Job summary

37.5 hours per week

A new and exciting opportunityhas arisen for a band 7 Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist to lead ourtissue viability team. The successful candidate will have an enhanced knowledgeand clinical skills within the arena of tissue viability including advancedknowledge in lower limb management. The successful candidate will be able todemonstrate they have advanced assessment skills for people with complex andhard to heal wounds including lower limb ulceration. Previous experience inworking at an advanced level with professional leadership is essential to therole. The post holder will provide professional support to other members of theTissue Viability Team. We are looking for a registered nurse who has a passionfor tissue viability and a keen interest in improving patient outcomes in thecommunity. The role requires experience in quality innovation and improvementprogrammes. Applicants must have a working knowledge of the National Wound Care Strategy Programme Lower Limb Guidelines.

The tissue viability team provide a service across Plymouth and theSouth Hams footprint.

Previous experience in TissueViability and Lower Limb Management is essential and in addition you will beexpected to possess or working towards a 1st class honours degree orMSc in tissue viability.

Main duties of the job

Tobe responsible for providing a high level of expertise and professionalleadership in the operational management of Tissue Viability Services for theorganisation. Acting as a role model and change agent.

Provision of specialist clinical advice andexpertise.

Provision and development of education andtraining for the whole health economy.

Lead the development of specialist servicesin the arena of tissue viability.

Work collaboratively as part of the NationalWound Care Strategy Programme to implement guidelines.

Develop services and quality innovationinitiatives in line with the transformation team.

About us

Livewell Southwest values its staff and makes investment intheir development a priority. Currently we offer the following developmentopportunities for staff:

  • A minimum of three days protected CPD for registered staff
  • Development pathways for unregistered staff from apprentice to bands 2, 3 and 4 and for registered staff in bands 5, 6, 7 and 8
  • Leadership programmes
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Medicines Management, leg Ulcer Management and Assessment Training
  • Access and funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course and Scholarship Into Nurse Training
  • Robust Preceptorship
  • An induction programme tailored to your needs
  • Relocation package may be considered for the right candidate for certain roles
  • Livewell Southwest can allow existing members of the NHSPension Scheme to continue their membership when they join the organisation.

    Date posted

    05 September 2022

    Pay scheme

    Agenda for change

    Band

    Band 7

    Salary

    £41,659 to £47,672 a year pro-rata

    Contract

    Permanent

    Working pattern

    Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

    Reference number

    B9832-2022-NM-8070-2

    Job locations

    200 Mount Gould Road

    Mount Gould

    Plymouth

    Devon

    PL4 7PY

    Job description

    Job responsibilities

    1. Clinical

    1.1 Review, establish, implement and maintain standards of clinical practice in Tissue Viability.

    1.2 Act as the specialist resource for the management of patients with compromised Tissue Viability.

    1.3 Manage and prioritise referrals to the service, determining those requiring direct review and/or liaison with other agencies.

    1.4 Undertake expert, specialist holistic assessments of patients with hard to heal wounds or at risk of wound development.

    1.5 Work as an autonomous practitioner assessing, monitoring and evaluating treatment and management of patient pathway for those with complex tissue viability needs, and associated multifaceted physical and mental health issues.

    1.6 Undertake nurse led clinics for both newly referred and follow up complex patients.

    1.7 Act as a role model through the provision of professional leadership and demonstration of competent practice.

    1.8 Initiate, interpret and act upon clinical, laboratory and radiology data.

    1.9 According to national legislation and organisation policy, undertake non-medical prescribing

    1.10 Make unsupervised referrals to other professionals e.g. medical staff, and primary care team.

    1.11 Provide expert care and advice to patients, relatives and health care professionals across Livewell Southwest.

    1.12 Challenge poor practice and inappropriate interventions in relation to Tissue Viability management.

    1.13 Lead the Tissue Viability Service acting as role model, advisor, supervisor and educator.

    1.14 Be the Tissue Viability Lead for safeguarding.

    1.15 Provide advice at SIRI panel in relation to Pressure Ulcer Prevention & Management.

    1.16 Work with Safety & Quality to implement robust Pressure Ulcer Strategy.

    1.17 Work with the Clinical Engagement Lead to implement and PMO the NWCSP guidelines.

    2. Communication & Team Working

    2.1 Establish effective working relationships with other health care professionals whose role links to the Tissue Viability Service e.g. plastics, dermatology and vascular teams, orthopaedics, pharmacy and primary care, nurses, doctors, Allied Health Professionals and care home staff.

