The purpose of this role is support the provision of specialist epilepsy services within the Trust. The post-holder will provide direct expert nursing care and interact with healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care, voluntary organisations and other agencies. Education, audit and research will form essential components of the job.

Main duties of the job

Participates as an active member of the Neurology nursing team, accountable for your practice and role modelling the highest standards of care to all members of the team.

Leads in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of epilepsy patients admitted to the Ward / department in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols

Initiates emergency treatment where necessary and co-ordinates other staff in this process.

Develop the knowledge of people with Epilepsy and their carers, and health care professionals about the management of Epilepsy and the symptoms associated with it.

Development, delivery and evaluation of a plan of care for each patient referring to other members of the multidisciplinary team as necessary.

To complete and review epilepsy care plans

Facilitate the early recognition of problems and initiate preventive measures and responses to maintain good health and reduce the need for emergency interventions and unplanned admissions to hospital.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A& E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.

Our Values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication and Team Working

Use advanced communication skills to overcome barriers to understanding for all users of the service.

Communicates proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of epilepsy patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained.

Actively involves others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders to ensure excellent communication.

Ensures the correct advice is available and given to patients and relatives /visitors on both the wards and outpatients with regard to control of infection.

Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages staff to facilitate and enable individuals to assist in their own recovery. Facilitates independence and empower patients in managing their own lives using educational strategies, motivational and persuasive techniques.

Ensures there is information and advice available within own area on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.

Liaise with the voluntary sector in order to develop the services available for people with Epilepsy.

Education, Training and Service Development

Support the development of an Epilepsy Nurse-led Clinic to provide people with Epilepsy and their carers with information and support regarding Epilepsy and its associated symptoms.

Has a well-developed understanding of clinical practice with effective supervision, mentoring and assessment skills.

Provides clinical advice as required to staff, patients and carers which promotes evidence based clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.

Participates in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, pre professional and student nurses in the ward environment.

Support the Band 7 Epilepsy Specialist Nurse in reviewing National policy and guidance ensuring local services meet these recommendations and educate staff within the trust and across BLMK on how to achieve the highest level of care for Epilepsy patients.

Identifies own personal professional development needs, clinical competency and educational needs at their personal appraisal with their line manager.

Participate in education and training programmes appropriately and feeds back knowledge gained to Neurology team.

Support development of other nurses within the neurology department to ensure that they educated and well supported while they develop the skills to become independent practitioners.

Support the teaching and education of health-care professionals about Epilepsy, its treatment and symptom management in both formal and informal settings.

Establishes links with other Epilepsy nurse specialists and Epilepsy nursing networks in order to share and learn from examples of good practice

Research, Audit and Governance

To participate and lead in clinical and nursing audits

To support the research that is happening within the neurology department

To assist in the preparation for external audits or inspections

To support internal quality improvement monitoring

Contribute to and support the development of new clinical guidelines

Keep up to date with current national guidelines for Epilepsy.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• oCurrent NMC registration
• oTeaching and assessing qualification or equivalent
• oEvidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• oMasters degree or willingness to work towards
• oEpilepsy management or other neuroscience course

Experience

Essential

• Significant relevant experience in acute or community nursing

Desirable

• oClinical Audit
• oService evaluation
• oPhysical assessment

Experience

Essential

• oKnowledge of NICE guidelines in Epilepsy
• oKnowledge of Epilepsy management and treatment
• oIT literacy and knowledge of NHS IT systems

Desirable

• oQuality improvement methodology
• oResearch aware

Personal Skills

Essential

• oExcellent verbal and written communication skills
• oHighly self-motivated
• oLeadership
• oCommitted to continuous professional development
• oFlexible and adaptable
• oAble to work under pressure
• oTime management

Desirable

• oCounselling skills

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

418-MED0107-JB