Dementia Nurse

NHS; Dartford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated professional to support the Dementia Specialist Nurse in delivering high-quality care to patients with cognitive impairments. The role involves assessment, planning, and implementing care pathways, ensuring timely discharge and supporting both patients and their caregivers. This position requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and participation in educational programs to enhance dementia care standards. The ideal candidate will have a nursing background with a strong focus on dementia care and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Recent experience of working with people with dementia or cognitive impairment.
• Understanding of the needs of people with dementia and their carers.

Responsibilities

• Support the Dementia Specialist Nurse in delivering quality service.
• Participate in the delivery of the Trust Dementia & delirium education programme.
• Work closely with the MDT in mental capacity assessments.

Skills

Dementia Care

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Registered Nurse

Diploma/Degree level

Job description

The post holder will support the Dementia Specialist Nurse contribute to the delivery of a quality service to patients with cognitive impairment including patients with dementia and delirium; reinforcing standards of care and communicating to care givers. This will involve the assessment of patients admitted to the acute setting and providing advice on the care pathways and needs of the individuals to hospital staff, community staff and patient advocates.

The post holder engage with patients in the provision of evidence based interventions for the assessment and management of Dementia and those with cognitive impairment presenting with challenging behaviour.

They will contribute to the holistic assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care needs to facilitate timely discharge from the acute hospital. This involves carers in all aspects of patient care as appropriate, ensuring carers are referred to carer support services in a timely fashion.

The post holder will participate in the delivery of the Trust Dementia & delirium education programme and report on the Dementia observational audit programme trust wide.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the Dementia Specialist Nurse contribute to the delivery of a quality service to patients with cognitive impairment including patients with dementia and delirium; reinforcing standards of care and communicating to care givers. This will involve the assessment of patients admitted to the acute setting and providing advice on the care pathways and needs of the individuals to hospital staff, community staff and patient advocates.

The post holder engage with patients in the provision of evidence based interventions for the assessment and management of Dementia and those with cognitive impairment presenting with challenging behaviour.

They will contribute to the holistic assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care needs to facilitate timely discharge from the acute hospital. This involves carers in all aspects of patient care as appropriate, ensuring carers are referred to carer support services in a timely fashion.

The post holder will participate in the delivery of the Trust Dementia & delirium education programme and report on the Dementia observational audit programme trust wide.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Job responsibilities

Core Responsibilities: to include level of responsibility for:

1.1 Maintain personal clinical competence and acumen through regular, direct clinical involvement.

1.2 Work at a clinical level around dementia care and be a role model for all staff

1.3 Act as a resource for Dementia information and advice

1.4 Participate with the MDT in mental capacity assessment where required adhering to Mental Capacity Act 2005.

1.5 Ensure compliance with the Mental Capacity Act and the Code of Practice, and consider deprivation of Liberty Safeguards where the situation arises.

1.6 Use a person centred approach that promotes independence and wellbeing.

1.7 Provide clinical support and advice to wards in the management of patients with cognitive impairment with behavioural symptoms of Dementia.

1.8 Support staff within the ward environment providing bedside teaching and coaching when necessary.

1.9 Act as an advocate for patient and carers who are affected by the Dementia and protect their rights and dignity.

1.10 Work closely with the MDT including the patients nurses, acute care team, primary health care team, mental health services and consultants in the care of older people.

1.11 Work autonomously, seeking assistance and referring issues to appropriate colleagues and own line manager when necessary.

1.12 Ensure that the work environment is a safe place for patients, volunteers, staff and the public.

1.13 Work closely with Dementia Specialist Practitioner in providing leadership in dementia care

1.14 Ensure that records are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

1.15 Attend regular meetings and feedback outcomes

1.16 Support and work in partnership with colleagues on research projects relating to dementia care within the Acute Trust

1.17 Alongside the Dementia Specialist Practitioner, be responsible for liaising with relevant statutory and voluntary organisations.

1.18 Support and participate on the Trusts behalf in the Royal College Psychiatrists National Dementia Audit

1.19 Support and implement the Dementia Guardians scheme within the Trust

1.20 Encourage the uptake of the use of the This is Me, Johns Campaign and other dementia specific resources within the Trust.

1.21 Support with the development of the Trust as a Dementia Friendly Environment.

Person Specification

Education and training

• oRegistered Nurse
• oMental Capacity Act training - minimum at Level 2
• oTraining in, and a good understanding of Deprivation of Liberty
• oMoving and Handling training
• oEvidence of continuing development
• oDiploma/Degree level

Knowledge and Skills

• oWork on own initiative.
• oAbility to plan and organise own work.
• oGood organisation and co-ordination skills.
• oGood communication, and interpersonal skills.
• oAbility to plan and organize own work
• oDementia Care
• oSafeguarding
• oClinical Audit
• oCommunity services and how to access

Experience

• oRecent experience of working with people with dementia or cognitive impairment.
• oAn understanding of the needs of people with dementia and their carers
• oKnowledge of: oMental Capacity Act- Code of Practice (2005) oDeprivation of Liberty Safeguarding oCode of Practice (2009). oNational Dementia Strategy (2009). oNICE Guidelines (2010).
• oExperience in participating in/undertaking audit.
• oExperience of dealing with difficult situations, complaints and incidents
• oAn understanding of collaborative working

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.