INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
POST OF:
BASE:
REF NO:
Vascular Access Nurse Specialist
University Hospital Crosshouse
N/052/14
Thank you for applying for the above post with NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This information sheet
summarises the terms and conditions related to the post.
Please note if you provide us with an email address on your application form any future
correspondence regarding this post will be emailed to you. If you do not wish to receive this
correspondence by email then please contact us as soon as possible.
A job description and person specification for the post are attached.
This post is permanent
The salary for the post is based on the Band 5 salary scale which is currently £21,602 to
£28,180 per annum (pro rata for part time posts).
The hours for the post are 37.5 per week.
DISCLOSURE SCOTLAND
PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE GROUPS (PVG) SCHEME
The following provides information relevant to the post you have applied for and requires your
attention and completion.
PVG MEMBERSHIP
The post you have applied for is considered to be in the category of “Regulated Work” as
defined by the above scheme and successful candidate(s) will be required to be a member of
the scheme prior to commencing employment.
Membership currently costs £59.00. The cost of membership, if you are successful in your
application, will be paid by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
EXISTING PVG MEMBER
Applicants who are already a PVG member will require to confirm their membership and the
regulated workforce this covers, eg, Adults, Children or both. Prior to employment, NHS
Ayrshire and Arran will determine whether the current level of membership is appropriate for
the post offered. If further membership to cover another regulated workforce is required, the
conditions of membership as stated above will be applied. If however the level of current
membership is appropriate, NHS Ayrshire and Arran will seek a Scheme Record Update
(SRU) and will both pay and incur the costs associated with obtaining the update.
Further information on the scheme can be found on the Disclosure Scotland website at
www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
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PVG SCHEME MEMBERSHIP MANDATE
(Please complete Sections 1+2 and return with your application)
Section 1. Personal details (* circle as applicable)
Name ____________________________
Post Reference Number:
Post Applied for: ___________________
___________
Are you currently a member of the PVG Scheme
*YES/NO
If YES, please provide
Membership Number _________________
Date of Membership _______________
Date of last Scheme Record Update (if applicable)
Member of which Regulated Workforce:
*Adult
__________________________
*Children
*Both
Section 2. Declaration
I understand if my application for this position is successful, I will require to become a
member of the scheme covering the appropriate regulated workforce.
Signed:
Name:
______________________________
______________________________
Section 3 - For office use only
Full membership required Yes/No
Update only:
BAND 5 - AFC
Yes/No
SPN:
Date: _______________________
Post Ref no: _________________
Regulated workforce:
Adult / Children / Both
_____________________________
2
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Conditions of Service - The conditions of service are those laid down and amended from
time to time by the appropriate negotiating bodies e.g. NHS Staff Council/NHS Pay
Negotiating Council.
Annual Leave – The leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Annual leave entitlement
for full time staff on appointment is 202.5 hours (27 days), with 217.5 hours (29 days)
upon completion of 5 years NHS service and 247.50 hours (33 days) after 10 years NHS
service. Entitlements for part time will be pro rata.
Public Holidays – Public holiday entitlement for full time staff is 60 hours based on the 8
designated Public Holidays per annum, and on a 5 day week working 7.5 hours per day.
The 60 hours entitlement is due to all whole time staff irrespective of work pattern. For
part time staff, this will be applied on a pro rata basis and also allocated in hours.
KSF - The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework is essentially a development tool but
will also contribute to decisions about pay progression. It will promote equality for and
diversity of all staff, having the same opportunities for learning, development and review.
It will promote effectiveness at work – with managers and staff being clear about what is
required within a post. It will support effective learning and development of individuals –
with all members of staff being supported to learn throughout their careers.
Pensions - Employees are automatically opted into the NHS (Scotland) Superannuation
Scheme. Contributions are at the rate of 7.1% up until £26,823 then will rise up to 9.3%
thereafter.
