Lead Nurse

To work alongside the Practice Manager in maintaining a high quality, comprehensive service of care to both patients and Consultants within the Clinic. To work with the Head of Nursing in ensuring clinical standards remain a key focus in line with CQC requirements by monitoring, assessing, escalating and implementing improvements where and when necessary.

Main Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare for all Dermatology clinics held throughout the week, in advance of need.
• Assist Dermatologists and Surgeons with a range of specialised procedures such as general dermatology and skin care surgery.
• Plan and organise the workload of clinical staff to support the clinic sufficiently in line with capability, skill and availability.
• Work alongside the Practice Manager to undertake audits and embed necessary compliance measures.
• Identify and enable opportunity to develop nurse-led follow-up services.
• Ensure compliance with NICE Guidelines and TDP Policies & Procedures by all clinical staff.
• Promote the TDP Vision and Values amongst staff to promote a positive, patient-focused culture within the clinic.
• Support patient understanding through the provision of education and resources to patients, their families and staff.
• Engage with new technology and practices, promoting this amongst the team in the drive to improve patient services.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of relevant nursing care for patients including dressing/bandaging techniques and the removal of sutures/clips.
• Support the patient throughout their visit ensuring safe and effective care from start to finish.
• Ensure patients and carers have received sufficient and relevant verbal and written information.
• Educate each patient on how to protect their skin, prevent illnesses and care for skin diseases/conditions at home.
• Assist and chaperone patients whilst clinical examinations/procedures are being undertaken.
• Assist medical staff with fine needle aspirations, core biopsies and take responsibility for the collection/labelling of specimens.
• Ensure high standards of care in various Nurse-led follow-up clinics including phototherapy, cryotherapy, acne clinics, PRP and related clinics, patch testing and assisting in minor surgery.
• Prepare specific equipment required within the Department prior to clinical procedures.
• Act as patient advocate and always ensure patient satisfaction.
• Assist in creating a supportive and caring environment.
• Promote high standards of clinical care to all our patients.
• Check referral letters, results and x-rays are available for clinical sessions.

Personnel Management

• Supervise and demonstrate procedures to junior staff qualified and unqualified.
• Assist in the mentoring and teaching of student nurses, bank nurses and HCAs within the Clinic.
• Enhance quality of care by assisting with the management of change in nursing practice based on evidence/research.
• Manage the activities of all Nurse staff, ensuring that an effective service is provided.
• Promote holistic patient care through multi-disciplinary engagement and team working.
• Provide strong, visible and accessible leadership to your team.
• Actively promote the clinic's culture with staff and with external bodies.
• Alongside the Practice Manager ensure staff receive annual appraisal, regular 1-1 interaction and staff meetings.
• Plan and organise regular audits with team training, refresher training and inductions with the Practice Manager.
• Provide clinical supervision and guidance at regular intervals and where necessary / if required.

Systems and Equipment

• Record biographical details of individuals in manual and computerised records.
• Prepare specific equipment required within the department prior to clinical procedures, using decontamination techniques prior to mandatory safety checks.
• Maintain, monitor, control and order stock and equipment within the department, reporting any deficit or maintenance required.
• Prepare clinical area and department prior to start of clinic.

Clinical Governance

• At all times ensure Health and Safety Standards are adhered to by all clinical staff, in accordance with TDP Policy.
• Ensure you are familiar with and uphold TDP Policies, in particular those relating to patient safety - Incident Reporting, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity, IP&C.
• Ensure processes, facilities and services are in keeping with CQC requirements and any identified concerns are escalated accordingly.
• Responsible for clinical incident reporting as per Company policies.
• At all times promote and ensure Infection Prevention & Control Policy is being adhered to.
• Continually monitor and review the work environment to ensure the safety of patients, service users, shareholders and staff.
• Report any incidents or concerns appropriately and undertake investigation or action to mitigate the situation wherever possible.
• Undertake identified audits accurately and factually and respond accordingly to results that fall below required standard.
• Assist the PM in addressing any raised complaints or concerns with a thorough, non-biased approach.

Confidential Matters

• Ensure that you are familiar with and adhere to TDP policy and procedures on Information Governance. This includes disclosure of information, records management and management of confidential information.
• Always maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ensure accurate, appropriate and clear record keeping as per Clinic Processes.
• Answer telephone calls courteously, relay messages accurately and promptly, and answer general enquiries by visitors.

Professional Standards and Performance Review

• Participate in statutory and mandatory training as appropriate for the post.
• Maintain consistently high, personal and professional standards and at all times behave in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct.
• Take responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of personal and professional competence and to encourage that of colleagues.
• Participate in own appraisal process including identifying performance standards for the post, personal objective setting, and the creation of a personal development plan.

Additional Duties

This job description is intended to be a guide and will be subject to review/change. Changes made following consultation with the post holder.

Academic/Vocational Qualifications

• Nursing Degree / Diploma.
• Current registration with NMC.

Experience

• Significant post-registration nursing experience.
• Extended practical knowledge of Dermatology.
• Experience of delivering treatments in dermatology setting.
• Knowledge of patient database systems.
• Actively undertaking training to support care delivery.
• Experience and knowledge of working in an outpatient / clinic set up.

Skills and Qualities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Passion for patient care and delivering an effective service.
• Numeracy and administrative skills.
• Organisational and time management skills.
• Demonstrates a professional, confident and calm approach.
• Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and problem solve.
• Works to well established routines/procedures.
• Able to develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships with all staff and patients.
• Reliable attendance and timekeeping.