Job description
The Band 7 Hepatology Nurse will be responsible and accountable for managing a caseload of patients, guiding them through the specialised care pathways of the hepatology nursing service, with a focus on cirrhosis, haemochromatosis, and viral hepatitis. Actively advocate for patients, ensuring their needs, preferences, and concerns are addressed throughout their healthcare journey within the hepatology nursing service. Support the Hepatology Consultants and lead nurse to care for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, along with supporting the continued development of end of life care services and education for liver patients and staff. Collaborate with the nursing lead, CNS team and clinicians to improve care pathways for patients with cirrhosis, haemochromatosis and viral hepatitis.
Act as a highly autonomous practitioner providing assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of specialist care to a caseload of patients. Offer expert advice and guidance to clinical staff on the appropriate management of liver patients to prevent further complications in the short and long term. Assist the lead nurse in managing the day-to-day operations of the hepatology nurse service, resolving operational issues as needed Coordinate and implement action plans and service development projects in collaboration with the line manager and lead clinician. Collaborate closely with the multi-disciplinary management team to ensure seamless and efficient patient access to services.
Actively participate in monitoring and reporting service capacity and demand for smooth operations and optimal patient care. Provide continuous guidance, support, and education to staff in community and hospital settings, as well as throughout the Hepatology network, on matters related to liver disease. Organise and participate in well-being programs, acting as a resource for patients, their relatives, and caregivers, offering guidance on healthy lifestyle choices and addiction-related issues, signposting when necessary. Foster effective collaboration between multi-disciplinary teams and agencies to deliver comprehensive care packages with a holistic approach, enhancing patient outcomes and well-being.
Supervise, lead, and deploy junior clinical staff effectively in alignment with the service's requirements, and in collaboration with senior management to maintain high standards of care delivery and continuity of service provision. Manage change effectively within clinical and non-clinical teams, identifying training needs, facilitating skills development, and conducting workforce planning in conjunction with senior nursing posts to ensure a smooth service transition and development. Demonstrate strong leadership qualities, serving as a visible and competent clinical leader within the service, acting as a role model and motivator for all staff and taking on responsibilities willingly. Network, collaborate, and co-work with primary care and secondary care services, community and voluntary organisations, ensuring effective coordination and integration of services for the benefit of patients and the community.
Develop, implement, and monitor service policies, procedures, and guidelines, using appropriate audit and research methods. Engage service users in the process to support and enable them to prioritise their health needs. Develop, implement, and monitor strategies and interventions aimed at achieving the targets and standards outlined from NHSE, EASL, and BASL guidelines to enhance the quality of care provided to patients. Proactively seek and value patient input on their care, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
Demonstrate the ability to identify, prevent, and diffuse potential areas of conflict, fostering a positive and supportive care environment. Actively participate in the investigation of complaints and incidents, encouraging feedback, comments, and suggestions to enhance the service quality,and comply with Trust Policy to promote continuous improvement. Be responsible for maintaining accurate, contemporaneous and legible nursingand other service records/documentation, and ensuring proper filing and safeguarding of these records in adherence to Trust and Service record-keeping policies and procedures. Provide line management and supervision to junior nursing staff, ensuring appropriate maintenance of appraisals, sickness records, and annual leave records for the team.
Engage in peer review activities to facilitate personal and professional development. Actively participate in case reviews within a multi-disciplinary setting to foster collaborative decision-making and comprehensive patient care. Manage own workload effectively, engaging in clinical supervision as needed to ensure personal well-being and maintain high standards of clinical practice. Continuously expand and enhance knowledge of liver diseases, staying updated on relevant lifestyle advice and interventions related to alcohol use disorder, steatotic liver disease (SLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while keeping abreast of current research and clinical innovations in the field.