Employees may opt out by obtaining and completing the relevant Opt Out form from the
Scottish Public Pensions Agency website.
Disabled Applicants - A disability or health problem does not preclude full consideration for
the job and applications from people with disabilities are welcome. All information will be
treated as confidential. NHS Ayrshire & Arran has been approved, by the Employment
Services Department, as an Equal Opportunities employer with a positive policy towards
employment of disabled people. NHS Ayrshire & Arran guarantees to interview all applicants
with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
You will note on our application form we ask for relevant information with regards to your
disability. This is simply to ensure that we can assist you, if you are called for interview, to
have every opportunity to present your application in full. We may call you to discuss your
needs in more detail if you are selected for interview.
Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and 2004 (Section 8) - The Asylum and Immigration Act
1996 and 2004 requires employment checks to ensure that all employees are legally
employed in the United Kingdom. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant original
documents prior to an offer of employment being made. Any offer of employment will only be
made when the organisation is satisfied that the candidate is the rightful holder of the
documents and is legally eligible for employment within the United Kingdom.
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Medical Examination - Any offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory
medical report from our Occupational Health Services. You may be offered employment
conditional on confirmation that you are medically fit for employment. A commencement
date for employment will only be agreed following this confirmation.
Policy Relating to Staff with Bloodborne Virus Infection - Candidates for posts which
involve exposure prone procedures will not be allowed to commence employment until
they have been assessed as fit to perform EPPs by Occupational Health. The preemployment screening must be completed prior to any job offer being made. Where a
candidate is not able to perform EPPs, Occupational Health will notify the appropriate
manager that the candidate is ‘fit with restrictions’ and is unable to perform EPPs. The
health status of the individual will not normally be notified to management. Where the
restrictions recommended by Occupational Health are unable to be accommodated due
to the clinical duties of any of the posts within the staff groups specified in the policy, an
offer of employment to the post will not be made.
Candidates who are not offered employment due to being deemed unfit to undertake
EPPs as an essential requirement for a post, may be offered the opportunity to apply for
another advertised vacant post and be considered with other applicants. The preemployment screening for EPP posts above do not apply to staff undertaking non-EPP
posts who could have direct contact with blood, bloodstained body fluids or patients’
tissue in the course of their work activities. These staff will be offered and strongly
advised to be immunised against Hepatitis B in line with the Immunisation Policy including
recall for boosters and further antibody checks.
References - Two satisfactory written references must be obtained prior to any offer of
employment being made. These should include current and previous employers as
requested in the job application form. This is in line with the Recruitment and Selection
Policy.
YOUR APPLICATION:
Informal Enquiries - Informal enquiries are welcomed by Fiona McDonald, Charge Nurse
who can be contacted on 01563577492.
Closing Date - Your completed application form should be submitted by 04th May 2014 via
the online application form on the SHOW website. Alternatively your completed application
form can be returned to the address below or can be e-mailed to
Leena.Alnaib@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Department of O&HR Development
63A Lister Street
University Hospital Crosshouse
KILMARNOCK
Ayrshire
KA2 0BE
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JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Vascular Access Nurse Specialist
Job Title:
Vascular Access Nurse – band 5
Responsible to:
Charge Nurse & Lead Vascular access nurse specialist
Department(s): Ward / Dept
Renal
Directorate:
Medical Services
Operating Division:
Acute
Job Reference:
N/052/14
No of Job Holders:
One
Last Update (insert date):
13/05/13
2. JOB PURPOSE
In collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team, the post holder will be accountable for the
overall assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of the Vascular Access
Service working within the professional standards held in the NMC Code of Professional
Conduct.
The post holder will support the lead vascular nurse specialist in the continuous assessment,
creation and monitoring of new and established vascular access within the whole of the renal
services within Ayrshire and Arran which includes Pre dialysis, Haemodialysis, home
haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. They will be delegated responsibilities by the lead
vascular specialist nurse responsible for managing and coordinating vascular imaging,
surveillance, creation and timely referrals as well as working independently across two
hospital sites.
