Occupational Health Nurse

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1)    Client Care Responsibilities

To carry out the following using the skills and knowledge gained after appropriate training, assessment and experience and abiding by occupational health processes, Trust policies, patient group directives and service level agreements: -

Venepuncture

To undertake venepuncture after appropriate training, assessment and experience in relation to a variety of clinical/client needs:

·         Contact tracing for communicable diseases

·         Pre employment screening for EPP workers

·         Exposure to potentially toxic substances

·         In conjunction with appropriate vaccine programs

Occupational immunisation programmes

The maintenance and promotion of occupational immunisation programmes to healthcare employees.  

To provide an ongoing immunisation programme for all personnel who are at risk of exposure to pathogens during the course of their work. 

To maintain the highly developed skills of vaccine administration, including BCG’s and mantoux testing. Including annual training as per National Standards for Immunisation.

To apply nursing process to the needs of each individual.

Management of Contaminated Sharps Injuries, Bodily Fluid Exposure and PEP

To advise employees following contaminated sharps injury or bodily fluid exposure, undertaking a risk assessment and advising on the appropriate action in line with department protocols. To liaise with the Trust Infectious Diseases Consultant if PEP is required. 

To assess employee in a sensitive and reassuring manner following needlestick/ contamination incidents, providing support during potentially emotionally distressing circumstances. 

To give ongoing support and information to clients throughout their follow up period.

Health surveillance programmes

To participate in health surveillance programmes after appropriate training and experience, for both NHS and external contracts, in line with HSE regulation and guidance, Trust Policy and department processes:

·           Spirometry

·           Audiometry

·           Latex allergy and dermatitis

To report health surveillance findings to appropriate personnel, i.e. OH Nurse Specialist, Deputy Nurse Manager or Consultant Occupational Physician.

Screening programmes

To participate in screening programs for both NHS and external contracts, in line with department processes, Trust policies and other related legislation and guidance after appropriate training has been given.

·           Skin health surveillance

·           Contact tracing for communicable diseases, e.g. tuberculosis, varicella.

·           Corporate induction programs 

To liaise with and/or report findings to the appropriate personnel, i.e. OH Nurse Specialist, Deputy Nurse Manager or Consultant Occupational Physician.

Pre - Employment Health Assessment

To undertake pre- employment health assessment in line with department policies, under the supervision of an OH Nurse Specialist, Deputy Nurse Manager or Consultant Occupational Physician.

To assess the health of prospective employees using telephone skills and associated interview techniques, but always under the supervision of a OH Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Manager or Consultant Occupational Physician.

2)    Financial Responsibilities

All staff will support their managers to make efficient and effective use of resources. All staff are responsible for identifying any actual or potential deviations from budgets and work with the budget holder or manager to find effective ways of handling it. 

All staff must ensure they use resources in a manner consistent with organisational objectives and policies.  Ensure resources are realistic, justified and of clear benefit to the organization

3)    Responsibilities for People, or Training

·           To take personal responsibility for own professional development.

·           To be familiar with all department processes, procedures, policies and standards and to ensure correct implementation.

·           To facilitate and update appropriate advice/information for clients.

·           To attend appropriate mandatory and statutory training.

·           To promote awareness of national and local health related campaigns and to promote health on a one-to-one basis.

·           To attend relevant meetings and participate in department working groups, as and when required.

·           To actively participate in the orientation and dissemination of current clinical practice to new members of the nursing staff at equivalent level and others as required.

·           To attend study days, courses and conferences as agreed by the department.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed, the jobholder may be required to perform other duties assigned by the supervisor/manager from time to time.

4)    Health and Safety Risk & Infection Prevention & Control

·           Report accidents involving staff and patients according to established procedures and in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act.

·           To report immediately any incidents, accidents, complaints or other occurrences involving patients, visitors or staff, resolve wherever possible, complete accurate statements and report to the appropriate manager as soon as possible.

·           Report defects in equipment and the general fabric of the unit to the appropriate officer of the Trust.

·           Take action to assess the management of risk to reduce where possible the impact on patients, visitors, staff and NHS Property.

·           To consistently observe Trust Infection Prevention & Control policies, procedures and best practice guidance in order to maintain high standards of Infection Prevention & Control.

5) 

6)    Confidentiality

Any information gained concerning staff & patients in the Trust, which is confidential i.e. information, which is gained by virtue of employment, must not be divulged to those not directly involved with those patients.  A breach of confidentiality would result in disciplinary action. Each employee is personally responsible for ensuring that no breaches of information security result from their actions.  Staff should be aware that all information kept on computer is subject to the Data Protection Act 1998.

All staff working within the COHWB must sign a Confidentiality agreement at the start of employment. The principles out lined in the agreement must be adhered to at all times whilst working within COHWB.