Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To assess patient care needs and implement treatment programs specifically to patients who present with bladder and bowel dysfunction.

To participate in and support training programs that promote continence care within the social and health care economy.

To ensure that treatment options are within keeping with service guidelines. To promote & maintain accurate record keeping in order to conform with NMC / Registered professional body Policy and data protection legislation.

Take responsibility for updating and developing professional knowledge and skills which relate to best practice in continence care.

To understand the importance of team working and recognize the contribution that a cohesive team can make to promote high standards of care.

Line Management Responsibility:

Mentorship for new members of the Continence team or pre and post registration student nurses / professionals

Participate in the IPR process to identify personal and team development goals.

Participate in the Management of Change, making constructive suggestions as to how services can be improved.

Provision of Professional Advice:

The post holder must:

Provide professional advice in relation to the care of individuals or groups of patients who present with bladder and bowel dysfunction, to qualified – unqualified staff, patients, carers relatives and other agencies.

Provide continence care to patients either within their own home/ residential home or within a designated clinic.

Assess and diagnose the care needs of patients in relation to continence care. Plan a care programme to be implemented by the post holder.

Manage own clinical caseload on an ongoing basis including making modifications to treatment plans within set parameters.

Provide supervision to recently trained nurses / AHPs or carers who have attended continence training.

Provide advice that contributes to the care or education of the patient

Accept & comply with the NMC / Registered bodies Code of Conduct.

Attend training in order to support specialist role.

Communication/Key Relationships Internal/External:

The post holder must:

Understand the importance of effective communication with other members of the Team, clinical staff, social health professionals, patients, carers and the voluntary sector on an identified basis.

Be able to adapt communication skills to ensure appropriate communication with a variety of patients including the elderly and those more vulnerable in society.

Be able to accurately provide written documentation, i.e. care plans, emails and make referrals to other health care professionals and other agencies.

Be able to provide formal/informal education presentations on a one to one or within a group setting.

Control of Resources:

The post holder must:

Take responsibility for the individual allocation of products to meet patient needs.

Make constructive suggestions on the appropriate use of resources e.g. stock items, continence appliances/ products, and patient equipment.

Judgement and Decision Making/Freedom to Act:

The post holder must

Be able to plan programs of care within their clinical competency.

Will at all times act in accordance with the NMC / Registered Professional bodies Codes of Conduct and guidelines.

Must be able to plan, prioritize and organize their own workload.

Provides advice, which contributes to the care, well-being or education of patients/clients including health promotion.

Be involved in ‘In service’ training as identified through the IPR process.

Participate in clinical supervision.

Working Conditions:

The post holder must:

Have independent access to means of transport for work purposes.

Be able to work flexibly to ensure the provision of the service although weekend and evening working should not be required and bank holidays would be taken as they fall.

Be prepared to work on their own within the community setting, however, they will also be part of a wider team for liaisons.

On rare occasions be able to adapt and defuse volatile situations such as aggressive relatives or confused patients.

Be prepared to work within the trust moving and handling policy, however, will be required to carry moderate weight equipment i.e., bladder scanner and product/appliance assessment bag on a daily basis.

Responsibilities for Research and Development:

The post holder must:

Undertake, participate in programmes of audit or research.

Provide comments and feedback on protocols of care and implement evidence based practice as required.

Provide educational advice and deliver on occasions educational programmes to health care professionals

Other Duties:

The post holder must:

Be prepared to undertake delegated duties, which support the continence service.