The main role is to improve vascular access survival and reduce hospital admissions from
complications arising from it.
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3. DIMENSIONS
The post holder will work within Medical Services and be employed by NHS Ayrshire and
Arran – making them accountable for their clinical decision making undertaken and for their
clinical assessment and treatment with the vascular access service.
The post holder will work between Crosshouse and Ayr hospital sites: they will assist the
lead vascular specialist nurse to support the patient’s vascular needs in pre-dialysis, the
renal units and the acute renal ward and the other outlying wards this will include arranging
vascular procedures, insertion of lines and monitoring of access.
The post holder will liaise with all the charge nurses and nursing staff within the renal service
as well as consultants, doctors, diagnostic staff, inpatients, out patients, carers and families.
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
CNM
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Renal Charge Nurse
Lead Vascular
Access Nurse
Specialist
Vascular surgeon
Post Holder
Junior Nursing Staff
Administrative
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5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The overall role of the department is to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual
needs of patients who are requiring vascular access procedures or have established
vascular access within the renal services.
The vascular nurse specialist is responsible for ensuring vascular access is created in a
timely manner for all relevant patients, and that surveillance protocols are in place to ensure
its longevity.
The vascular access specialist nurses are responsible for generating a waiting list via referral
paperwork completed by the consultants / specialist doctor in charge of patients shift.
The post holder is responsible for the completion of paperwork to ensure the correct workup
is completed for the patient prior to a procedure being undertaken.
The post holder is responsible for disseminating dates of vascular procedures to the relevant
clinicians within the renal services.
Supplying training on all aspects of renal vascular procedures, vasculature and cannulation
to all staff within the renal services.
The vascular access department operates as an integral part of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s,
promoting patient centred services, based upon local and National strategies, taking account
of Ayrshire & Arran’s clinical, corporate and staff governance agenda.
Working collaboratively the department assesses, plans, implements and evaluates
individualised patients vascular care.
The department works to promote a culture of openness and honesty and provides learning
and a stimulating environment where staff can flourish.
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6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical – Renal unit
 Post holder will develop highly specialised care packages and provide specialised clinical
and non clinical advice for patients requiring vascular access for haemodialysis.
 The post holder will have continuing responsibility for the safe and responsive provision
of care in their area of responsibility.
 To assist the lead vascular nurse specialist to co-ordinate the highly specialist care of the
patient pre and post theatre and/or invasive investigations
 To collaborate with the pre-dialysis team to identify patients who have chosen
haemodialysis as their preferred mode of renal replacement therapy
 The post holder will take the lead role in the education of patients and their families
regarding all aspects of vascular access, to ensure patients are given the opportunity to
voice concerns, thus reducing stress.
 The post-holder has a responsibility to assess the knowledge and understanding of
carers, patients and other healthcare professionals regarding maintenance of healthy
access.
 The post holder will take the lead in the provision of specialist education packages in
order to teach junior nursing and medical staff as well as student nurses the importance
of healthy access and empower them with the knowledge to recognise problematic
access and take prompt, appropriate action.
 Organise the follow up care of patients who have had surgery to create vascular access
for haemodialysis
 Review and assess in-patients with vascular access issues and refer accordingly
 The post holder will support the Lead vascular nurse specialist to develop and manage
nurse led Vascular Access Clinic to assess and review patients access
 Unsupervised assessment of individual patient care needs and the planning,
implementation and evaluation of specialist vascular access care, ensuring all forms of
care/instructions are understood and carried out
 Diagnosing complications related to patients dialysis vascular access.
 Arrange all urgent & non urgent referrals onto appropriate departments for required
investigations / treatments or procedures including: Cardiology; Radiology and Day
Surgery / Renal ward
 Decision making; organisation & coordination of insertions of tunnelled central vein
catheters
 Decision making & coordination of the removal of central vein catheters.
