Job Description

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual, who is interested in joining a dynamic team. The role is challenging and rewarding, with emphasis on providing care to those with bladder and bowel issues. The successful applicant will be given appropriate training and support, so although previous experience of providing bladder and bowel care, in a healthcare setting is desirable, it is not essential.



Bladder and bowel issues can be distressing and difficult to talk about, therefore we are looking for someone with good interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills. You should be able to work within a team, and be flexible, as the work entails both clinic based and visiting patients in the community.



An Adult Bladder and Bowel Clinical Nurse specialises in caring for patients with bladder or bowel issues. They provide a comprehensive service to those identified with a bladder or bowel problem.



The Bladder and Bowel Clinical Nurse will be required to assess and reassess the bladder and bowel needs of patients. They would be involved in helping patients manage bladder and bowel issues, including, but not limited to, advice to improve continence issues, identification of an appropriate containment products for patients with continence issues, bladder scanning, urinalysis and advice on skin care products. They will be involved in clinical practice, health promotion, and teaching.



Our Values 2025 - 2030



Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have co-produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.

They are:

We are kind.



We are respectful.



We work together with our communities.



These three values help us to strive to provide the best care by the best people.



Working for NELFT



NELFT place great importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.



Probationary Period



This post will be subject to a probationary period.



High Cost Area Supplement - Fringe



This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of the basic salary (with a minimum of 1,258 to a maximum of 2,122 p.a. pro rata for part time).

JOB SUMMARY:

An Adult Bladder and Bowel Clinical Nurse specialises in caring for patients with bladder or bowel issues. They provide a comprehensive service to those identified with a bladder or bowel problem.



The Bladder and Bowel Clinical Nurse will be required to assess and reassess the bladder and bowel needs of patients. They would be involved in helping patients manage bladder and bowel issues, including, but not limited to, advice to improve continence issues, identification of an appropriate containment products for patients with continence issues, bladder scanning, urinalysis and advice on skin care products. They will be involved in clinical practice, health promotion, and teaching.



MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES



Bladder and Bowel Specialist Service



Management activity



Organises delegated workload in conjunction Bladder and Bowel Clinical Nurse Specialist. Provide data and evidence of activity as requested.



Audit and research activity



Ensure nursing activity is evidence based.

Co-operate in audit and research activity.

Keep up to date with research trends and findings within sphere of practice.



Clinical activity



Assesses, develops and implements bladder and bowel health promotion and management with supportive advice for patients and carers.

Uses skills for assessing and interpreting bladder and bowel issues and other conditions and takes appropriate action.

Be competent in interpreting the combined results from urinalysis, portable bladder ultrasound and bladder charts (frequency and volume diaries) seeking advice from colleagues as appropriate.

Communicates very sensitive condition related information to patients and relatives with empathy and reassurance.

Maintain accurate electronic records according to trust policy, using Systm 1.

Work remotely using a laptop computer (Tablet) with remote connection to the server.

Recommends treatments and management strategies as per policy and NICE guidelines.

In the course of clinical work, provides appropriate help to patients who require physical assistance, if required.

May involve exposure to body fluids.

Provides emotional care for patients within your sphere of work.

Delivers clinical nursing care:

In line with Nelft policies, procedures and health and safety directives.

In line with National Service Frameworks (NSF's) and/or Department of Health Guidelines and/or National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Within a legal and ethical framework seeking consent, always in line with policy.

Within a multidisciplinary framework.

Within agreed MDT and Trust approved protocols.

Within a holistic framework.



Educational activity



Be competent to teach small groups or individuals, without supervision.

Provides data to update training records.

Provides informal teaching on a one-to-one basis.



Self development, maintaining and developing competence



Ensures a Personal Development Plan and mandatory training are completed as required.

Ensures agreed training is completed to support role.

Maintains evidence of continual professional development and fulfil the PREP requirements from the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Receives clinical supervision regularly.

Interacts regularly within other members of the Bladder and Bowel Service.

Be accountable for own professional actions.

Acknowledges limitations in skills and knowledge and refer as appropriate.



Standards.



The Trust aims to maintain the goodwill of its staff, the users of its services and other organisations with whom it works. To ensure that this objective is met, it is expected that all employees carry out their duties in a courteous, sympathetic manner and by the standard of their own appearance and behaviour act as an ambassador for the Trust.



The Trust is committed to modernisation and patient and public involvement and employees are expected to support these programmes.



Each member of staff has a responsibility for Health & Safety. If you notice a health & safety problem which you are unable to correct, you must immediately notify the appropriate person.



Staff must familiarise themselves with the Trusts' Policies and Procedures.



OTHER



There may be a requirement to undertake other duties as reasonably required to support the organisation, which may include work at other organisation managed locations. This may also include work outside of the postholder's normal sphere of activities, including functions not detailed within this job description or working within another location or environment. However, the postholder will not be required to undertake any function for which he or she is not trained or qualified to perform. Normal health & safety procedures would continue to apply and accountability remains with NELFT.



This job description is not intended to be exhaustive but indicates the main functions of the post as presently constituted. Periodic reviews should be carried out to ensure that the job description reflects the job being performed and to incorporate any changes. It is hoped that agreement can be reached with regards to any reasonable changes. If this is not possible, NELFT reserves the right to make changes to the job description after consultation with the postholder.



This is not intended to be either exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to periodic review at least on an annual basis at the performance development review.



The Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy that all employees must observe.



The NHS is a "No Smoking" organisation.



Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.





Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer closely to this when completing your application.