    2.2 Communicate with professional bodies, locally, nationally and internationally, research and development and academic staff both locally and nationally and national experts and centres within the field of Tissue Viability.

    2.3 Communicate sensitively with a variety of patients of all ages with tissue viability needs, who are frequently distressed by their tissue viability status and perceived body image.

    2.4 Provide relevant information, educational advice, self/shared care packages and counselling.

    2.5 Supervise team members and link nurses to disseminate clear communication and smooth running of the Tissue Viability Service.

    2.6 Facilitate and chair multi professional meetings relating to the Tissue Viability Service.

    2.7 Lead on establishing effective communication across professional boundaries within the organisation in regards to the introduction of new initiatives or alterations in protocol or policy development or referral guidelines.

    2.8 Collaborate with Heads of Service, their Deputies and Specialist Service Lead to ensure that clinical staff within the organisation are supported through tissue viability specialist education, advice, joined up pathways and clinical protocols/procedures and guidelines to effectively manage patients with a tissue viability needs.

    2.9 Establish and maintain effective communication networks and working relationships with personnel within and outside the organisation.

    2.10 Work alongside Quality & Safety and the Formulary Interest Group in developing Protocols and guidance for the health community.

    2.11 Empower people to make informed choices regarding wound management modalities, drug therapy and life style changes with a direction to self/share care where possible.

    2.12 Assess, develop and supervise link nurses and teams in providing education and information for patients and/or their carers in the management of tissue viability needs, promoting their understanding and the ability to evolve strategies for self/shared management.

    2.13 Act as the patients advocate, using mediation skills when communicating between patients, carers and professionals where appropriate.

    3. Management responsibilities

    3.1 Operationally manage the Tissue Viability Service and the services provided by this team, including the delivery of nurse led Tissue Viability clinics within the organisation.

    3.2 Act as lead for the personnel management of the Tissue Viability Team including: recruitment and retention, induction and orientation, mandatory and essential training, development, appraisal and line management and clinical supervision.

    3.3 Manage rostering, annual leave and professional leave and monitor and cover for absenteeism of Tissue Viability team members.

    3.4 Monitor workload and time management of the Tissue Viability team and prioritise and allocate clinical and non-clinical duties.

    3.5 Prioritise own workload and manage time effectively, identifying priorities for service delivery.

    3.6 Monitor and evaluate the use of physical resources to the specialty, developing and reviewing policies, protocols, pathways and guidelines relating to tissue viability.

    3.7 Prepare evidence and information for business cases.

    3.8 Maintain optimum supplies and a safe working order of electrical equipment and consumables used for the treatment of tissue viability needs.

    3.9 Manage risks within sphere of responsibility. Activities will cross professional and specialty boundaries.

    3.10 Lead on working collaboratively with other team members in establishing objectives for service delivery, based on the modernisation agenda and evidence based practice.

    3.11 Investigate and prepare incident, SIRIs, coroners reports and complaint responses within sphere of responsibility.

    3.12 Participate in quality assurance activities and audit, ensuring that guidelines are introduced and monitored consistently.

    3.13 Cascade information to relevant staff within the organisation.

    3.14 Keep up to date with national and organisation initiatives, and ensure these are promoted within the clinical areas including clinical governance, risk management, infection control and patient forums.

