Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job summary

Job Overview

The purpose of the role is to undertake and complete the necessary training and competency to facilitate independent practice as a Nurse Hysteroscopist.

The successful candidate will have a degree or equivalent clinical experience with the ability to study at master’s level, have excellent communication skills and be able to work autonomously. The role requires the trainee to undertake the Diagnostic Hysteroscopy and Therapeutic Management course at a recognised university. The course takes up to two years and the successful candidate must be willing and able to travel to undertake this.

During your training, the candidate will be expected to develop a high level of personal and professional autonomy to enable you to make clinical judgements, take responsibility for your patient and the procedure during diagnostic and therapeutic interventional procedures to ensure a successful patient based outcome within the acute setting. The trainee will need to be able to take a detailed history and examination, as well as explain the findings to the patient and involve them in making plans for further investigation and /or treatment. The role can be psychologically demanding (particularly if breaking bad news) but is also very rewarding.

The role also includes the following supervised activities:

• Receiving referrals to a caseload
• Providing assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of specialist care within defined guidelines and protocols
• Referring to other disciplines and agencies
• Ordering and interpreting relevant tests and investigations
• Providing advice and guidance to other disciplines
• Participating in the provision of training and education to own and other professions
• Monitoring standards
• Participating in audit and research activity
• Disseminating good practice
• Ensuring effective communication between all service providers across the care pathway
• In conjunction with colleagues develop patient information, protocols, standards and guidelines in line with national and local recommendations.

Key working relationships

• Specialist Nurses
• Consultants
• Deputy Lead Nurses, Directorate Lead Nurse, Gynaecology and Reproductive medicine
• Deputy Divisional Nurse
• Outpatient Nurse Manager
• General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Business Managers
• Administrative staff
• Outpatient Nursing staff and heath care workers
• Student nurses
• Patient Experience Team
• Laboratory staff

Key responsibilities

Clinical / Direct Care Practice

• To work within an agreed job plan to meet service needs, to be agreed within three months of taking up post and reviewed annually and maintain records of activity
• Under the supervision of a clinical trainer, provide a high quality hysteroscopy assessment, diagnostic and treatment service for women referred to the outpatient hysteroscopy service, in liaison with the multidisciplinary team and other health agencies.
• With support from the clinical trainer, commence training as a Nurse Hysteroscopist in accordance with the Bristich Society of Gynaecological Endoscopists (BSGE).
• Provide support for the hysteroscopy clinics in accordance with national guidelines and local protocols.
• Contribute towards and liaise with the multidisciplinary cancer team in the management of patient caseload, referring on as required.
• Undertake telephone follow-up clinics, informing patients of investigation outcomes and the management plan.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records of patient’s assessment, care, treatment, and follow up.
• Act as an advocate for the patient in treatment decisions and choices.
• Use effective communication and interpersonal skills to provide information, explanation, and reassurance to patients and families, and build an environment of trust and rapport, enabling patient empowerment.
• Support the clinicians in ensuring all histopathology and cytology results are received and appropriately outcome.
• Break bad news in an appropriate and empathetic manner.
• Provide emotional and psychological support to service users, referring to appropriate services as required.
• Work within Safeguarding policy frameworks relevant to the patient group.
• Attend a BSGE recognised National meeting at least once every 2 years.
• Deal sensitively and supportively with patient/service-user issues and concerns.
• Collaborate with PALS/complaints service as appropriate and take a pro-active approach to resolving issues and learning from feedback.

Leadership and Collaborative Practice

• To provide advice and guidance to nurses, midwives, and other professions within the bounds of own knowledge and expertise
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, patients, and families
• To maintain awareness of own role in relation to the wider multi-professional team and organisation, whilst building and maintaining these working relationships
• To develop and maintain awareness of epidemiological, demographic, social, political, and professional factors relevant to area of practice
• To use a reflective and questioning approach to individual practice, participating in clinical and service changes
• Regularly attend and actively contribute to relevant MDT meetings, being prepared to take a lead role in the meeting when required.

Monitoring and Improving Quality / Developing Practice

• Audit own caseload and participate in the annual evaluation feedback, sharing results and other hysteroscopists.
• Participate in activities to monitor and improve quality and effectiveness of own practice including clinical audit, peer review, and clinical supervision.
• Participate in collaborative research projects that improve the quality of care and health outcomes.
• To maintain awareness of relevant research and evidence based developments relating to area of clinical expertise and professional practice
• To seek the views of patients, families, and colleagues, using this to develop and improve practice and the patient experience within the speciality
• To contribute to change at individual and team levels to improve practice and health outcomes
• Lead on writing, reviewing and implementing relevant policies, guidelines and procedures in relation to the specialist area, including where appropriate those which may impact on other professional groups.
• Overseeing compliance to relevant policies and procedures within the multi-disciplinary team.
• In conjunction with the Lead Consultant and Directorate Management team, participate in the trust Business Planning cycle identifying areas of service development.
• Actively contribute to all aspects of the quality, safety and clinical governance agenda.
• Plan and lead quality improvement projects relating to local and national policy and service development.

Developing Self and Others

• To actively seek feedback on own professional practice
• To provide patient education and information which is appropriate and responsive to individual needs and level of development
• To maintain own development through
  • Personal development planning
  • Maintaining a personal portfolio
  • Identifying appropriate learning opportunities
  • Identifying ways of applying own learning to practice
  • Appropriate development of role / scope to practice
  • Participating in clinical supervision
• To identify and use opportunities to share knowledge with, and influence the practice of, colleagues

Infection Prevention and Control

• Demonstrate knowledge of infection control techniques.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe disposal of sharps into appropriate container.
• Understand universal safety techniques with regard to spillages.
• Dispose of body fluids, soiled linen, clothing etc in line with the Trust Infection Control Policy and Waste Disposal Regulations.

Equality and Diversity

• Work within legislation and local procedures according to the Human Rights Act, Data Protection Act and Caldicott guidelines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of culture, equality and diversity towards patients and colleagues.
• Maintain dignity and privacy at all times.
• Provide equality for all patients by non-discriminatory practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge of religious beliefs and customs.
• Understanding the requirements of vulnerable patients and the processes that is required to maintain their safety.
• Behave at all times in a professional manner.
• Approach all patients in a caring and compassionate manner.
• Demonstrate and be respectful to colleagues from all professions at all times.

Health & Safety

• Maintain a safe environment for patients, employees and visitors.
• Be aware of factors that can negate health and safety in the workplace
• Report accidents and incidents to the relevant manager, and complete the relevant documentation and produce a statement if requested to do so.

Additional Information

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with their manager.

This job description will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements and any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.

This job description and may be subject to change in accordance with the service provision in your area. Any proposed amendments to reflect or anticipate changes to the post will be discussed with the post holder.