 Ensure all renal vascular access patients are followed up following invasive procedures
 Ensure all investigation outcomes are followed up and acted upon
 Prevent vascular access complications by providing unsupervised nurse led assessments
of access related issues.
 Provide education in all vascular access complications in relation to infection control
issues.
 Support and supervise all relevant junior nursing staff in the provision of safe and
effective nursing care.
 Demonstrate high level clinical knowledge and skill, with continuous professional
development to maintain optimum levels of clinical practice.
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Assessment of individual patient care needs and the planning, implementation and
evaluation of care, ensuring all forms of care/ instructions are understood and carried out
Actively participate and co-ordinate the patient’s journey for vascular access creation /
investigation from admission to discharge
Raise and maintain patient’s awareness of health promotion.
Ensure safe storage and administration of medicines and treatments according to local
and National policy.
To facilitate and empower patients to engage in healthy lifestyles through education and
advice on how to reduce risk factors leading to early initiation of dialysis.
Ensure safe storage and administration of medicines and treatments according to local
and national policy
Responsible for the management and coordination of their delegated vascular access
caseload
Provide emergency nursing advice /assessment for patients at home or for GP’s/
District/Practice nurses by phone.
Management
Prioritise; organise & create theatre lists for patients requiring surgery for: creation of
fistulas / grafts; insertion & removal of central vein catheters
Creation and management of weekly Consultant led vascular access clinic
Promote, encourage and adhere to all Patient Services policies and procedures.
Maintain knowledge of current local and National guidelines.
Supports the Lead Vascular Access Nurse Specialist to identify and implement service
development
Supports the Lead Vascular Access Nurse Specialist in the monitoring of nursing practice
related to vascular access within the department.
Report all incidents as per incident reporting policy.
Investigate any relevant complaints and implement any action plans as necessary.
Support all members of the wider renal team in the provision of safe and effective
programmes of care.
Responsible for own annual performance review.
Formulation & reporting of monthly vascular access reports/stats to management
Identifying, minimising and managing interpersonal conflict, maintaining the trust of the
team.
Support the Lead Vascular Access Nurse Specialist in the effective management of the
nursing and supplies ensuring resources are effectively utilised.
Communication
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Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, relatives and the multidisciplinary team.
The maintenance of accurate nursing care plans and all relevant documentation for
individual patients.
Collaborate with other disciplines to ensure that good communications / relationships
are established.
Co-ordinate and disseminate relevant safety action notices and other essential
communication within the department.
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Network nationally and locally with other vascular access specialist nurses, in order to
embrace best practice guidelines and evidence based protocols.
Development, initiation and evaluation of clinical protocols.
Professional/Educational
 The post holder will support the Lead Vascular Access Nurse Specialist to lead in the
teaching, assessment and supervision of all nursing staff in relation to the vascular
access specialty, ensuring all mandatory training is undertaken.
 The post holder will assist the Lead Vascular Access Nurse Specialist in audit and quality
assurance programmes, ensuring that best practice is adopted across the specialty.
 Keep a record of own training and contribute to the record of staff training.
 The maintenance of a high standard of conduct and dress to promote public confidence.
 Ensure that the Code of Professional Conduct is adhered to at all times.
 Support in the development of Vascular Access education programme.
 Participate in the development and implementation of staff development programmes.
 Participate in the provision, initiation and evaluation of specialist education packages.
 Participate in the teaching of nursing and non-nursing staff as appropriate.
 Take an active role in self-development, extending knowledge and skills as opportunities
arise.
 Actively participate in the orientation of new staff.
 Assist in clinical vascular access audits/ surveys and quality assurance programmes.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
The post holder is expected to have an in-depth knowledge of all the equipment used in
the ward / dept.
Renal
 Haemodiafiltration/haemodialysis machine.
