Position Description - Nelson Bays Primary Health

POSITION PURPOSE
POSITION DESCRIPTION: RESPIRATORY NURSE EDUCATOR
Nelson Bays Primary Health (NBPH) promotes and supports quality community health services, with an
emphasis on keeping people healthy. “Be Well for all people” - Piki te ora o nga tangata katoa.
NBPH leads and coordinates a range of primary health care services through its contracted General
Practices and other Primary providers e.g. Māori Providers, NGOs, Volunteer organisations and Territorial
Authorities in the delivery of the Primary Health Care Strategy. The organisation holds contracts with the
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) and other providers for these services. Nelson Bays
Primary Health is committed to reducing health inequalities within the health system.
The Respiratory Nurse Educator will be a permanent employee of NBPH to assist people with mild to severe
asthma and related respiratory conditions through improved assessment, treatment, medication, health
education and self management support. Similarly, the Respiratory Nurse Educator will work alongside
clinicians in primary health care to provide diagnostic assistance (spirometry), professional development and
shared case-management where required.
POSITION OBJECTIVES
1. To provide a culturally appropriate, integrated respiratory conditions education service to the
community
Assessment, treatment, medication advice and education in line with best practice by the following
model of care within general practice and other primary health providers:
o One-to-one referrals – complex cases;
o Train-the-trainer – working with health providers to become more skilled and knowledgeable
about respiratory management;
o Group work – ongoing support for the COPD group and other groups which may develop as
the need arises.
Development of self-management plans – for individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease;
2. To promote increased community awareness of asthma and COPD
Education and advice on asthma and COPD facts, symptoms, triggers, the impact of smoking, use of
medication, peak flow meters and other devices and action plans, and make available services to
people with asthma and COPD and their families;
Linking clients with appropriate community based support agencies e.g. smoking cessation courses,
lifestyle management opportunities;
Deliver training programmes / education opportunities for health professionals, schools and
community groups;
Work in partnership with Nelson Asthma Society through initiatives such as clinics, newsletters,
support to people to access to the services offered and respiratory awareness week.
3. Encourage and support achievement of self management for patients with asthma and COPD
Facilitate access to services targeted at whanau/family not likely to access asthma and COPD
disease services and provide them with a way of receiving them;
Support provided to patients to resolve complex issues which are impacting on their ability/desire to
access asthma and COPD services and thus enabling them to receive these services;
Reports to: Bobbie Hutton, Associate Director of Nursing, Primary Care
Internal Relationships: All NBPH staff
External Relationships: Primary Health Care Providers
Nelson Asthma Society
Asthma Foundation
Respiratory Physician, Nelson Hospital
Position Description: Respiratory Nurse Educator Page 1 of 5
Created: Nov 2009
Updated: May 2013

LOCATION
Non-Government Organisations and other community-based
organisations
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board Staff (particularly ED,
Medical and Paediatric services)
Other relevant stakeholders
This is a permanent, part-time position, located at the office of Nelson Bays Primary Health.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Nelson Bays Primary Health is committed to achieving the highest level of health and safety for its staff. In
line with NBPH’s Health and Safety Policy all employees are expected to identify, report, take responsibility
for and resolve issues that may cause harm to themselves or others in the organisation. All employees are
expected to work safely at all times, and to actively participate in health and safety programmes in your area.
It is expected that the employee will report all accidents, incidents or potential hazards to their direct line
supervisor.
THE TREATY OF WAITANGI
Nelson Bays Primary Health is committed to its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. All employees are
required to understand and implement the Treaty of Waitangi within their work and actively participate in
opportunities and initiatives that will contribute to reducing the disparity in health status between Māori and
non-Māori.
KEY TASKS/
ACCOUNTABILITIES
MANAGEMENT OF
NURSING CARE
REQUIREMENTS
Provide personal health and disease management services to individuals and
family/whanau with respiratory disease
Demonstrate effective clinical assessment skills and show evidence of
sufficient clinical experience in assessment skills across the lifespan
A plan of action is formulated with the individual or family according to the
assessment and clinical findings, their informed choices and circumstances,
the degree of self-management appropriate and the services available.
The plan of action and interventions
o Are based on best practice guidelines
o Utilise relevant standing orders/clinical guidelines
Initiates clinical programmes and initiatives to support the objectives of the
Primary Health Care Strategy.
Nursing Care is supported by appropriate documentation
Demonstrates ability to perform appropriate clinical procedures (including
Spirometry) and treatment regimens within scope of practice.
Referrals and consultations within the Primary Health Care nursing team and
with health professionals and other colleagues are made to provide the best
available information and timely care to the individual and family
Work in partnership with Nelson Asthma Society and the Asthma Foundation
Develop relationships with community agencies, hospital services and other
external referral sources to act as health educator/advisor in relation to care
planning for patients
Develop relationships with the staff of NBPH and aligned General Practices
and NGOs to support clinical practice.
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Demonstrate a continued commitment to personal professional development
Contribute to the development and recognition of contemporary evidence
based nursing practice
Position Description: Respiratory Nurse Educator Page 2 of 5
Created: Nov 2009
Updated: May 2013

