Physical Health Nurse

As a Physical Health Nurse at Thornford Park Hospital, you will be responsible for promoting, assessing, monitoring and improving the physical health and wellbeing of patients receiving inpatient mental health care. Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, you will ensure that patients receive high-quality physical healthcare in line with national guidance, organisational policies and individual care plans.

Elysium Healthcare brings together a unique approach to the delivery of care where the patient is embedded in the heart of all aspects of hospital life. Our inclusive way of working has the patient as a true partner in their care. We recognise that each and every member of staff has an important role to play in the success of Elysium.

It is with their dedication, passion and hard work that we can deliver excellent care programs that truly benefit the patients.  

What you will be doing:

You will support the safe management and monitoring of high-dose antipsychotic medication and Clozapine treatment through regular physical health monitoring, blood sampling and ECG assessment.

You will attend multidisciplinary team meetings, providing specialist physical health advice and supporting ward teams in the management of complex physical healthcare needs.

You will develop, implement and evaluate individual physical healthcare plans, ensuring patients receive appropriate assessment, intervention and ongoing review.

You will engage patients in the management of long-term health conditions, including undertaking annual diabetic reviews and supporting the management of respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.

You will support the smooth running of physical healthcare clinics across the hospital, including GP, podiatry, dental and specialist healthcare appointments, acting as an advocate for patients and promoting engagement with treatment.

You will also support patients to access NHS national screening programmes and preventative healthcare services.

As part of the role, you will facilitate annual vaccination programmes, including seasonal flu clinics, and lead health promotion initiatives across the hospital. You will encourage patients and staff to engage in campaigns that promote healthy lifestyles, improve physical wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.

You will undertake acute and chronic wound assessments and provide evidence-based wound care interventions.

You will also carry out routine clinical procedures including venepuncture, physical health observations, ECG recording and catheterisation, maintaining competence in both male and female catheterisation.

You will contribute to the continuous improvement of physical healthcare services, helping to educate and support colleagues to improve knowledge, confidence and standards of physical healthcare delivery throughout the hospital.

To be successful as a RGN Physical Healthcare Nurse, you’ll need:

A valid NMC registration as a Registered General Nurse (RGN), Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) or Registered Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD).

A minimum of two years' post-registration clinical experience.

Experience in venepuncture, catheterisation, wound care management and physical healthcare assessment.

Knowledge of chronic disease management, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and COPD.

A good understanding of mental health conditions and the impact they can have on physical health and wellbeing.

Excellent communication, organisation and multidisciplinary working skills.

The ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a wider team.

Experience working within a mental health setting would be advantageous but is not essential.

Where you will be working:

Location:

Thornford Park, Crookham Hill,…