Nurse specialist in dementia care

To primarily provide holistic, evidence-based best practice care to a private individual relating to all her needs in positive person-centred manner. These needs currently include having a diagnosis of dementia, age-related frailties and any other issues or health co-morbidities that may arise.

Essentially the post-holder will be required to:

• Assesses; plans, develops and implements programmes of care; provides advice; maintains associated records either manually or digitally;
• Carry out nursing procedures as required and in concordance with clinical guidelines;
• Provide clinical supervision to other staff.

The post holder will direct, coordinate and supervise, where appropriate, the work of other staff to promote best practice in relation to the care of the client with dementia. In the absence of the team leader, the post holder will provide cover to ensure effective delivery of care to the client. Any issues should be raised with the line manager.

QUALIFICATIONS / Essential requirements

• Swiss or EU passport (or Swiss working permit holder)
• Registered Nurse with valid NMC registration or European/Swiss equivalent.
• Nursing degree or equivalent.
• Best Practice in Dementia Training completion or working towards, ability to undertake this.
• Willingness to undergo specific dementia training ie Best Practice in Dementia Care, delivered in English.
• Additional qualifications in relation to dementia and dementia related topics including stress and distress training, meaningful activity, Sage and Thyme.
• Understanding of the Newcastle Model and/or PINCHME model of behaviour assessment.
• Willingness to develop dementia knowledge as part of CPD either independently or as provided by the Organisation.
• Specialist dementia qualification or additional studies in related areas.
• Understanding behaviour as a communication and good knowledge of non-pharmacological interventions and strategies.
• Experience in End of Life Care / Develop relevant clinical skills to address any developing co-morbidities and end-of-life care

QUALIFICATIONS / Additional requirements (may be utilised to benefit LHS)

• Moving and Handling Trainer
• Beauty/Massage Therapy
• Meaningful Activity

LANGUAGE / Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively using English. English as first language (ideally mother tongue). Local dialect to client – Central Scotland.
• Excellent written communication in English.
• Due to the nature of FTL Dementia the language centres of the brain are affected. The inability to communicate effectively has a detrimental affect on LHS and their quality of life, increasing stress and distressed behaviour.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 5 years’ experience working with people with dementia.

PERSONAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrate excellent team working skills with the ability to work using own initiative.
• Effective listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with people and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Working knowledge of basic technology.
• Teaching skills for junior members of staff, family and other professionals.
• Female gender

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Being able to commit to working a shift pattern based in Buckinghamshire, UK and Switzerland for extended periods of time (preferably 10-14 days) / Necessity to travel with the client in UK.
• Unsociable hours are included this comes in the form of a sleepover arrangement alternating nights with another member of staff for the period of time ‘on shift’.
• May involve accompanying client to and from other venues as part of the duties.
• Be able to conduct and present themselves in a manner appropriate to the social standing of the client.
• Confidentiality must be always maintained both in line with NMC requirements as well as organisationally given the nature of the employer – a confidentiality agreement will be provided separately.
• Understanding the culture local to the client and family as dementia progresses earlier years are more prevalent and a lack of awareness or understanding can cause increased stress and distress which could lead to unnecessary pharmacological interventions.
• Housekeeping is also a key aspect of this position.