveness of the management plan in achieving long-term patient outcomes.
1.6. Provides education and information for patients and/or their carers in the management of acute and chronic pain, promoting their understanding and the ability to evolve strategies for self management.

2. Communication & Team Working
2.1. Establishes effective working relationships and collaboration with other health care professionals whose role impinges on the service e.g. nurses, doctors, AHPs, anaesthetic department and pharmacy.
2.2. Maintains effective communication networks and working relationships with personnel outside the organisation.
2.3. Collaborates with Consultants, senior CNSs, and Ward Managers to ensure that clinical staff within the are supported through education, advice and clinical protocols to effectively manage patients experiencing pain.
2.4. Participates in multi professional meetings relating to pain management.
2.5. Empowers patients to make informed choice regarding drug therapy and life style changes acting as the patient’s advocate and using mediation skills when communicating between patients, carers and professionals where appropriate.

3. Managing – People & Resources
3.1. Accept responsibility for designated caseload of patients.
3.2. Prioritises own workload and manages time effectively, when working alone or in collaboration with others.
3.3. Ensure familiarity with all relevant Policies and procedures and professional guidelines and always practice within such guidance.
3.4. Keep up to date with hospital initiatives, at a Directorate level and ensure that these are promoted within the clinical areas including clinical governance, risk management, infection control and patient forums.
3.5. Act as a positive role model for nursing staff throughout the .
3.6. Assist with monitoring and evaluating the use of physical resources appropriate to the speciality, assisting with the amendment of policies, protocols and guidelines as appropriate.
3.7. Report clinical incidents associated with interventional pain management in accordance with Policy.
3.8. Assist with the evaluation of any equipment purchased by the .

4. Administration
4.1. Maintain accurate records of patient management strategies as specified by the regulatory bodies and for the purpose of patient review and audit.
4.2. Assist with the development and review of patient information for pain management.
4.3. Assist with the collection of statistical information on new patient referrals and accrued workloads.
4.4. Assist with the formation of relevant documentation within the clinical speciality.

5. Education and Training
5.1. Contributes to the assessment of training and education needs.
5.2. Participate in the delivery of clinical education sessions to all members of the multi professional team to promote effective use of pain standards, policies, protocols, guidelines and clinical equipment.
5.3. Ensure that health education needs of patients and carers are met and health promotion activities are pursued.

5.4. Provide professional support for nursing staff at undergraduate or post-graduate level.
5.5. Participate in the promotion of regional study days appropriate to hospital and primary care nurse needs.

6. Research & Development
6.1. Contribute to the development of audit tools.
6.2. Undertake the completion of designated audits including collection and analysis of data and report of findings.
6.3. Develop research skills by participating in research activities undertaken by the IPS.
6.4. Assist the Lead CNS in the support of change initiatives related to IPS.
6.5. Assist with the development of clinical benchmarks for best practice within pain management.

7. Policy & Service Development
7.1. Contribute to the development and updating of evidence based clinical policies, protocols, guidelines and education materials in conjunction with the multi professional IPS team.
7.2. Contribute to the development of strategies and service developments to improve clinical effectiveness and efficiency, identifying own responsibilities in the implementation of strategies/plans for the service.
7.3. Contributes with the development of service objectives for the IPS, taking into account relevant guidelines and the needs of the organisation.
7.4. Assist with practice innovation and the implementation of change in relation to pain management within the .
7.5. Assist with the development of standards of practice in relation to pain management.
8. Professional Conduct & Professional Development
8.1. Develops and maintains own professional knowledge and skills through life long learning.
8.2. Uses reflection to identify and prioritise areas for self-development.
8.3. Exercises professional accountability and adheres to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
8.4. Develops and annually reviews, in conjunction with the Lead CNS, a personal professional development plan.
8.5. Actively promotes the professional nursing role within the multi-disciplinary team.
8.6. Develops and advances professional clinical knowledge and skills to ensure the best clinical outcomes for patients.
8.7. Maintains a contemporary knowledge of pain management issues by participating in on-going education, continuing self-development, including regular appraisal of performance.

Skills

Excellent organisational skills
Ability to manage a clinical caseload with minimal supervision
Expert written, and verbal, communication and presentation skills
Ability to record and deal with accurate facts, figures and information
Ability to plan, organise, prioritise and co-ordinate work under pressure and using own initiative
Ability to assimilate information & resolve multi-factorial problems
Ability to deliver wide training & education programmes

Leadership skills
Negotiation and influencing skills
Ability to participate in service development
Computer literate
Ability to assess, diagnose, recommend and evaluate appropriate treatment for acute and chronic pain
Ability to use complex clinical equipment

Knowledge & Experience

Minimum of 3 years post registration experience
2 years experience within critical care, recovery or major surgical acute ward within an environment
Experience of post operative pain management systems including epidurals
Leadership & management
Multi-professional working
Delivery of educational programmes within clinical practice
Proven professional development & its relevant application to pain management
Development & evaluation of evidence based practice
Standard setting & clinical audit
Knowledge of change management
Risk management

Qualifications
Current NMC Registration Level 1
Educated to degree level/working towards
ENB 998/equivalent
Pain management course/module
Management qualification
Intermediate life support course
Qualities
Demonstrable evidence of an interest in pain management
Ability to remain calm & work effectively in stressful situations
Ability to act independently and delegate appropriately
Ability to work effectively within a small multi professional team
Flexible to change in demands or service
Friendly, approachable and supportive
Willingness to learn new skills
Good time management
Demonstrate commitment to quality service provision
Professional attitude to work
Expert role model
Approachable and supportive
Circumstances
Manual dexterity for venepuncture and cannulation skills
Ability to work flexibly, to meet competing demands of the role

Clinical Nurse job description