 Assessing fistula utilising a stethoscope
 Transonic ultrasound machine
 Sonosite or similar ultrasound equipment
 BCM recording machine
 Expert cannulation skills with years of experience dealing with vascular access
problems.
IT information and training
 Vascular shared folder to assess guidelines, protocols, policies.
 SERPR – input vascular access information for the renal services to review.
 Windows application, athena, intranet, - to access best practice information and
infection control information.
 PowerPoint – for education.
 Printer and Photocopier
Generic
 Highly specialised e.g. Various intravenous pumps
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Hoists etc.
ECG machine
Blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturations, blood glucose monitoring
Electric beds and chairs.
7b. SYSTEMS
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Maintenance of paper / electronic based patient record system in accordance with
NMC guidelines and Ayrshire and Arran policy
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Highly skilled using SERPR
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Frequent ordering of supplies for the department using a paper based, electronic
ordering and stock control system.
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Any other system relevant to vascular speciality e.g., electronic prescribing, PAC’s,
transonic, ultrasound machine and patient procedures database.
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Investigation requests.
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Provision of monitoring tools that will record arterial and venous pressure, visible
changes to access and haemostasis on completion of dialysis.
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Ensure systems in place to allow effective communication to take place between
members of the renal units, pre-dialysis, consultants, doctors, renal ward and the
vascular surgeon.
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Participate in monthly meetings to ensure all key members meet to discuss
operational aspects and developments of the service.
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Submitting off-duty, annual leave requests and study leave requirements to the Lead
nurse/charge nurse to be entered into SSTS.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
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Workload is generated by the clinical activity within the renal units, acute ward and predialysis service, and by service developments, advances in practice and research.
Workload is also generated by the delegation of tasks by the Renal Unit charge nurse
Lead Vascular access nurse specialist and the vascular access surgeon.
Self directed within own limitations, being able to recognise these and seek appropriate
guidance.
GPs and other healthcare professionals may refer patients to the post holder if they have
problematic vascular access and the post holder will be expected to liaise with the
vascular surgeon to ensure prompt and appropriate action.
Locally agreed objectives.
Peer group review.
Workload changes daily and as an autonomous practitioner post holder is required to
continually prioritise, plan and organise workload to meet the needs of the vascular
access service
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Post holder works independently and unsupervised
Post holder updates line manager regularly on service developments
Annual review by performance appraisal, personal development plan and objective
setting.
Peer group review.
Delegation of workload to other team members
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
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The post holder has autonomy, independence and continuing responsibility regarding the
organisation and responsive provision of vascular access care to meet the needs of all
patients referred to the service.
Assessment of patients complex needs (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) to
establish change in condition, provide emergency advice, inform renal consultants and
vascular access consultant.
Provision of professional advice to medical staff; registered nurses, unregistered staff and
students and an ability to recognise own limitations and the requirement for appropriate
referral.
Autonomy to proactively use independent clinical judgement to anticipate, problems or
needs and actively resolve them without being asked drawing on expert knowledge and
experience
Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to refer patients to other departments for vascular
imaging and investigations.
Able to refer and co-ordinate timely investigations without supervision or guidance
Assess vascular access imaging / investigation reports and arrange required treatment/
intervention
Able to plan and carry out duties independently without supervision.
To act as a co-ordinator in the absence of the Lead vascular access nurse specialist or the
vascular surgeon
Constant assessing and reviewing of effectiveness of the vascular access service through
clinical audit.
Interpretation of blood results and initiate appropriate action.
In collaboration with the clinical leads of the service propose policy/ service changes and
service development
The post holder will support the Lead vascular access nurse specialist in decision making
regarding the utilisation of resources within agreed budget
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
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To meet patient access targets by reducing admissions to the renal inpatient service
that currently arise through complications with vascular access.
Increased responsibility and clinical support , ensuring the continuation and promotion
of high quality, clinically effective care
Assuming an active role in teaching and developing junior staff within the realms of
evidence based practice
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Ability to continually change and adapt to new situations and strategies.