    3.15 Demonstrate professional leadership and act as a positive role model for nursing staff throughout the organisation.

    3.16 Maintain accurate records in line with organisation policy and the NMC records and record keeping guidance.

    3.17 Lead on the development of relevant documentation for use by the Tissue Viability team and across the organisation.

    3.18 Ensure robust processes are in place for documentation of all patient contacts undertaken by the Tissue Viability team.

    3.19 Establish and manage databases and dashboards to monitor the activity of the service.

    3.20 Review and monitor incident reports and Appendix As.

    3.21 To have responsibility for a defined budget, by monitoring and controlling expenditure within the Tissue Viability Service, liaising with their Management Accountant and Specialist Service Lead. To lead on CQIN, NWCSP guidelines service level agreement and monitoring of other organisational targets.

    3.22 To work on contract negotiation with the support of the finance department, particularly with regard to Total Purchase and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

    3.23 To consider cost effectiveness in mileage, and use of mobile/land lines when planning the shifts work.

    3.24 To provide evidence according to agreed procedures to demonstrate compliance with Care Quality Commission outcomes.

    3.25 To act as a change agent and gatekeeper for the tissue viability service.

    4. Education

    4.1 Provide formal education and advice to multi professional teams including care home satff.

    4.2 Co-ordinate/ lead/ organise regional study days and sessions, on Tissue Viability management, for medical, nursing and other professional disciplines.

    4.3 Provide professional support, opportunities and educational updates in Tissue Viability management for all disciplines studying at undergraduate or post-graduate level.

    4.4 Disseminate and share best practice, audit and research at local, national and international level by presenting at conferences and through publication.

    4.5 Assess the information and education needs of patients, carers and relatives in liaison with the multidisciplinary team.

    4.6 Lead in the delivery of health education for patients.

    4.7 Manage the development and review of patient information ensuring that information is based on best evidence.

    4.8 Provide advice to patient support groups and the wellbeing lower limb team.

    4.9 Provide line management supervision to all staff within the Tissue Viability Service.

    4.10 Ensure that all staff within the Tissue Viability Service access relevant training and undertake training within the specified timeframes. Monitor performance reports.

    4.11 Establish, manage and provide a structured development programme to the organisation Tissue Viability Link team

    4.12 Provide expert advice and support to link nurses and medical teams on tissue viability issues

    4.13 Develop and implement Tissue Viability Policies, Protocols, Guidance and competencies for all levels of staff.

    4.14 Assist in the implementation of the NWCSP guidelines and other directives as appropriate to tissue viability.

    Please refer to the supporting documentation section to access the full Job Description & Person Specification.

    Job description

    Job responsibilities

    1. Clinical

    1.1 Review, establish, implement and maintain standards of clinical practice in Tissue Viability.

    1.2 Act as the specialist resource for the management of patients with compromised Tissue Viability.

    1.3 Manage and prioritise referrals to the service, determining those requiring direct review and/or liaison with other agencies.

    1.4 Undertake expert, specialist holistic assessments of patients with hard to heal wounds or at risk of wound development.

    1.5 Work as an autonomous practitioner assessing, monitoring and evaluating treatment and management of patient pathway for those with complex tissue viability needs, and associated multifaceted physical and mental health issues.

    1.6 Undertake nurse led clinics for both newly referred and follow up complex patients.

    1.7 Act as a role model through the provision of professional leadership and demonstration of competent practice.

    1.8 Initiate, interpret and act upon clinical, laboratory and radiology data.

    1.9 According to national legislation and organisation policy, undertake non-medical prescribing

    1.10 Make unsupervised referrals to other professionals e.g. medical staff, and primary care team.

    1.11 Provide expert care and advice to patients, relatives and health care professionals across Livewell Southwest.

    1.12 Challenge poor practice and inappropriate interventions in relation to Tissue Viability management.

    1.13 Lead the Tissue Viability Service acting as role model, advisor, supervisor and educator.

    1.14 Be the Tissue Viability Lead for safeguarding.

    1.15 Provide advice at SIRI panel in relation to Pressure Ulcer Prevention & Management.

    1.16 Work with Safety & Quality to implement robust Pressure Ulcer Strategy.

    1.17 Work with the Clinical Engagement Lead to implement and PMO the NWCSP guidelines.

    2. Communication & Team Working

    2.1 Establish effective working relationships with other health care professionals whose role links to the Tissue Viability Service e.g. plastics, dermatology and vascular teams, orthopaedics, pharmacy and primary care, nurses, doctors, Allied Health Professionals and care home staff.

