Band 7 ACHD Nurse Specialist

at  University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

The Practitioner will work as an integral part of a small team who are driven by the holistic management of ACHD patients within the Coventry and Warwickshire.
The post holder will learn their role in clinical assessment, diagnostics and treatment of all patients with known or suspected adult congenital heart disease. The post holder will also be an experienced nurse or allied health professional who may have already successfully undertaken Health Assessment. They will learn to autonomously assess suspected Cardiology patients which will include initial history taking, clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning in collaboration with the wider MDT in Cardiology and Acute Care.
The post holder will be required to work in areas including but not exclusively – Cardiology, Emergency Department, Medical Decisions Unit, Acute Medical Unit, Cardiology Assessment Hub and Outpatient Clinics. The practitioner will work alongside nursing, medical & multidisciplinary team members in the management of ACHD patients, whilst also providing support, guidance and advice as required.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, the post holder will be required to maintain their own educational needs, and to provide clinically relevant and evidence based teaching sessions within their own directorate and to wider multi-disciplinary teams. There will also be audit related duties relevant to the post, Team, Directorate Trust agendas.

• Working towards being an accessible and responsible practitioner with clinical responsibility for patients presenting with suspected or proven ACHD.
• To assist in co-ordinating the preliminary care of ACHD patients ensuring effective initial management which is conducted in a timely manner.
• Working towards reviewing patients requiring urgent assessment referred to UHCW with ACHD
• Working towards initiating relevant clinical investigations including appropriate cardiac investigations and blood tests
• Collaborate with senior Cardiology and Medical staff to initiate further investigations.
• Promote and deliver evidence-based care for patients presenting to Cardiology, taking into consideration psychological, physiological, socio-economic and cultural need, which may influence needs of a patient/client with a cardiac condition.
• Accountable for own actions in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct. Will contribute to corporate objectives, acting within local, Trust and statutory guidelines and policies at all times
• Working towards managing expected and unexpected clinical events, within own scope of practice, and according to patient dependency and clinical need.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of cardiac drugs, their indications for use, and their mode of action and side effects to ensure safe drug administration, patient education and promotion of medicines compliance.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care.
We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation’s core values.
Document clearly all aspects of clinical assessment, diagnosis and management plan within the patients’ notes.
Recognise own limitations and escalate to a senior/medical member of staff, when required.
Utilise the SBAR tool when communicating clinical concerns to senior medical staff, in situations where the patient is believed to be critically unwell or deteriorating.
Act as an advocate for patients and colleagues.
Maintain effective communication with the Multi-disciplinary Teams within Cardiology, ED, MDU and AMU.
Act as a role model and working towards becoming a senior nurse providing in depth specialist clinical knowledge to colleagues through MDT meetings, for patients and carers/ relatives.
Act as a resource for health care professionals by being visible, available, and accessible for support and advice in relation to the management of patients in the speciality.
Contribute to the development of local guidelines, protocols clinical pathways and standards.
Take responsibility for personal development and education with regards to, personal Development Plans, objectives and KSF.
Participate in Clinical Supervision for self and others and utilise reflective practice techniques.
Provide support and development for nurses through mentorship.
The post holder is responsible for ensuring the safety of patients at all times and promoting a safety culture through the effective management of risk.
For further details of the job role please see attached job description

• Working towards being an accessible and responsible practitioner with clinical responsibility for patients presenting with suspected or proven ACHD.
• To assist in co-ordinating the preliminary care of ACHD patients ensuring effective initial management which is conducted in a timely manner.
• Working towards reviewing patients requiring urgent assessment referred to UHCW with ACHD
• Working towards initiating relevant clinical investigations including appropriate cardiac investigations and blood tests
• Collaborate with senior Cardiology and Medical staff to initiate further investigations.
• Promote and deliver evidence-based care for patients presenting to Cardiology, taking into consideration psychological, physiological, socio-economic and cultural need, which may influence needs of a patient/client with a cardiac condition.
• Accountable for own actions in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct. Will contribute to corporate objectives, acting within local, Trust and statutory guidelines and policies at all times
• Working towards managing expected and unexpected clinical events, within own scope of practice, and according to patient dependency and clinical need.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of cardiac drugs, their indications for use, and their mode of action and side effects to ensure safe drug administration, patient education and promotion of medicines compliance