Locum/Temp Practice Nurse

Position Description: Locum Practice Nurse for Neurosurgeon

• Full time for 6 weeks holiday cover May – June with one week hand over second week of May  
• Vehicle required to travel between two hospitals, car space provided 
• Remuneration is above award rate
• Current registration with AHPRA required

Clinical Responsibilities

• After patient has seen surgeon and been informed of the appropriate surgery, discuss this with patient, show educational videos, talk through pre and post operative instructions, inform patient of usual expectations of surgery, book post operative appointment for wound check
• Triage calls and emails from patients, working within scope of practice, referring to surgeon when appropriate 
• Provide post operative instructions and wound care for patients at approximately 2 weeks, all wound care to adhere to aseptic technique, inform surgeon when wounds are not healing as expected. Wound care includes but is not exclusive to removing sutures, removing staples, redressing surgical wounds
• Visit patients on wards post operatively, reiterate post operative instructions and ensure wound check is booked   
• Act as a patient advocate whilst patient is an inpatient, coordinating care across different specialties and professionals to provide a smooth recovery and safe discharge that is holistic and clinically appropriate
• Contact rehabilitation facilities for progress updates for patients discharged to such facilities
• Ensure patients receive evidence based up to date instructions
• Work with the wider team to continually improve services provided, including disseminating new instructions/ information to wards, rehab facilities and other professionals involved in patient care
• Streamline documentation and instructions to ensure patients receive the same care and information
• Ensure medical supplies are ordered and stock levels maintained
• Provide a clean environment
• Ensure patients are recalled when required
• Keep factual, detailed documentation from all interventions and contact with patients
• Maintain excellent communication skills with patients and team members
• Participate in quality improvement and risk management within the clinic
• Maintain patient and practice confidentiality at all times