Community Neurology Nurse

To support the Community Neurology Nurse Practitioner in ensuring that patients with neurological conditions receive the care outlined in the NSF for Long Term Conditions (DOH 2005) and the NICE guidelines for MS (DOH 2003) and PD (DOH 2006) focusing on key recommendations for service delivery. Reflecting local needs and Chief Nursing Officer Key roles outlined in the NHS plan (DOH 2001).

Which include diagnostic investigations, make and receive referrals, and within agreed protocols, manage patient caseloads and treatments using the latest IT to triage patients to the most appropriate health professional when required. Provide support to the Clinical Coordinator and the Integrated Neurology MDT team involved in the provision of care ensuring that there is a minimal waiting time for the service.

To improve the patient experience by providing services closer to home, enabling a shift of services from Secondary to Community Care. Offering a holistic 'patient centred' assessment in a multi-disciplinary setting. To be responsible for the delivery of a nurse led clinic in order to provide care closer to the patient's home. To keep updated with new products, procedures and treatments.

To use and have direct involvement in existing audit, benchmarking and evaluation tools within the neurology service. To contribute to the development of the Integrated Care Pathway. Assess care of patient's needs including their information and nursing requirements -- liaising with other nurses, members of other health care professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies and act upon this information to develop a care plan in relation to patients with complex needs.

Facilitate nursing practice based on current evidence based advances in relation to patients with neurological conditions, and ensure the preservation of patient dignity and privacy at all times. Educationally be involved with education to patients and their family/carers. Professionally maintain registration, following the NMC Code of Professional Conduct. Keep up-to-date with general specialist training, reading relevant journals and attendance at study days to further develop knowledge and competencies relevant to role.

To actively participate in clinical supervision in a supportive environment, to reflect and learn from practice by working in close collaboration with other specialist neurology nurses in the area. Play an active part in the development of local policies and guidelines by contributing to multi -- disciplinary working groups. Work collaboratively with Clinical Coordinator and medical consultants, GPs, seeking advice, help and support and make referrals as agreed seeking advice, help and support and make referrals as agreed in care pathways.

In the absence of the Neurology Nurse Practitioner, acting as deputy and assuming responsibility of running of service collaborating with other team members. To maintain a personal commitment to professional development, attend study days and courses and those specific to knowledge base. Organisational Role Comply with the provisions of the ECCHs Policies on Health and Safety at work and risk assessment.

Reporting hazards within the working environment and completing risk and adverse incident documentation as required. Maintain all items of equipment issued to assist in the care of patients including uniform and car in a clean and tidy condition, reporting faults and deficiencies promptly and ensuring that repairs are carried out. Ensure the accurate completion of nursing records, care plans, patient registers within the agreed NMC Code of Conduct.

Submit all nursing and personal claim forms by the 4th of each month. Monitor the quality of care provided by all staff contributing to the care of the patient with neurological conditions and report and correct variances within the ECCHs Clinical Governance framework. Be responsible for own time management and early identification of stressors within the working environment. Work alongside the Community Neurology Nurse Practitioner to ensure the smooth administration of the workload and assist wider team members in problem solving in patient care.

Educa…