Being responsive to new practices and communicate these to colleagues and junior
staff.
To be able to cope with the workload within at times limited resources.
To work unsupervised across split sites and to develop skills of non renal nurses in
vascular access.
To achieve recommended targets safely and effectively.
Ability to educate and inform patients and their relatives in all aspects of vascular care
who are sometimes hostile, resistant and in denial of their chronic disease
Assuming a role in teaching and developing junior staff within the realms of evidence
based practice within the other renal departments
Ability to continually change and adapt to new situations and strategies.
Being responsive to new practices and communicate these to colleagues and junior
staff.
Driving and supporting change within the vascular access to improve quality of clinical
care for patients
Dealing with violence, aggression and abusive behaviours both in hospital and
community setting
Ability to cope and prioritise own workload under continually increasing demands
To work as an independent practitioner providing evidence based nursing care
appropriate to the patients needs
Identify and manage interpersonal conflict/and or poor performance of individuals and
teams
Communicating & decision making when no clinical lead (Surgeon) is based on site
Prioritising patients for investigations when limited spaces available for imaging.
Dealing with infection control issues or poor cannulation skills of individual nurses
working within the renal services.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
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Post holder will be expected to develop and establish effective communication
channels within the hospital and community setting to inform/discuss patients’
condition, progress and required care
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with the multi disciplinary
team, colleagues, patients, relatives, carers, community staff and senior nursing/
medical staff.
Ability to liaise effectively with external agencies.
Participation at ward / department/ MDT meetings.
Adhere to NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s policy on confidentiality, including Caldicott
Guidelines and the requirements of the Data Protection Act
The main purpose of communication would be regarding the patients’ conditions and /
or issues relating to patient care. The post holder would be expected to communicate
with Renal Charge Nurses regarding nursing team issues.
Coach others in the use of effective communication and interpersonal skills required to
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motivate develop/and improve performance
Frequent requirement to receive and communicate highly complex information tactfully.
The ability to handle sensitive information in a manner not liable to offend or
antagonise.
Respond to incidents/complaints as they arise. Provide statements/reports as
requested by the charge nurse, Lead vascular access nurse specialist, CNM
Provide expert specialist advice to patients/ relatives/friends/carers, and all members
of the renal multidisciplinary team
Networking with other vascular access specialist nurses locally and nationally to
share/learn and facilitate best practice.
The maintenance of accurate nursing care plans and all relevant documentation for
individual patients, including documenting vascular access progress in medical /
nursing notes/ SERPR
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The post holder will be involved in both clinical and managerial activity and may frequently
be required to move between tasks at short notice to meet the needs of the service. There is
a requirement for flexibility of working patterns and for the ability to deal with situations as
they arise. Workload is unpredictable, with priorities changing constantly
Physical
 Frequently working in highly unpleasant working conditions such as having contact with
blood products.
 Frequent exposure to hazards such as face to face verbal and physical aggression.
 A portion of the job entails physical work and the post holder would require moving and
handling skills, such as moving patients with hoists and mechanical aids, which should be
updated annually or more frequently if required.
 Constant bending when assessing fistulas/grafts with stethoscopes, transonic or
ultrasound machinery.
 Supporting staff with cannulation within renal units and ward.
 The post holder will be required to work within confined spaces.
 The post holder will be required to be able to initiate appropriate emergency care.
 The post holder will be able to adapt to the shift pattern required and may be required to
work a variety of shifts.
 Post holder able to work across 2 hospital sites to meet the demands of the post and to
coordinate effectively.
 A range of highly developed physical skills required with accuracy being essential.
 Regular exposure to sharps
 Sit for long periods at a desk and on a computer
Mental
 The post holder will support the Lead nurse in the delivery of care for all patients referred
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to the vascular access service.
