Senior Occupational Health Nurse Advisor

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To support and assist the OH team to deliver the workload in an effective manner.  

Represent the department at Trust and other agency forums deputising for the OH Clinical Service Lead. 

Actively take part in and support Directorate initiatives and issues. 

Use clinical skills and knowledge to provide specialist advice and support to peer group staff, clients and service managers. 

Provide professional advice and guidance to nursing and non-nursing staff, within the nursing environment and foster collaborative partnerships with other disciplines. 

Lead in the development of clinical standards ensuring these are set, embedded and monitored in accordance with the needs of the service in conjunction with the senior OH team. 

Monitor agreed quality improvement metrics to support compliance with local and external practice standards e.g. NHS Plus, cold chain monitoring etc. 

Support the OH Clinical Service Lead / Service Coordinator in ensuring that workload is prioritised and managed effectively.  

Participate in audit and research programmes appropriate to the advancement of the service as required. 

Act and lead on designated areas for improvement. 

With senior staff, identify and minimise clinical and non-clinical risk issues reporting to the senior team. 

Implementation of action plans to address areas which fall below acceptable standards 

To always act in a professional manner in accordance with the NMC guidelines. Safe, efficient and effective administration of medicines in accordance with the NMC guidelines. 

Ensure accurate, legible nursing records are kept for each client in line with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct (2002) and Access to Medical Records Act 1988 and maintain the security of records within the Department to comply with Data Protection legislation.. 

Promote and maintain effective working relationships and communications with Consultants, medical staff, nurse colleagues and other multi-agency professionals. 

Ensure staff standard of dress and appearance promotes patient and public confidence in Infection Prevention and Control practice for department. 

To support the OH Clinical Service Lead / Service Coordinator to achieve a department culture of cleanliness and compliance with best practice in Infection Prevention and Control, promoting zero tolerance to avoidable infection. 

Plan & initiate appropriate vaccination programmes, including re-call and contact tracing, in line with guidance from the Department of Health to ensure employees are protected against certain infections they may be exposed to in the course of their work 

Provision of vaccinations in accordance with standing orders and Trust policy, and the DoH Green Book. 

Initiate appropriate investigations by taking blood samples for immunity to blood borne viruses e.g. hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV after giving appropriate counselling on effects of results. 

Initiate appropriate investigations by taking blood for immunity to other infectious diseases e.g. Rubella, Varicella Zoster, measles and others as required by Department of Health guidance. 

To provide support, guidance and appropriate follow-up after inoculation/contamination incident. 

Implement follow up procedures for investigating, advising and monitoring staff accidents/incidents when notified by injured party/receipt of DATIX Form. 

Provide a confidential advisory and support service with referral to appropriate counselling and mental health support agencies. 

To provide guidance to staff and managers following managerial referral from a medical perspective, in an unbiased and professional manor. Ensure appropriate advice (within the remit of confidentiality) is given following referral.  

Conduct health surveillance programmes of staff in line with legislation e.g. C.O.S.H.H. in accordance with Health & Safety Department requirements. 

Organise daily work planning to reflect:- clinical demand, maximise appointment availability. 

Establish and implement with OH clinical service lead and other OH staff, health education and promotion programmes. 

Participate in Occupational Health audits and research programmes. 

Provide Occupational Health services in accordance with agreed contracts to non-NHS organisations. 

Implement service changes following adverse incidents/root cause analysis. 

Participate in Outbreak TB tracing meetings as required where staff surveillance and safety is involved. 

Act as the client’s advocate and ensure the advocacy role is understood by all staff. 

Participate in gaining and responding to client feedback. 

Ensure Occupational Health services meet the requirements of clinical governance, Health & Safety Executive, CQC, and NICE guidance. 

Working collaboratively with The Infection Control and Prevention Team, Health & Safety Department (including manual handling), Wellbeing Team, TB specialist Service, Emergency Department (out of office hours Sharp/Splash injuries), HR services. 

To ensure service delivery meets the department KPI’s. 

To assist in the development of services to reflect known requirements and needs of the Trust. 

To be aware of current developments in Occupational Health and attend relevant courses, conferences and other training opportunities in consultation with the OH Clinical Service Lead. Ensure you meet NMC revalidation requirements. 

Ensure an effective learning environment for all staff.  

Participate in the development and delivery of appropriate training materials / programmes to promote professional development. 

Contribute to the clinical supervision and support process and facilitate the development of reflective practice. 

Ensure adherence to the Clinical Governance Framework for nursing by ensuring appropriate policies, protocols and guidelines are in place to support practice 

Report, investigate and act upon complaints and Adverse Incidents in line with directorate and Trust policies, collating themes and identification of learning points for the department and service users. 

Undertake workplace assessments, promote health and safety in the work environment. 

To identify own personal development needs and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform role effectively 

To participate in an annual appraisal with relevant reviews and to follow  personal development plan as agreed with line manager 

To keep updated of current professional issues and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your role effectively. 

Develop and maintain a professional portfolio. 

Ensure compliance with professional expectations as outlined in the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.