Lead Practice Nurse

Job Summary The post holder is responsible for delivering high-quality, accessible nursing care to the whole practice population. The role includes evidence-based care for long-term conditions and preventative health care, including for housebound patients. The nurse is accountable for the care delivered, demonstrating critical thinking and clinical decision-making. They will work autonomously within their scope of practice and collaborate with the wider practice team to meet patient needs and contribute to strategic planning and service development. The role includes participation in a low number of home visits, shared within the nursing team, and participation in the weekday extended hours rota, as part of our team-wide approach to patient care. Clinical Practice Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate treatment programmes that promote health and well-being. Manage patients with long-term conditions, in line with clinical guidelines. Identify and support at-risk patients, implementing early intervention. Review medication effectiveness, ensuring adherence to treatments. Prioritise health concerns, managing urgent or emergency care needs. Support patients in self-care and lifestyle changes. Act as a clinical lead in designated areas such as cytology. Manage the health needs of women, including family planning and cervical cytology. Assess, support, and refer patients with mental health needs. Implement and deliver vaccination & immunisation programmes (adults & children). Administer travel vaccinations and provide related advice. Provide evidence-based care for aural conditions. Perform wound care, dressings, and tissue viability management. Carry out home visits, shared within the nursing team. Participate in the weekday extended hours rota, shared across the team. Request and process pathology tests and results. Refer patients to appropriate services using local referral pathways. Training/supervision Provide day-to-day clinical supervision and professional support for the Trainee Practice Nurse. Facilitate learning opportunities within the practice, ensuring the trainee gains exposure to core elements of general practice nursing. Act as a mentor and role model, promoting safe, evidence-based clinical practice. Contribute to the trainees development plan, offering regular feedback and participating in progress reviews. Liaise with external training providers/educators as required to support the trainees learning pathway. Communication & Teamwork Ensure clear, sensitive communication with patients to gain informed consent. Adapt communication methods to overcome barriers, including language or literacy difficulties. Work effectively with patients, carers, and external professionals. Communicate clinical information clearly and concisely within the team. Actively participate in practice and multidisciplinary meetings. Represent the practice at external meetings where required. Prioritise workload, accepting appropriate delegation from GPs. Support team projects and service improvements. Manage call and recall for immunisations, cytology, and QOF-related care. Delivering a Quality Service Work within professional competencies and NMC standards. Maintain accurate and legally compliant patient records. Evaluate care delivery through peer review, benchmarking, and audits. Play a key role in clinical governance, audit work, and quality improvement. Contribute to policy and protocol development to enhance patient care. Share learning and best practices within the team and wider network. Assist in handling patient complaints and implementing learning outcomes. Identify and support vulnerable patients, following safeguarding protocols. Work within policies on family violence, addiction, and vulnerable adult care. Ensure compliance with the practice chaperone policy. Equality & Diversity Identify and challenge discriminatory practices. Support patients to exercise their rights and access care. Monitor adherence to chaperone policies. Promote an inclusive, patient-centred approach. Personal Development Share learning and clinical updates with the team. Proactively identify learning needs and undertake relevant training. Participate in appraisals and personal development planning. Act as a mentor for students and healthcare assistants. Management of Risk Lead on infection control and health & safety compliance. Ensure safe storage and disposal of vaccines and medications. Oversee and maintain clinical equipment and medical supplies. Monitor and maintain emergency equipment. Ensure compliance with vaccine storage policies. Conduct risk assessments to ensure a safe working environment. Keep up-to-date with mandatory training and policy changes. Record Keeping & Information Management Maintain high standards of clinical record-keeping. Accurately record consultations, treatments, and administrative tasks. Use EMIS Web for clinical documentation, ensuring correct coding. Use digital tools to search and retrieve patient information efficiently. Comply with data protection regulations and Freedom of Information Act. Check and respond to emails daily for practice updates. Other Responsibilities Undertake any other duties within professional competence, as agreed with the practice management.