WORK ACTIVITIES
QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT /
AUDIT ACTIVITY
NGĀ TIKANGA
MĀORI
HEALTH AND
SAFETY
ADVOCACY
SKILLS
Contribute to ongoing quality improvement in nursing practice and service
delivery
Provide professional development support to nurses within the team, and
within primary health care providers
Identify opportunities for learning and seeks to keep own professional
knowledge accurate and up to date.
Maintain a current nursing portfolio and has achieved or is prepared to work
toward being recognized as an expert level based on NBPH aligned PDRP
Adept at working independently with diverse stakeholders to achieve mutual
aims.
Demonstrates ongoing credibility, gaining trust and confidence among
colleagues and stakeholders.
Demonstrates a proactive approach in seeking out and acting on
opportunities to improve outcomes.
Shows innovation in developing new and original ideas, approaches and
solutions to problems.
Shows understanding of determinants of health and the implications when
developing and implementing health initiatives.
Maintain a focus of work on the continuum of chronic conditions from
awareness raising in the community, prevention and early detection
opportunities and self-management programmes.
Providing monthly and quarterly reports on activities to line manager
Contributing to the annual planning of NBPH
This role includes any other duties or roles that may be determined by the
CEO from time to time.
Can assess for any potential or actual risk/safety issues. Contact line
manager if any significant risks are identified
Take opportunities to obtain new skills and competencies which will enhance
delivery of service
Demonstrate willingness and involvement in quality improvement and audit
processes
Undertake activities to achieve service and organisational objectives in an
innovative manner.
Demonstrates leadership and support in addressing inequalities within health
services.
Attends to cultural practices of Māori, such as te reo, powhiri,
whanaungatanga, whānua ora, karakia, waiata, wairuatanga and
manaakitanga as appropriate.
Assists in the establishment and maintenance of effective relationships with
Iwi, Māori Health Providers.
Integrates Māori practice models within programme planning
Tino Rangatiratanga is encouraged in all professional relationships as
appropriate.
Commits to undertaking ongoing upskilling and training in te reo and te Ao
Māori
Familiarity with and be actively involved in the identification and management
of Health and Safety issues/environments
Work positively, sensitively, constructively and in culturally appropriately ways
with all staff members and community representatives to secure positive
ongoing primary health outcomes and relationships
Ensure positive health care messages are consistent with NBPH policies and
Position Description: Respiratory Nurse Educator Page 3 of 5
Created: Nov 2009
Updated: May 2013

practices and are relevant to the audience
Discuss national health promotion campaigns within the NBPH team and
select relevant campaigns to support
COMMUNICATION Respect for others – promotion of mutual trust
Excellent communication skills across a range of media and appropriate to
audience
Effective contact and liaison with communities of Nelson Tasman
Able to act with initiative, tact, integrity and maturity
Ability to build and support community education and ‘group’ initiatives and
have dynamic group facilitation skills
Able to work effectively and independently as well as part of a
multidisciplinary team
PERSONAL
ATTRIBUTES
Strong co-ordination and administration skills
Good organisational skills with the ability to follow a task through to
completion and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
Ability to work across and be respectful of diverse cultures and communities
to achieve health gains for all
Sound problem solving skills
Positive attitude with a realistic outlook
Energetic and motivated, demonstrating flair and initiative
Adaptable and flexible in the work environment, with an ability to think
laterally
Open to change and willing to adopt and initiate change within the overall
development of services to better meet the needs local communities
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
Registered General or Comprehensive Nurse
Annual Practicing Certificate
A full and current driver’s licence
Accredited Spirometry technician or willingness to complete this
Preferred
Minimum 5 years experience in Primary Health Care
Evidence of post-registration qualification in the field of Primary Health Care.
A willingness to engage in Postgraduate study
COMPETENCY PROFILE
Nursing experience and knowledge in the field of Respiratory health with a demonstrated level of clinical
competence
Ability to lead, role model and influence standards of care
Ability to plan and deliver education to individuals or groups confidently to a high standard
Demonstrates evidence of commitment to service developments and openness to innovative initiatives
Demonstrates evidence of continual professional development, including evidence of developing
professional competence and responsibility and maintenance of professional standards.
Demonstrates evidence of effective interpersonal skills including negotiation skills, conflict management,
team effectiveness, and problem solving and change management.
Position Description: Respiratory Nurse Educator Page 4 of 5
Created: Nov 2009
Updated: May 2013

Demonstrates evidence of effective working relationships with other staff
Demonstrates knowledge of information and communication technology, including Microsoft Office.
Demonstrates knowledge of planning and organising workload to meet service needs effectively.
Experience in using research
Manages time effectively by adopting a disciplined approach to establishing and following priorities of
work
Ownership of own decisions in order to meet responsibilities of the role
Signed by NBPH Employee:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Signed for an on behalf of the employer:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Position Description: Respiratory Nurse Educator Page 5 of 5
Created: Nov 2009
Updated: May 2013