Download Appendix E

Department of Sexual Health
Sexual Health Nurse Specialist
Band 6
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB DETAILS
Job Title:
Sexual Health Nurse Specialist
Band:
Band 6
Location:
Based at the Department of Sexual Health at Salisbury
District Hospital, but also providing clinical support and
cover as required for community satellite services.
JOB PURPOSE AND FREEDOM TO ACT
1. To work autonomously as a specialist nurse providing a high quality
holistic clinical service covering all aspects of contraception,
reproductive and sexual health to male and female patients of all ages as
part of a multi-disciplinary team.
2. To contribute towards the reduction in the rate of unwanted pregnancies
and sexual transmitted infections locally, working in line with local and
national strategies.
SCOPE OF THE JOB
The Department of Sexual Health offers sexual health screening, treatment and
management of infections, and provides contraception and family planning services. The
service is based at the Department of Sexual Health at SDH, and provides community
contraception sexual health clinics with Salisbury City Centre and across the whole of
Wiltshire.

To provide a welcoming, non-judgemental confidential service to all patients
whatever the setting. Use excellent communication skills to establish a rapport
with clients and deal with sensitive and difficult issues.
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017

Assess the patient, receiving highly sensitive and complex information in taking
an accurate and relevant medical, sexual and social history.

Provide complex and accurate, evidence based information on all contraception
methods, enabling an informed choice to be made, adapting methods of
communication and teaching to suit the individual.

Monitor the patients health and well being regarding a chosen method of
contraception and ensure that the method has been understood, used correctly
and reviewed appropriately.

Supply and administer contraception in accordance with patient group directions,
local policy, and level of training and competence.

Following assessment and history taking, plan and initiate the care pathway
together with the patient. Undertake genital examination, relevant swabs/tests
and smears as per departmental guidelines. Recognise normal and abnormal
presentations, referring to medical colleagues appropriately.

Undertake venesection and as act as chaperone as required.

Identify individuals at risk of blood born viruses, offering specialist advice
regarding risk reduction and obtaining informed consent to undertake screening
tests and preparation of potential positive result. Identify individuals in need of
further information, support and refer to Health Adviser accordingly

Prescribe and administer vaccination where appropriate.

Discuss sexual health and counsel patient with regards to tests offered and
treatment indicated. Undertake appropriate testing as per presentation and
BASHH guidelines and ensure appropriate follow up. Inform patients of how
results can be accessed and ensure accurate patient records are kept at all times.

Recognise the rights of young people to a confidential service and adhere to
Fraser guidelines. Ensure full vulnerability assessment undertaken for all under
18s, and older service users who may require extra support or need
safeguarding, referring any concerns to senior colleagues or social care directly.

Undertake pregnancy testing, advising, counselling and referring as necessary to
GP or unplanned pregnancy services as required.

Ensure correct coding of episode completed as per assessment and
treatment/management undertaken.

Provide appropriate and relevant evidence based health promotion and health
education.

Prepare and clear away after each clinical session. Follow infection control policy,
including management and disposal of sharps. Keep the clinical area stocked up,
and in good working order.

Ensure the publicity and health awareness/promotional material within and for
the service is available and up to date.
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017

Undertake audit and case note review, governance, teaching, support and
mentoring. Ensure a proactive working environment is established for colleagues
and visiting students/medics.
ORGANISATION CHART
Clinical Support and Family Services Directorate
Directorate Senior Nurse
Clinical Director
Directorate Manager
Sexual Health
Department Manager
Consultants
Other medical Staff
Health Advisor, Nurses
Health Care Support Workers
Administration team
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Registered Nurse

Degree in Nursing

Evidence of ongoing postgraduate diploma level training

Recognised teaching qualification

Sexual Health Course

Minimum of three years post registration

Recognised post registration training in contraception and sexual health
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Trained and competent in cervical cytology sampling

Good computer skills, competent in the use email/word. Knowledge and IT skills
sufficient to enable use of electronic patient records.

Understanding of safeguarding issues and aware of own responsibilities and
referral procedures.

Foundation level multi-agency child protection training
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017
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Knowledge and understanding of national strategies and policies around the
health of young people and teenage pregnancy.

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Excellent communication skills

Ability to manage own workload, appointment clinics, walk in clinics and work
autonomously.

Ability to undertake specific skills required such as phlebotomy, sub-cutaneous
/intra-muscular injections, contraception implants, coil insertion.

Ability to illicit highly complex and sensitive sexual histories and potential risk
exposures, assessing possible risk factors and formulate care plan and undertake
appropriate action regarding potential treatments and screening.
KEY “TASKS” (KEY RESULT AREAS)

The post holder must ensure that personal information for patients, members of
staff and all other individuals is accurate, up to date, kept secure and confidential
at all times in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998, the Caldicott
principles and the common law duty of confidentiality. The post holder must
follow the record keeping guidelines established by the Trust to ensure
compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

In accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, develop and maintain
the clinical skills required caring for patients within Contraception and GUM,
through a variety of learning opportunities and providing evidence of clinical
competence through the development and maintenance of a personal and
professional portfolio.

Provide health education, promoting safer sexual practice and empowering
individuals to make positive choices about their sexual well being and general
health.

To record assessments, treatments and interventions accurately and concisely in
patients notes.

