Sexual Health Nurse

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and dynamic registered nurse who has a keen interest in sexual and reproductive health to join the West Sexual Health Service team in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk. The post is for 22.5 hrs worked over 3 days flexibly including evenings The successful candidates will be based within Sexual Health Services at Ashurst Health Centre and will also work in community clinics throughout West Lancashire.

We would like an individual with excellent communication skills who enjoys working as part of a team. The post holder will work as part of the Sexual Health Services team, providing care to patients requiring testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and / or requiring contraception. Sexual Health Services offer clinics both during the day (Monday to Saturday) and in the evenings (latest clinic finishes at 20:00).

There is an expectation that the successful candidate will work across these sessions on a rota basis. They will provide sexual health advice, education, asymptomatic screening and treatments to patients in a supportive confidential environment, recognising when to refer a problem onto a Doctor or Senior Nurse within the service. This will include undertaking partner notification in line with BASHH guidelines to reduce to spread of infection in the community.

Perform venepuncture, in line with Trust Policy. Issue prescribed medication as requested by medical staff and non-medical prescribers and offer relevant/necessary advice to patients. Provide sexual health advice to patients following a positive STI diagnosis, initiate treatments as per Patient Group Directions and implement partner notification measures as per local guidelines. Administer vaccinations and immunisations (e.g. Hepatitis A/B and HPV vaccines) in conjunction with clinical protocol and Patient Group Directions Provide sexual health information, advice, teaching and support to patients enabling them to select and use a method of contraception suited to their needs.

Follow agreed clinic protocols and patient group directions, to supply emergency contraception, and re-issue combined oral and progesterone only contraceptive methods and Depo-Provera injections, checking the relevant histories in relation to these methods previously undertaken by senior staff in the service.,

• To undertake sexual health histories, including the assessment of asymptomatic patients, offering appropriate tests as per clinic guidelines.
• To perform venepuncture, in line with Trust Policy.
• To issue prescribed medication as requested by medical staff and non-medical prescribers and offer relevant/necessary advice to patients.
• To provide sexual health advice to patients following a positive STI diagnosis, initiate treatments as per Patient Group Directions and implement partner notification measures as per local guidelines.
• To administer vaccinations and immunisations (e.g. Hepatitis A/B and HPV vaccines) in conjunction with clinical protocol and Patient Group Directions
• To provide sexual health information, advice, teaching and support to patients enabling them to select and use a method of contraception suited to their needs.
• To follow agreed clinic protocols and patient group directions, to supply emergency contraception, and re-issue combined oral and progesterone only contraceptive methods and Depo-Provera injections, checking the relevant histories in relation to these methods previously undertaken by senior staff in the service.
• Support the Senior Sexual Health Nurses to maintain a high level of service to patients in the absence of a Doctor and referral to alternative clinics/agencies as appropriate.
• To ensure excellent documentation of patient care in the electronic patient records.
• Act as the patient's advocate at all times and promote their privacy, dignity and modesty during the clinic visit.
• Assess patients under the age of 16 using Fraser Guidelines; adhering to local Safeguarding Policies with referral to appropriate agencies as needed (i.e. Safeguarding team, Social services, Family protection unit, Police).
• Be responsible for the continuity of patient care during their clinic…