    2.2 Communicate with professional bodies, locally, nationally and internationally, research and development and academic staff both locally and nationally and national experts and centres within the field of Tissue Viability.

    2.3 Communicate sensitively with a variety of patients of all ages with tissue viability needs, who are frequently distressed by their tissue viability status and perceived body image.

    2.4 Provide relevant information, educational advice, self/shared care packages and counselling.

    2.5 Supervise team members and link nurses to disseminate clear communication and smooth running of the Tissue Viability Service.

    2.6 Facilitate and chair multi professional meetings relating to the Tissue Viability Service.

    2.7 Lead on establishing effective communication across professional boundaries within the organisation in regards to the introduction of new initiatives or alterations in protocol or policy development or referral guidelines.

    2.8 Collaborate with Heads of Service, their Deputies and Specialist Service Lead to ensure that clinical staff within the organisation are supported through tissue viability specialist education, advice, joined up pathways and clinical protocols/procedures and guidelines to effectively manage patients with a tissue viability needs.

    2.9 Establish and maintain effective communication networks and working relationships with personnel within and outside the organisation.

    2.10 Work alongside Quality & Safety and the Formulary Interest Group in developing Protocols and guidance for the health community.

    2.11 Empower people to make informed choices regarding wound management modalities, drug therapy and life style changes with a direction to self/share care where possible.

    2.12 Assess, develop and supervise link nurses and teams in providing education and information for patients and/or their carers in the management of tissue viability needs, promoting their understanding and the ability to evolve strategies for self/shared management.

    2.13 Act as the patients advocate, using mediation skills when communicating between patients, carers and professionals where appropriate.

    3. Management responsibilities

    3.1 Operationally manage the Tissue Viability Service and the services provided by this team, including the delivery of nurse led Tissue Viability clinics within the organisation.

    3.2 Act as lead for the personnel management of the Tissue Viability Team including: recruitment and retention, induction and orientation, mandatory and essential training, development, appraisal and line management and clinical supervision.

    3.3 Manage rostering, annual leave and professional leave and monitor and cover for absenteeism of Tissue Viability team members.

    3.4 Monitor workload and time management of the Tissue Viability team and prioritise and allocate clinical and non-clinical duties.

    3.5 Prioritise own workload and manage time effectively, identifying priorities for service delivery.

    3.6 Monitor and evaluate the use of physical resources to the specialty, developing and reviewing policies, protocols, pathways and guidelines relating to tissue viability.

    3.7 Prepare evidence and information for business cases.

    3.8 Maintain optimum supplies and a safe working order of electrical equipment and consumables used for the treatment of tissue viability needs.

    3.9 Manage risks within sphere of responsibility. Activities will cross professional and specialty boundaries.

    3.10 Lead on working collaboratively with other team members in establishing objectives for service delivery, based on the modernisation agenda and evidence based practice.

    3.11 Investigate and prepare incident, SIRIs, coroners reports and complaint responses within sphere of responsibility.

    3.12 Participate in quality assurance activities and audit, ensuring that guidelines are introduced and monitored consistently.

    3.13 Cascade information to relevant staff within the organisation.

    3.14 Keep up to date with national and organisation initiatives, and ensure these are promoted within the clinical areas including clinical governance, risk management, infection control and patient forums.

