Job summaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen at our practice for a Nurse Team Leader. The Lead Practice Nurse will provide clinical leadership and professional support to the nursing team while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care. Working closely with the Partners, Management team, GPs and wider team, the role will support clinical governance, patient safety, quality improvement and the effective organisation of the nursing service.
The post holder will provide supervision, guidance and development to the nursing team and act as a senior point of contact for nursing-related clinical and operational matters.
Main duties of the jobProvide clinical and professional leadership to the nursing team.
Support and line-manage Practice Nurses, Nurse Associates, HCAs and Phlebotomists, including supervision, mentoring and staff development.
Set clear expectations, provide feedback and address performance or conduct concerns appropriately.
Act as a senior point of contact for nursing-related queries and support effective communication across the practice.
Monitor clinical standards and support audits, quality improvement, incident reviews and complaint management.
Identify and escalate clinical risks and ensure actions from audits, incidents and reviews are followed through.
Support CQC inspections and ensure nursing staff follow relevant policies, protocols, NHS guidance and professional standards.
Provide leadership on safeguarding, infection prevention and control, clinical risk, health and safety and medicines management.
Promote patient safety, accountability and continuous improvement across the nursing service.
Ensure staff remain up to date with mandatory and clinical training and support the safe management of clinical equipment and supplies.
About usWith over 18,000 registered patients Combe Coastal Practice is the largest GP Practice in North Devon. Our main surgery is in Ilfracombe with branch surgeries at Combe Martin and Woolacombe. Combe Coastal Practice is a busy teaching Practice with 12 GP partners and 6 salaried GPs. We have strong management, nursing and admin teams.
Job responsibilitiesThe Lead Practice Nurse will provide clinical leadership and professional support to the nursing team while continuing to deliver hands-on patient care. Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading, supervising and supporting Practice Nurses and Healthcare Assistants including induction, mentoring, training and development.
- Supporting clinical governance, patient safety, audits, quality improvement, incident reviews, complaints and CQC requirements.
- Clinical care in chronic disease management, Cervical cytology, childhood immunisations, adult vaccinations, covid and flu campiagns, wound care, ECGs, phelbotomy .
- Providing leadership in safeguarding, infection prevention and control, clinical risk, health and safety and medicines management.
- Supporting recruitment, appraisals, competencies, wellbeing, performance and attendance management within the nursing team.
- Overseeing the delivery of nursing services, including long-term condition management, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular care, screening, immunisations, wound care, NHS Health Checks and health promotion.
- Monitoring clinical and practice performance against QOF, contractual requirements and relevant clinical targets, and supporting improvement plans where required.
- Continuing to provide high-quality clinical care within their professional scope of practice, including assessment, treatment, preventative care, referrals and appropriate escalation.
- Managing nursing rotas, workforce planning, clinical cover, annual leave and staffing requirements to maintain safe and effective services.
- Promoting ongoing professional development, mandatory training, clinical competencies, reflective practice and learning within the team.
- Working collaboratively with GPs, the Management, clinical and administrative teams, and wider NHS and healthcare professionals.
- Promoting patient-centred care, dignity, equality, shared decision-making and a positive patient experience.
Person SpecificationExperienceEssential- Minimum 3 years' post-registration experience in a GP Surgery/Primary Care setting.
- Excellent communication.
- Leadership experience
QualificationsEssential- Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
- Recognised General Practice Nursing qualification or equivalent.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development and CPD.
- Appropriate clinical competencies relevant to general practice nursing.
- Leadership or management qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable- Independent prescribing qualification.
- Leadership or management qualification.
- Teaching, mentorship or clinical assessment qualification.
- Additional relevant primary care or specialist nursing qualifications.
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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
