District Nurse job description

The post holder will be an integral member of the primary care team and will work collaboratively with all services and agencies, to facilitate patients in achieving maximum independence.

This will be achieved through a combination of education, support and expert clinical knowledge and, working with the patient, assess, plan and implement appropriate packages of care for patients in their own home.

The post holder has responsibility for leading on clinical practice, allocation of work and the day-to-day management of the team. The post holder supports the District Team Leader in the dissemination of best nursing practice, deputising in his/her absence.

1. MANAGEMENT
1.1
To manage the caseload and team, whilst working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, in providing evidenced based nursing care.
1.2
Promote effective communication and inter-disciplinary collaboration.
1.3
Ensure the health and safety of self, staff and patients, reporting any accidents, incidents, hazards or defects in line with PCT policy.
1.4
Assist in recruitment, orientation and training of new staff.
1.5
Assist in the annual Staff Appraisal and Development Reviews for team members.
1.6
Promote the development and implementation of the team philosophy.
1.7
Assist in the effective management of the team budget and promote new initiatives for effective and efficient use of team resources.
1.8
Lead clinical audit within the team and set up systems to share evidence based practice.
1.9
Promote the importance of Clinical Governance within the team, implement effective clinical governance processes as a means of maintaining, improving and monitoring the quality of patient care.
1.10
Ensure PCT policies and procedures are fully and correctly implemented.

2. CLINICAL
2.1 To provide a skilled clinical practice through holistic assessment of patient need, prescribing interventions and planning and implementing patient care appropriately.
2.2 Ensure clinical practice is patient-centred and evidence-based, in accordance with NMC Scope for Professional Practice.
2.3 Actively contribute to the task of monitoring and evaluating standards of patient care, seeking to continuously improve the quality of care.
2.4
Provide District Nursing expertise to patients, staff and other multidisciplinary professionals.
To ensure care provided maintains the individuals privacy and dignity, values diversity and respects cultural and individual rights and choices.

3. EDUCATION-District Nurse job description
3.1 Participate, monitor and supervise the provision of training and development opportunities for junior staff whilst developing their skills and practice.
3.2 Participate / assist in the identification of training / learning requirements, in relation to promoting / maintaining standards of care delivery, and service development.
3.3 Assist the District Nurse Team Leader in maintaining a learning environment for student nurses and staff.
3.5 Initiate health promotion strategies within the District Nursing team.
3.6 Have responsibility for the performance appraisal system for all staff in the team.
3.7 Undertake any return-to-work sickness interviews, identify and performance manage any poorly performing staff, undertake recruitment for team and encourage uptake of development opportunities for all team members.

4. PROFESSIONAL
4.1 The postholder is expected to be fully conversant with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and associated national guidelines and abide by their guidance.
4.2 The postholder will adhere to and promote PCT and Community Nursing Policies, Procedures and Guidelines related to professional practice and general issues, i.e.: Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities, Age Discrimination etc.
4.3 The postholder will be required to maintain their professional and clinical development whilst keeping abreast of new developments in Community Nursing and Primary Care.

Qualifications

Registered Nurse
Specialist practitioner -
District Nursing (degree/diploma)
Community practitioner prescriber (V150 award)
Mentor award
Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development.

Experience

Experience of management of teams.
Clinical audit/project work

Knowledge

High level of clinical knowledge and skill.
Understanding of personal contribution to the achievement of organisational objectives within the business plan
Clinical Governance
Good knowledge of community services & care pathways
Health improvement

Skills
High level of clinical skills
Understanding of team work
Excellent communication skills
Ability to manage a budget and help improve productivity and cost effectiveness
Time management and organisational skills
IT skills
Clinical skills & knowledge
Innovative approach to care and management
Teaching skills

Other qualities
Assertive
Ability to cope under pressure
Enthusiastic and forward thinking
Reliable
Self motivated and ability to motivate others
Flexible attitude
Car Driver / Owner
Valid Driving Licence

District Nurse job description

free-job-descriptions.com provides a free database of job descriptions-medical careers, medical software, doctor jobs