    3.15 Demonstrate professional leadership and act as a positive role model for nursing staff throughout the organisation.

    3.16 Maintain accurate records in line with organisation policy and the NMC records and record keeping guidance.

    3.17 Lead on the development of relevant documentation for use by the Tissue Viability team and across the organisation.

    3.18 Ensure robust processes are in place for documentation of all patient contacts undertaken by the Tissue Viability team.

    3.19 Establish and manage databases and dashboards to monitor the activity of the service.

    3.20 Review and monitor incident reports and Appendix As.

    3.21 To have responsibility for a defined budget, by monitoring and controlling expenditure within the Tissue Viability Service, liaising with their Management Accountant and Specialist Service Lead. To lead on CQIN, NWCSP guidelines service level agreement and monitoring of other organisational targets.

    3.22 To work on contract negotiation with the support of the finance department, particularly with regard to Total Purchase and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

    3.23 To consider cost effectiveness in mileage, and use of mobile/land lines when planning the shifts work.

    3.24 To provide evidence according to agreed procedures to demonstrate compliance with Care Quality Commission outcomes.

    3.25 To act as a change agent and gatekeeper for the tissue viability service.

    4. Education

    4.1 Provide formal education and advice to multi professional teams including care home satff.

    4.2 Co-ordinate/ lead/ organise regional study days and sessions, on Tissue Viability management, for medical, nursing and other professional disciplines.

    4.3 Provide professional support, opportunities and educational updates in Tissue Viability management for all disciplines studying at undergraduate or post-graduate level.

    4.4 Disseminate and share best practice, audit and research at local, national and international level by presenting at conferences and through publication.

    4.5 Assess the information and education needs of patients, carers and relatives in liaison with the multidisciplinary team.

    4.6 Lead in the delivery of health education for patients.

    4.7 Manage the development and review of patient information ensuring that information is based on best evidence.

    4.8 Provide advice to patient support groups and the wellbeing lower limb team.

    4.9 Provide line management supervision to all staff within the Tissue Viability Service.

    4.10 Ensure that all staff within the Tissue Viability Service access relevant training and undertake training within the specified timeframes. Monitor performance reports.

    4.11 Establish, manage and provide a structured development programme to the organisation Tissue Viability Link team

    4.12 Provide expert advice and support to link nurses and medical teams on tissue viability issues

    4.13 Develop and implement Tissue Viability Policies, Protocols, Guidance and competencies for all levels of staff.

    4.14 Assist in the implementation of the NWCSP guidelines and other directives as appropriate to tissue viability.

    Please refer to the supporting documentation section to access the full Job Description & Person Specification.

    Person Specification

    Qualifications

    Essential

  • Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
  • Graduate with relevant 1st degree.
  • Recognised Tissue Viability qualification (Degree Level or MSC) or working towards.
  • Evidence of ongoing personal/professional development
  • Experience in managing a team.
  • Experience of working within lower limb clinics or has an in-depth understanding of lower limb disease prevention and management.
  • Teaching qualification e.g. Mentorship, Teaching and Assessing (ENB 998) or equivalent
  • Able to travel within the area.
  • Desirable

  • Non medical prescribing qualification.
  • Experience

    Essential

  • Minimum of 3 years Managerial experience and experience of leading a team.
  • Experience of supporting other practitioners to deliver high quality care.
  • Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Minimum of 3 years Leadership experience at a senior level.
  • Experience of setting up and working within clinical governance frameworks.
  • Evidence of working collaboratively with other agencies/disciplines.
  • Ability to prioritise and co-ordinate workload.
  • Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work as a team member.
  • Ability to work unsupervised and manage own caseload.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • High standards of record keeping and report writing.
  • Experience of leading projects.
  • Experience of formal and informal teaching.
  • Experience in suing digital imaging of wounds.
  • Skills

