Job summary

A vacancy has arisen for a dynamic, enthusiastic Staff Nurse to work in the Department of Immunology and Allergy on the Eden Unit within the Medicine service line, Derriford Hospital.

Applicants should be a Registered Nurse with a BSc in Nursing and must be committed to delivering high quality care in a busy environment.

You should show an interested in Immune Deficiency and Allergy, possibly with some experience in asthma/eczema/allergic disease though this is not essential as full training will be given. The successful candidate will be expected to learn to cannulate and take blood samples and training will be provided.

The Eden Unit is a busy Day Case and Out-Patient Unit where you will have the opportunity to develop specialist skills and expertise whilst working as part of a small, friendly team. You will assist in immunoglobulin infusion clinics, general allergy clinics, desensitisation clinics, and with food and drug allergy challenges. The Eden unit is also responsible for the running of the Covid medicines delivery unit (CMDU) for vulnerable patients and the post holders will be expected to help support the unit when required.

The Eden Unit's current working hours are 9-5 Monday-Friday, with occasional rotational weekends and evening clinics if required.

For further information and an informal discussion, please telephone John Dixon or Natalie Leslie, Specialist Nurses on 01752 431672/5 or email plh-tr.eden@nhs.net

Main duties of the job

Responsible for delivering a high standard of effective Nursing care following a patient-centred model of practice and ensuring area of work runs smoothly and efficiently.

Develop clinical expertise and work as part of a multidisciplinary team within a Peninsula wide service.

Work under the supervision of the Nurse Consultant and Specialist Nurses whilst developing own specialist knowledge.

Work independently having freedom to act whilst being accountable for own professional actions.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To work alongside specialist Allergy and Immunology staff across a range of outpatient and day case clinics
• To rapidly acquire the knowledge and skills to undertake the important repertoire of tests and procedures in the department, and be fully trained to work independently
• To perform skin prick testing, intradermal testing, and adrenaline auto-injector training (after local training where required)
• To support the medical staff and nurses to undertake day cases to include drug challenges, and injectable and sublingual immunotherapies.
• To monitor the wellbeing of patients throughout these procedures
• To be involved in immunoglobulin infusion clinics, and maintain skills in venepuncture and cannulation, and the intravenous administration of medication.
• To be involved in the CMDU administering COVID medicines (if required)
• To assess, plan, implement and review delivery of immunoglobulin therapy ensuring that full, clear, accurate, and legible documentation is maintained.
• To explain to patients and their carers the function and nature of tests and procedures carried out in the department and provide clinical support for these tests where needed.
• To order stores and medication required in the department with particular reference to this role.
• To participate in the development and implementation of guidelines, protocols, and nursing care plans for patients
• To work as part of a Nurse-led team, reporting as appropriate to the Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Consultant, or Immunology Consultants
• To always ensure confidentiality only releasing confidential information obtained during employment to those acting in an official capacity.
• Ensure seamless cover of annual leave and study leave

RESEARCH AND AUDIT

• Be involved in research and participate in any Nursing research that improves quality of care and outcomes
• Participate in clinical audits within the department and assist in implementing changes based on these findings
• Evaluate research findings and facilitate evidence-based practice
• Attend courses/training relevant to audit and research

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work in accordance with the Trusts corporate objectives
• Participate in the development of strategies for the Immunology and Allergy service, within a changing environment, for delivering high quality, effective specialist care, using evidence-based programmes, to improve the quality of care and health outcomes.
• Always maintain Patient and Staff Health and Safety and report any breaches using the Trust DATIX system.
• Be familiar with the Health and Safety at work Act (1974) and its implications and ensure that the Unit and Trust policies are followed
• In particular, be familiar with the departments fire, manual handling, and COSHH policies and complete all of the Trusts mandatory training updates
• Be fully trained in iCM and iPM; knowledge of EPMA, SALUS and other systems as required
• Co-operate with all members of the multidisciplinary team

EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To provide education to patients and families regarding their condition and treatments
• Promote the dissemination of Immunology/Allergy knowledge within the multi-professional environment
• To participate in teaching programmes when appropriate
• Compile a personal and professional portfolio in accordance with NMC requirements with reference to the AfC Knowledge and Skills Framework
• To be involved in professional liaison with other bodies such as the Immunology and Allergy Nurses Group (IANG), British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI), UK Primary immune deficiency Network (UKPIN) and local Networks.
• Participate in clinical supervision of student Nurses and, where appropriate, junior medical staff

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• The post holder will always conduct themselves in a professional manner by:
  • Acting as a role model of expert clinical practice, empowering others through effective role modelling, teaching and teamwork
  • Acting in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors
  • Carry out such duties as may be required and are consistent with the responsibilities for the grade.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder is expected to communicate with a variety of personnel, including but not exclusively:

• • Other members of Nursing staff both junior and senior in other departments in this Trust and outside
  • Medical staff from all grades within and without the Trust to include GPs and other Speciality Consultants
  • Members of the Professions allied to Medicine
  • Other support staff managerial, clerical, housekeeping, estates, portering.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Post-registration experience
• Experience of working within a multi-professional team
• Venepuncture, cannulation and IV administration skills

Desirable

• Immunology experience or experience of administering blood products and/or high risk drugs
• Asthma/eczema/allergic disease experience
• Experience of delivering education and training formally and informally to patients and professionals
• FFP3 Mask fit trained

Qualifications

Essential

• First level RGN/RN
• Relevant first degree BSc Nursing or equivalent
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Desirable

• Keen to work towards Higher level qualifications e.g. MSc, Cert Ed or Cert
• Med Ed, Non-medical prescribing or prepared to start course of further study

Other Factors

Essential

• Clinical trials are undertaken in this area of work

Desirable

• Previous research/audit experience
• Prepared to travel
• Driving licence: own transport

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

• Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
• Attention to detail
• Accuracy
• Time management skills
• Organisational skills
• Good IT skills

Disposition, Attitude & Motivation

Essential

• Team worker
• Able to cope under pressure
• Proactive, takes own initiative
• Enthusiastic and motivated

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

216-LD-M5323069