Band 6 Community Substance Misuse Nurse

Essential Duties

1. Assessment and Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ substance misuse and associated health issues to develop individualized care plans.
2. Direct Patient Care: Provide clinical interventions and detox management, offering both physical and psychological support.
3. Medication Management: Prescribe and administer medication as part of the treatment plan, ensuring compliance with clinical guidelines.
4. Counseling and Support: Deliver structured counseling and facilitate group therapy sessions to support recovery.
5. Multi-disciplinary Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, psychologists, and social workers to enhance service delivery.
6. Health Promotion and Education: Educate patients and their families about substance misuse, treatment options, and preventative measures.
7. Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed patient records and reports in accordance with legal and professional standards.

Essential Requirements

1. Qualifications: Registered Nurse with current NMC registration. Additional qualifications in substance misuse or mental health are highly advantageous.
2. Experience: Substantial experience in substance misuse nursing or related fields, including experience in managing caseloads independently.
3. Skills: Excellent communication, counselling, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with challenging patient groups.
4. Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the effects of drugs and alcohol and the latest treatment options.
5. Personal Attributes: Strong commitment to patient care, resilience in high-pressure situations, and a non-judgmental approach to care.
6. Legal Compliance: Understanding of the legal context surrounding substance misuse treatment, including safeguarding and confidentiality issues.