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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

CLINICAL

After a period of training, complete a full clinical evaluation and assessment, including history taking and comprehensive physical examination of all patients undergoing elective cardiothoracic and cardiology procedures, identify appropriate investigations, including X-ray and Echocardiogram. Interpret and act upon complex clinical findings and investigation results, including discussing with or notifying consultants, GP or other healthcare providers. The core responsibilities of the role involve initiating individualised plans of care, addressing any complex health and well-being needs. Refer to, liaise with, and maintain effective communication with patients, carers, other members of the multi-disciplinary team and primary / secondary care services. Assess patient/ family understanding of information provided using appropriate techniques. Identify complex patients who are at high risk of re-admission and escalate accordingly. Plan for a safe and timely discharge with patients, family and carers. The CNP provides medicines management advice to patients and their families/carers at all points of the pre op pathway, e.g. before the patient is seen in clinic or following their pre assessment. The practitioner must also demonstrate an understanding of competing and sometimes complex medication regimes including anticoagulation advice, and how to adapt these for individual patients in collaboration with the assigned consultant. This requires a basic understanding of commonly used drugs in cardiothoracic/cardiology services. The successful candidates will work towards completion of non-medical prescriber training or reactivation of current qualifications in line with Trust policy. Following appropriate training, the nurse practitioners also consent patients for identified procedures on behalf of the supervising consultant. Provide a telephone help-line service for advice and support for patients and their families waiting for and following procedures. Produce, update and contribute to patient information literature, policies and protocols which are Trust wide in their scope. The team collaborate with and contribute to Trust wide projects that impact the pre op pathway. Contribute to the development and management of nurse led services and role development in line with strategic targets and national and local guidelines.CLINICAL

QUALITY

Utilise an evidence based approach to the management of patient health and illness Ensure practice complies with trust policies, procedures and clinical guidelines Engage in clinical supervision, self-reflection, audit and quality initiatives that contribute to improvements in care and practice Analyse audit information to assess activity and quality and share across relevant forums. Continually monitor standards of care and evaluate service delivery, identifying areas for improvement and initiate changes as indicated. Network and liaise with other Trusts to ensure best practice and disseminate new ideas. Work with national and regional agencies to develop services. Participate in the clinical supervision of hospital staff, attend relevant national, regional and local meetings to advocate and promote best practice. Support and take an active role in Trust and Department of Health initiatives such as Benchmarking and Clinical Quality.

MANAGERIAL/LEADERSHIP

Actively lead and manage projects to enhance the Clinical Nurse Practitioner (CNP) role and improve services in line with local and national agendas. Collaboratively work across health care sectors to improve the patient experience and maximise the efficiency of service delivery. Take a proactive approach to planning the CNP workload to ensure smooth running of service. Co-ordinate and manage the daily running of the clinics, negotiate with clinical and non-clinical personnel. Provide specialist, expert clinical knowledge to colleagues, patients and carers/relatives. Participate in professional and policy making activities that contributes to the development of the CNP role and the health and wellbeing of patients.

EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENT

Identify own learning needs with subsequent planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes/ strategies to meet identified need(s) Attend appropriate conferences, study days and courses to keep up to date with local, regional and national initiatives and objectives. Participate in the education of pre and post registered nurses and specifically contribute to the development of future CNPs. Provide expert teaching and support for staff undertaking specialist courses. Support and teach MSc students during their placement at Liverpool Heart and Chest hospital. 

GENERAL STATEMENTS CONFIDENTIALITY

 All employees must adhere to policies and procedures relating to Information Governance, Confidentiality and Information Security.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trust is committed to approaching the control of risks in a strategic and organised manner. The postholder must be aware of their individual responsibilities as detailed in the Trusts Risk Management, Health & Safety and Incident policies, and those under the Health and Safety at Work Act. This includes the reporting of any untoward incident, accident, potential or actual hazard identified.

SAFEGUARDING

All staff are required to be familiar with the arrangements for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and support the organisation in promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Staff working directly with children, young people and vulnerable adults will have a responsibility to ensure safeguarding and promoting their welfare forms an integral part of their duties. Staff who come into contact with children, vulnerable adults, parents and carers in the course of their work and/or have access to records will have responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Staff who come into contact in the course of their duties, with parents, carers or other significant adults or children, young people and vulnerable adults should always be mindful of safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of these individuals.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

 The Trust is a Health Promoting Hospital. The Trust expects that when you are presented with opportunities to improve the lifestyle of our patients you seek help from appropriately trained clinical staff to ensure patients are supported and assisted in making the necessary lifestyle changes. This is in accordance with best practice as described in the DoH white paper Choosing Health Making Healthy Choices Easier. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to achieving equal opportunities. All employees are expected to observe this policy in relation to the public and fellow employees. All staff are expected to adhere to, and act in accordance with, the values & behaviours of the Trust. This document is intended to be used as a guide to the general scope of duties involved in this post. It is not exhaustive and should not therefore be used as a rigid specification. It will be kept under review and amended as required in consultation with the postholder.