Clinical Nurse Specialist - Heart Failure

Key Responsibilities Perform specialist assessment of patients nursing needs, plan, implement and evaluate care delivery using advanced clinical knowledge, clinical examination and clinical skills. To be clinically credible in the area of heart failure and other aspects of cardiac disease. Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Contribute towards a multi-professional approach in the management of patients, especially in relation to ongoing care needs, admission avoidance and discharge arrangements. Support patients and their families and ensure that they receive the required information to enable them to self- manage, lead or participate in their care delivery. Recognise changes in patient condition that require the intervention of others and refer on as appropriate. Review patients medication regime, ensuring that patients receive appropriate pharmacotherapy in effective doses, and monitor patients clinical status and blood chemistry following medication changes. Assist in
the pre assessment and psychological support for patients requiring ICD/CRT implants. To work in partnership with colleagues, lead clinicians, Heart Failure Team Leader, General Managers and Matron to ensure the delivery of high standards of patient care. To ensure that nursing is underpinned by evidence-based practice where applicable Establish and maintain effective communication with patients and carers / relatives. Ensure seamless transition of care between the primary and secondary care interface. Makes sound clinical decisions based on the situation Provide a complete discharge package for patients including referral to other agencies and providing education literature. Provide accurate discharge information for GPs and community teams to facilitate effective follow up care and management for patients who access the service. Liaise with palliative care teams regarding patients with end-stage heart failure. Support the nurse led outpatient clinic for patient requiring ongoing care
assessment and counselling services. To provide cross cover between all aspects of the Heart Failure Role including both primary and secondary care and across all hospital sites Attends regular team meetings. Occasional requirement to deal with highly distressing or emotional circumstances Explain condition and treatment options to patients and carers that may be difficult for them to comprehend or difficult for them to receive. Occasional requirement to deal with challenging behaviour or difficult family circumstances and situations