Detailed job description and main responsibilities

·         Will work across the hospital with responsibility for patients with heart failure in the inpatient, outpatient, community and virtual ward setting.

·         Will be responsible for the early identification of patients for the Heart Failure virtual ward from the acute setting and supporting the on-going care for patients whos are actively being managed on the virtual wards.

·         The post holder will take overall responsibility to develop the specialist area of practice in partnership with other members of the specialty team (Lead clinician, Matron, service Lead etc) and will work collaboratively to develop services and quality of care delivered.

·         The post holder will be expected to act as the patients advocate at all times.

·         The post holder will carry responsibility for their defined caseloads and offer highly specialist service advise which includes setting the standards of care, the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care.

·         The post holder will contribute to achieving the objectives of the role and work within the clinical governance framework.

·         Will work autonomously managing own clinical caseload and to support the virtual wards.

·         Will use relevant specialist training, knowledge, and expertise to clinically diagnose, assess and deliver evidence-based care through education and advise on self-management.

·         To practice at an advanced level when performing reconstitution of intravenous medication and the administration of intravenous medication using the correct equipment.

·         Peripheral cannulation and the ability of performing point of care blood tests, review and interpret the results and escalate concerns.

·         Deliver training to patients/carers, medical and nursing staff in hospital and community settings regarding IV therapy and IV access.

·         Monitor indicators, anticipating possible decline and proactively managing this, to ensure optimum wellbeing and independence.

·         Collaborate with team members to devise protocols, guidelines, and policies.

·         Act as a focal point for support and advice, offering specialist advise whilst supporting patients and their carers to navigate the patient pathway.

·         Provide telephone support, assessment, and advice to people with heart failure on their management in accordance with national and local guidelines and practice.

·         Contribute to the achievement of standards/compliance of targets through participation in local and national audits to meet best practice tariffs and improve patient care and outcomes.

·         To support the delivery of education to the wider community nursing teams and primary care colleagues.

·         To support the vision, purpose, and objectives of the community heart failure service

·         To support the Nurse manager of the community heart failure service to ensure the service achieves the quality, performance, productivity, and financial requirements.

·         To be accountable for the management of patients in your care, to ensure a high standard of evidence based, clinical care is maintained from the very start of their journey to end of life care.

·         Ensure all electronic based patient records are kept up to date in line with the trusts record keeping policy.

·         Work within CHFT policy and service specific standard operating procedures.

·         To work in partnership with patients encouraging appropriate use of the resource, including social care agencies and the voluntary sector, raising the profile of heart failure service needs across Calderdale and Huddersfield considering diversity and equality.

·         Work with colleagues in the acute trust and primary care to identify patients who need the support of the multidisciplinary team to prevent frequent hospital admissions.

·         Within the scope of professional practice maintain and extend knowledge and skills to undertake practice which meets the needs of the patients.

·         Working with patients/families/carers and the MDT to provide therapeutic care that anticipates and responds to the needs to the patients. Striving for continuous improvements in the delivery of high-quality patient focused care. This will involve the blurring of boundaries between the professions through the development of competencies.

·         To be responsible for the issue and safe use of equipment used in your area of work and to adhere to the appropriate service policies.

·         To take responsibility for professional development in agreement with the line manager, meeting NMC/HPC requirements as part of an identified performance review and personal development plan.

·         To participate in clinical supervision on a regular basis and act as a supervisor and PDR review for less experienced staff.

·         Maintain and record accurate documentation for all patients.

·         Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and empathy in all communications.

·         Proactively manage the delivery of unscheduled, unpredictable episodes of care with appropriate use of initiative regarding crisis management and end of life care.

·         Undertake delegated care without direct supervision where appropriate. This may require the use of Observational/analytical skills to monitor the health and well-being of clients.

·         Act as a role model for quality care always, promoting the need for effective evidence-based interventions and compassionate care.

·         Will be supportive in the use of remote monitoring for those able to use the technology.

·         Undertake on-going service reviews which will shape the service in response to user involvement, professional opinion, and audit along with local and national guidance.

·         Work with the identified clinical leads and appropriate members of the MDT to support the reviews of all patient/carer information and the production of appropriate new information as identified, ensuring these are offered at all appropriate points of the pathway of care in line with local, network and national guidelines and initiatives as appropriate.

·         Manage time and resource effectively, ensuring cost effective practice and assisting the directorate management team to meet financial targets.

·         Complete all mandatory training in a timely manner

·         Participate annually identifying, developing, and agreeing your own development plan with your line manager using the Trust Appraisal

·         Comply with all Trust policies, procedures, and protocols.

·         Seek advice and support from line manager whenever necessary.

·         Maintain professional conduct always including appearance.

·         Ensure maintenance of professional registration

·         Attend regular relevant meetings (internal and external) and provide effective channels of communication within the team as required.

·         Maintain a flexible approach and develop the role according to needs.

·         Participate in and promote patient and public involvement in the Virtual Ward service.

·         Develop relevant educational resources for patients, carers and staff.