Lymphoedema Nurse – Harpenden – Band 6

Job Title: Community Lymphoedema Specialist Practitioner

Band: 6

Responsible to: Clinical Operational Manager

Accountable to: CBU Manager

Base: Harpenden Memorial or Elstree way clinic.

Job Purpose

This is a broad summary of the role detailing key areas of operation and responsibilities – further detail will be provided in the Main Duties and Responsibilities section, below, which provides more granular detail.

The post holder will be responsible for:

• Assesses and manages patients with all types of lymphoedema with a degree of autonomy and responsibility for own caseload under the supervision of Lead Practitioner.
• Assesses and plans care for complex patients, including skin care, exercise, compression therapy and SLD/MLD.
• To manage, under supervision, the prevention of chronic oedema related exacerbations, including cellulitis, ulceration and lymphorrhagia and develop specialist knowledge to be able to advise staff, patients and carers.
• Assists in the delivery of an effective and comprehensive lymphoedema service.
• With support of lead practitioner, delivers training, formally or informally, on all aspects of chronic oedema management to patients, carers and to all staff groups in the multidisciplinary team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• To provide and develop specialist advice of best practice relating to all aspects of lymphoedema in line with both local and national guidance to all staffs, patients and carers.
• To ensure safe practice within the NMC or HPC Code of Professional Conduct and adhere to the trust’s policies and procedures.
• To establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team in order to facilitate patient choice and independence.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate complex clinical care holistically, and refer onwards appropriately.
• To assist with innovations and improvements in practice related to lymphoedema including the assessment and evaluation of related products and equipment with the aim of continuously improving cost effective care.
• To ensure personal, professional, and clinical expertise is upheld through regular evaluation and updating of individual practice.

Communication

• Establish effective working relationships with clients, families and carers.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with individuals and groups across all relevant health and social care service organizations, exploring complex and sensitive issues relating to care options and decisions.
• Provide accurate and relevant written/ IT communication in the form of care plans and reports relating to clients with the specialist care need.
• Be competent in the use of Email, Microsoft Office and relevant patient information systems (RIO, EPR, EMIS)
• Provide information and advice at all stages of the client pathway, communicating complex condition related information to clients/carers and relatives within scope of professional practice.
• Actively contribute to interdisciplinary meetings, supervisory sessions and case conferences to ensure seamless services for clients.

Administration

• To ensure that timely and accurate data collection takes place, as required by
• the trust. To efficiently record patient information on EMIS database.
• To attend and participate in relevant meetings.
• To report and document on the trust Datix system any incident or accident to a patient or member of staff, and with the support of senior colleagues take appropriate action.
• To be aware of and act in accordance with Trust Operational Policies. This includes Health and Safety at Work policy and the Complaints policy.
• To be responsible for the care and safe keeping of equipment and to report any defect or loss

Personal and Professional responsibilities

• To participate in appraisal and performance review, maintaining an up-to-date Personal Development Portfolio.
• To maintain appropriate and up to date knowledge and skills and undertake continuing education in accordance with personal and service needs.
• To provide advice, support and education to non-specialist colleagues.
• To provide care within the clinical governance framework.

Finance/Resources

• Assist with developing and maintaining a cost-effective formulary, and promote adherence to the Trust formulary.
• To ensure efficient use of medical devices including safe and correct use of all equipment

Apply today or email Kayley.west@xylaservices.com for further details