To establish a good working relationship with medical, nursing and administrative
staff in the clinic, and adherence to the Department of Sexual Health Standards
of Behaviour.

To be aware of the confidential nature of the clinic and work within the
responsibilities as laid down in the Venereal Diseases Regulations NHS Trust Act
1991.
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017

Participate in the maintenance and development of nursing practice in
Contraception and GUM clinics in accordance with BASHH, FSRH, NMC and local
policy guidelines.

Be accountable for own practice and act as an advocate for clients who are having
assessments undertaken by colleagues, ensuring all service users receive high
standard of care in a safe environment.

Protect all confidential information concerning clients, making disclosures only
with client’s consent or when disclosure can be appropriately justified.

To maintain patient safety through rigorous and consistent compliance with trust
policies for the prevention and control of infection, including hand hygiene and
bare below elbow. To undertake and maintain mandatory training and updates in
infection prevention and control.

To safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults in
compliance with Trust policy and staff responsibilities under Section 11 of The
Children Act 2004;. To follow Trust safeguarding children and child protection
policies and guidelines, and undertake appropriate mandatory training and
updates in safeguarding children/child protection.

By following trust policies in relation to Safeguarding Adults, staff will ensure that
they work with other agencies to protect all adults from abuse at any time.

To respect and value the diversity of our patients, their relatives, carers and staff
by committing to address the needs and expectations of the diverse communities
we serve to provide high quality care, and strive to make best use of talents and
experience from our diverse workforce.

Comply with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
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To participate in audit within the department, and maintain own record of case
note reviews, and compliance to PGD prescribing.

Undertake stock control and ordering of stores, medicines and stationary as
required.
COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Establish and maintain effective exchange of information between all disciplines
involved in the care of patients attending the clinic

Establish and maintain effective communication between staff working in the
hospital and community in relation to the professional care of patients attending
or requiring GUM or Contraception services.

Excellent communication skills required to support patients who access the
service providing empathy and reassurance, particularly for those faced with
unplanned pregnancy, infection or presenting as a result of sexual assault.
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017
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Communicate effectively with all members staff within the Department and
ensure maintenance of accurate written records, including the recording and
reporting of incidents.

Contribute to staff meetings, identify areas of concern and contribute to problem
solving and adapting care and management as required.

Contribute to the development of patient pathways, identifying areas in which
electronic patient records can be improved and patient journey enhanced.

Provide mentorship and teaching for junior members of staff, nursing and medical
students.
MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB

Ensuring good time management of yourself and other team members
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Co-ordination with other team members to ensure work load is prioritised

Communication and interpersonal skills within a constantly challenging, changing
and sensitive environment
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Maintaining all standards of care in accordance with NMC, Trust, FSRH and
BASHH
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Identifying areas in need of improvement and change, and assist in
implementation of change process
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Contribution to on going education and assessment of yourself and colleagues.

Concentration, mental and emotional effort required to undertake clinical session
and deal with associated complex histories and variety of presentations such as
sexual assault, unplanned pregnancy, risk exposure.

Undertake clinic work with physical demands required to examine patients, and
working conditions such as frequent handling and risk of exposure to bodily fluids
including those at risk of having and confirmed blood born viruses.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Salary
Band 6
Hours
F/T 37.5
Annual Leave
Dependant on level of service

On appointment, 27 days

After 5 years, 29 days

After 10 years, 33 days
Plus 8 bank holidays p.a.
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017
JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature
Date
Senior Officer/Head of Department
Date
Signature
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017
Department of Sexual Health
Sexual Health Nurse Specialist
Band 6
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Person Specification
Professional qualifications
Essential
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Previous experience
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Specialist Knowledge
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Competencies and skills
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Registered nurse
Degree in Nursing
Postgraduate diploma level
training
Recognised Teaching
qualification
Recognised GU/Family Planning
Certificate
RCN Sexual Health Course or
equivalent
3 years post registration
3 years experience within
specialty of sexual health
Competent facilitator to students
and junior staff
Triage
Nurse led Services/Outreach
Clinics
Smear Taking
To competently prescribe
medication under a Patient
Group Direction
Experience of working with
young people, vulnerable people
in society.
Understanding of Sexual Health
and National Strategies
Knowledge of Contraceptive
methods
Able to undertake
audits/research and reflect
changes in practice accordingly
Evidence of Continual
Professional Development
Commitment to confidentiality
and understanding of Venereal
Diseases Regulations NHS Trust
Act 1991.
Understanding of clinical
governance
Knowledge of safeguarding
procedures and other legislation
relating to sexual health service
provision
Excellent communication skills
Phlebotomy
Ability to lead clinics
Good rapport with patients and
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017
Desirable
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Counselling Certificate
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Family planning
experience
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Disposition
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Other
factors/requirements
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team
Teaching/Supervision of junior
staff
Time management
Motivator
Sound interpersonal skills, team
player
Counselling and listening skills
Positive attitude to change and
new ideas
Ability to organise and manage
own time and recognise own
limitations
Excellent IT skills
Excellent organisation skills
Methodical
Confident in discussing subject
matter of sexual health
Calm and reliable
Motivated
Flexible to changing needs of the
service
Supportive of colleagues
Approachable
Non judgemental
Flexibility to cover colleagues for
annual leave, study leave and
sickness
Band 6 JD OCT 2012, reviewed April 2017