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The following are the core responsibilities of the Practice Nurse. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks. This will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

• a. To support the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) lead and to work to the IPC Policy supporting the implementation of audits, training, support and evidence of compliance to the practice manager


• b. To support the production of the IPC annual statement in conjunction with the Infection Control Lead.


• c. To develop, implement and embed an effective care management programme for the frail and housebound patients registered at the practice


• d. To assess the needs of patients ensuring the provision of healthcare is appropriate, incorporating evidence-based practice


• e. To develop, implement and embed health promotion and wellbeing programmes


• f. To undertake cervical cytology, and manage call and recall of patients


• g. To implement contraception and sexual health services


• h. To implement vaccination programmes for adults and children


• i. Managing minor ailments and injuries


• j. To implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for chronic disease patients that promote health and wellbeing


• k. To identify, manage and support patients at risk of developing long-term conditions, preventing adverse effects to patients health


• l. As required, to provide routine nursing care to patients in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF


• m. As required, to manage chronic conditions


• n. To prescribe medication for patients in accordance with PGDs and own scope of practice


• o. To review patient medications to enhance compliance


• p. To provide guidance to patients in the use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications regarding side effects and dosages


• q. To co-ordinate the provision of travel medicine services


• r. To request pathology services and process pathology results as required


• s. To oversee the provision of chronic disease clinics, delivering patient care as necessary, referring patients to secondary/specialist care as required


• t. To maintain accurate clinical records in conjunction with extant legislation


• u. To ensure read codes are used effectively by all members of the nursing team


• v. To ensure the appropriate maintenance and use of chronic disease registers


• w. To develop, implement, embed and participate in well woman clinics


• x. To develop, implement, embed and participate in well man clinics


• y. To ensure compliance with the practice chaperone policy


• z. To assist GPs with minor surgery when required


• aa. To prioritise health issues and intervene appropriately


• bb. To support the team in dealing with clinical emergencies


• cc. To recognise, assess and refer patients presenting with mental health needs


• dd. An understanding of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and other enhanced services


• ee. To support patients in the use of their prescribed medicines or over-the-counter medicines (within own scope of practice)


• ff. To liaise with external services/agencies to ensure the patient is supported appropriately (vulnerable patients etc.)


• gg. To delegate clinical responsibilities appropriately (ensuring safe practice and the task is within the scope of practice of the individual)


• hh. To support the clinical team with all safeguarding matters, in accordance with local and national policies


• ii. To understand practice and local policies for substance abuse and addictive behaviour, referring patients appropriately


• jj. To deliver opportunistic health promotion where appropriate

Secondary responsibilities

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Practice Nurse may be requested to:

• a. Develop and review audit protocols and process for the practice, effectively utilising the audit cycle


• b. Develop, review and implement nursing protocols in conjunction with the partners


• c. Support all members of the nursing team, providing guidance when necessary, conducting appraisals and training needs analyses as required


• d. Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care


• e. Support and participate in shared learning within the practice in order to improve patient care


• f. Continually review clinical practices, responding to national policies and initiatives where appropriate


• g. Participate in the review of significant and near-miss events applying a structured approach, i.e., root cause analysis (RCA)


• h. Coordinate the nursing team rota, ensuring sufficient staff are available to meet patient needs


• i. Lead the planning and implementation of changes within the nursing team, enhancing the provision of services to patients


• j. Support the practice team with the reviewing and implementation of practice policies and protocols, ensuring conformance to extant legislation