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
• Assisting 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 focusses 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
• Promoting 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 meetingsPlan 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
• Assisted in

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