    Essential

  • Able to cope with stressful and emotional circumstances.
  • Respects and understands diversity of values, cultures and beliefs among colleagues and patients.
  • High level of personal professional accountability and autonomy.
  • Ability to lead by example and effect change in others.
  • Ability to negotiate and influence people to achieve change.
  • Ability to manage complex clinical care.
  • Ability to change and develop the Tissue Viability service as needs are identified.
  • IT skills (including internet use, databases etc.).
  • Advanced skills in the management of Tissue Viability.
  • Management and leadership skills.
  • Good time management skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must have self confidence to challenge traditional practice and the persistence to address difficult enduring issues.
  • Excellent organisational skills.
  • Presentation skills to a wide and varied audience.
  • Skills in teaching registered and unregistered staff, carers and patients.
  • Managing a budget.
  • Ability to translate best Practice evidence and national Policy into practice.
  • Knowledge

    Essential

  • Detailed knowledge of the clinical management of Tissue Viability in line with best evidence, NWCSP guidelines and NICE guidance.
  • A clear knowledge and understanding of the national policy context for the development of Tissue Viability.
  • Knowledge of the latest research into Tissue Viability.
  • Knowledge of audit cycle.
  • Understand the Principles of Governance, particularly in relations to their Service area.
  • Knowledge of experience of Public Health & Health Promotion
  • Knowledge of National Service Frameworks and the National Long-term conditions Policy.
  • Evidence of knowledge and experience in working between Acute and Primary Care settings.
  • Person Specification

    Qualifications

    Essential

  • Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
  • Graduate with relevant 1st degree.
  • Recognised Tissue Viability qualification (Degree Level or MSC) or working towards.
  • Evidence of ongoing personal/professional development
  • Experience in managing a team.
  • Experience of working within lower limb clinics or has an in-depth understanding of lower limb disease prevention and management.
  • Teaching qualification e.g. Mentorship, Teaching and Assessing (ENB 998) or equivalent
  • Able to travel within the area.
  • Desirable

  • Non medical prescribing qualification.
  • Experience

    Essential

  • Minimum of 3 years Managerial experience and experience of leading a team.
  • Experience of supporting other practitioners to deliver high quality care.
  • Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Minimum of 3 years Leadership experience at a senior level.
  • Experience of setting up and working within clinical governance frameworks.
  • Evidence of working collaboratively with other agencies/disciplines.
  • Ability to prioritise and co-ordinate workload.
  • Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work as a team member.
  • Ability to work unsupervised and manage own caseload.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • High standards of record keeping and report writing.
  • Experience of leading projects.
  • Experience of formal and informal teaching.
  • Experience in suing digital imaging of wounds.
  • Skills

    Essential

  • Able to cope with stressful and emotional circumstances.
  • Respects and understands diversity of values, cultures and beliefs among colleagues and patients.
  • High level of personal professional accountability and autonomy.
  • Ability to lead by example and effect change in others.
  • Ability to negotiate and influence people to achieve change.
  • Ability to manage complex clinical care.
  • Ability to change and develop the Tissue Viability service as needs are identified.
  • IT skills (including internet use, databases etc.).
  • Advanced skills in the management of Tissue Viability.
  • Management and leadership skills.
  • Good time management skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must have self confidence to challenge traditional practice and the persistence to address difficult enduring issues.
  • Excellent organisational skills.
  • Presentation skills to a wide and varied audience.
  • Skills in teaching registered and unregistered staff, carers and patients.
  • Managing a budget.
  • Ability to translate best Practice evidence and national Policy into practice.
  • Knowledge

    Essential

  • Detailed knowledge of the clinical management of Tissue Viability in line with best evidence, NWCSP guidelines and NICE guidance.
  • A clear knowledge and understanding of the national policy context for the development of Tissue Viability.
  • Knowledge of the latest research into Tissue Viability.
  • Knowledge of audit cycle.
  • Understand the Principles of Governance, particularly in relations to their Service area.
  • Knowledge of experience of Public Health & Health Promotion
  • Knowledge of National Service Frameworks and the National Long-term conditions Policy.
  • Evidence of knowledge and experience in working between Acute and Primary Care settings.