The post holder will be required to use own initiative and be able to make decisions
autonomously regarding patient care
The post holder will have to maintain safety of staff, patients and carers at all times.
The post holder will be required to use own judgement whilst observing patients condition
and should report any changes to their line manager and the relevant disciplines
There is a requirement to deal with challenging behaviours/patient groups
High degree of mental agility, adaptability and initiative is required to manage the
vascular access where workload, caseload, environment of practice can vary from day to
day.
Dealing with distressed patients & families when surgical procedures have been
unsuccessful
Explaining reasons why surgical procedures have been unsuccessful
Retention and communication of knowledge and important information
Concentration required when checking documents/blood results/patient notes;
administering drugs, scheduling appointments, educating patients, using a computer
Emotional Effort/Skills
 There is a requirement to deal with distressed and anxious patients and carers in a
professional and sensitive manner on a daily basis.
 Be able to constructively criticise staff members cannulation skills and educate on correct
procedure.
 There is a requirement to support staff and assist in the management of
complex/contentious personnel issues
 There is a requirement to deal with complicated family dynamics and high levels of public
expectations
 There is a requirement to on occasion work in hostile and emotive atmospheres, which
may result in the need for sudden intense effort and concentration
 The post holder will be required to deal with complaints, involving meeting the
complainant and seeking to address their concerns, whilst supporting staff involved.
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13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
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Post holder will be a Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
Extensive post registration experience in all aspects of renal replacement therapy and
vascular access.
Evidence of further training in vascular access therapies would be essential.
An in –depth working knowledge of all types of vascular access is essential as well as
an understanding of nationally agreed policies and guidelines/targets
Excellent cannulation skills.
Able to perform vascular access assessment, monitoring and evaluate while being able
to identify any access flow problems.
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Working knowledge of transonic and ultrasound machine
Excellent infection control role model and completion of cleanliness champion is
desirable.
Well developed written and verbal communication skills.
Be able to supervise and provide a teaching role to students and junior staff.
Good computer skills are essential i.e. emails, word documents, powerpoint
presentations, athena, internet.
Working knowledge of SERPR
Excellent skills in research and audit.
Working knowledge of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s policies and Procedures.
Ability to keep relevant skills / knowledge updated and documented.
A commitment to lifelong learning and demonstrates evidence of continuing
professional development.
BAND 5 - AFC
16
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Person Specification
Post Title
Vascular access nurse specialist
Post Reference Number: N/052/14
Selection Factors
(Person Specification)
QUALIFICATIONS &
TRAINING
Criteria
Essential
RGN qualified with extensive renal experience.
Proficient in using SERPR
EXPERIENCE
Desirable
Evidence of post registration qualifications – Degree
Essential
Renal qualifications
Experienced in all aspects of RRT and extensive experience working with vascular access.
Can use monitoring tools for assessing fistula flow (transonic)
Has a working knowledge of the appropriate paperwork for vascular access.
Involved in audit and monthly statutory figures.
KNOWLEDGE
Desirable
Involved in research and development within the renal services.
Vascular access training and qualifications.
Essential
Good knowledge of vascular access and the complications experienced.
Knowledge of how to assess the information supplied from the vascular access monitoring tools (transonic).
Knowledge of how to arrange theatre dates and medical imaging appointments.
COMPETENCIES &
SKILLS
Desirable
Can assess duplex scans, angioplasty results
Essential
Good vascular skills
Good management & organisational skills
BAND 5 - AFC
17
Good teaching skills and mentoring skills.
Good Infections control prevention skills
PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND
OTHER
Desirable
Completed cleanliness champion workbook.
Essential
Confident and motivated individual
Good communication skills (both written and orally) and interpersonal skills.
Good timekeeping and flexible in working hours.
Demonstrates initiative, judgement and problem solving skills.
Works on own initiative and as part of a team.
Desirable
BAND 5 - AFC
18
BAND 5 - AFC
19