Lead Nurse

The Dermatology Partnership; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in dermatology is seeking a dedicated nurse to join their team. This role involves working closely with dermatologists and surgeons to provide high-quality patient care, ensuring compliance with clinical standards, and promoting a positive, patient-focused culture. You will have the opportunity to lead and mentor junior staff while engaging with new technologies to enhance patient services. If you are passionate about dermatology and committed to delivering exceptional care, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Significant post-registration nursing experience required.
• Extended practical knowledge of Dermatology is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist Dermatologists in specialized procedures and patient care.
• Ensure compliance with clinical standards and guidelines.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Passion for patient care

Organisational and time management skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Numeracy and administrative skills

Ability to multi-task and problem solve

Education

Nursing Degree / Diploma

Current registration with NMC

Tools

Patient database systems

Job description

To work alongside the Practice Manager in maintaining a high quality, comprehensive service of care to both patients and Consultants within the Clinic. To work with the Head of Nursing in ensuring clinical standards remain a key focus in line with CQC requirements by monitoring, assessing, escalating and implementing improvements where and when necessary.

Main Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare for all Dermatology clinics held throughout the week, in advance of need.
• Assist Dermatologists and Surgeons with a range of specialised procedures such as general dermatology and skin care surgery.
• Plan and organise the workload of clinical staff to support the clinic sufficiently in line with capability, skill and availability.
• Work alongside the Practice Manager to undertake audits and embed necessary compliance measures.
• Identify and enable opportunity to develop nurse-led follow-up services.
• Ensure compliance with NICE Guidelines and TDP Policies & Procedures by all clinical staff.
• Promote the TDP Vision and Values amongst staff to promote a positive, patient-focused culture within the clinic.
• Support patient understanding through the provision of education and resources to patients, their families and staff.
• Engage with new technology and practices, promoting this amongst the team in the drive to improve patient services.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of relevant nursing care for patients including dressing/bandaging techniques and the removal of sutures/clips.
• Support the patient throughout their visit ensuring safe and effective care from start to finish.
• Ensure patients and carers have received sufficient and relevant verbal and written information.
• Educate each patient on how to protect their skin, prevent illnesses and care for skin diseases/conditions at home.
• Assist and chaperone patients whilst clinical examinations/procedures are being undertaken.
• Assist medical staff with fine needle aspirations, core biopsies and take responsibility for the collection/labelling of specimens.
• Ensure high standards of care in various Nurse-led follow-up clinics including phototherapy, cryotherapy, acne clinics, PRP and related clinics, patch testing and assisting in minor surgery.
• Prepare specific equipment required within the Department prior to clinical procedures.
• Act as patient advocate and always ensure patient satisfaction.
• Assist in creating a supportive and caring environment.
• Promote high standards of clinical care to all our patients.
• Check referral letters, results and x-rays are available for clinical sessions.

Personnel Management

• Supervise and demonstrate procedures to junior staff qualified and unqualified.
• Assist in the mentoring and teaching of student nurses, bank nurses and HCAs within the Clinic.
• Enhance quality of care by assisting with the management of change in nursing practice based on evidence/research.
• Manage the activities of all Nurse staff, ensuring that an effective service is provided.
• Promote holistic patient care through multi-disciplinary engagement and team working.
• Provide strong, visible and accessible leadership to your team.
• Actively promote the clinic’s culture with staff and with external bodies.
• Alongside the Practice Manager ensure staff receive annual appraisal, regular 1-1 interaction and staff meetings.
• Plan and organise regular audits with team training, refresher training and inductions with the Practice Manager.
• Provide clinical supervision and guidance at regular intervals and where necessary / if required.

Systems and Equipment

• Record biographical details of individuals in manual and computerised records.
• Prepare specific equipment required within the department prior to clinical procedures, using decontamination techniques prior to mandatory safety checks.
• Maintain, monitor, control and order stock and equipment within the department, reporting any deficit or maintenance required.
• Prepare clinical area and department prior to start of clinic.

Clinical Governance

• At all times ensure Health and Safety Standards are adhered to by all clinical staff, in accordance with TDP Policy.
• Ensure you are familiar with and uphold TDP Policies, in particular those relating to patient safety – Incident Reporting, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity, IP&C.
• Ensure processes, facilities and services are in keeping with CQC requirements and any identified concerns are escalated accordingly.
• Responsible for clinical incident reporting as per Company policies.
• At all times promote and ensure Infection Prevention & Control Policy is being adhered to.
• Continually monitor and review the work environment to ensure the safety of patients, service users, shareholders and staff.
• Report any incidents or concerns appropriately and undertake investigation or action to mitigate the situation wherever possible.
• Undertake identified audits accurately and factually and respond accordingly to results that fall below required standard.
• Assist the PM in addressing any raised complaints or concerns with a thorough, non-biased approach.

Confidential Matters

• Ensure that you are familiar with and adhere to TDP policy and procedures on Information Governance. This includes disclosure of information, records management and management of confidential information.
• Always maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ensure accurate, appropriate and clear record keeping as per Clinic Processes.
• Answer telephone calls courteously, relay messages accurately and promptly, and answer general enquiries by visitors.

Professional Standards and Performance Review

• Participate in statutory and mandatory training as appropriate for the post.
• Maintain consistently high, personal and professional standards and at all times behave in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct.
• Take responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of personal and professional competence and to encourage that of colleagues.
• Participate in own appraisal process including identifying performance standards for the post, personal objective setting, and the creation of a personal development plan.

Additional Duties

This job description is intended to be a guide and will be subject to review/change. Changes made following consultation with the post holder.

Academic/Vocational Qualifications

• Nursing Degree / Diploma.
• Current registration with NMC.

Experience

• Significant post-registration nursing experience.
• Extended practical knowledge of Dermatology.
• Experience of delivering treatments in dermatology setting.
• Knowledge of patient database systems.
• Actively undertaking training to support care delivery.
• Experience and knowledge of working in an outpatient / clinic set up.

Skills and Qualities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Passion for patient care and delivering an effective service.
• Numeracy and administrative skills.
• Organisational and time management skills.
• Demonstrates a professional, confident and calm approach.
• Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and problem solve.
• Works to well established routines/procedures.
• Able to develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships with all staff and patients.
• Reliable attendance and timekeeping.