Memory Assessment Nurse

Job/Role Summary

As a Memory Nurse I participate as a full member of the multi-disciplinary memory service. I am responsible for co-ordinating the service user’s journey through the memory clinic. I play a key role in preparing the service user and carer for the diagnostic process and seeking consent from the service user regarding further assessment. I am responsible for completing the full baseline assessment and completing the collateral history with the carer, along with providing ongoing information and support to the service user and carer throughout the length of the assessment.

Specific qualifications and experience required

Registered Nurse level one RMN
3 Years post qualifying experience

Career Milestones

I have had the opportunity as a complex behaviour nurse for dementia to spend time with the team in Newcastle who developed the assessment for the complex behaviour service.
I had the opportunity to undertake a course in palliative care and dementia with the NI Hospice.
I was involved in developing the regional guidelines for palliative care and dementia that were incorporated into the Gold Standards Framework http://www.goldstandardsframework.org.uk/

What attracted you to this job?

Career development
Opportunity to use my skills in a different role within the team
Opportunity to engage in further service development

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

Being able to take a person through the assessment process and using my skills to reassure and support them throughout.
Being able to follow the person through their journey by supporting them following diagnosis through the review clinics.

Challenging aspects of the job/role

When a person has not been informed as to what they are being assessed for prior to their appointment. This can cause significant distress for the person when explaining the purpose of the assessment which can at times lead to the assessment not being carried out. Managing paperwork and associated administration in a timely manner to feedback assessments to GP’s and refer the person for ongoing support in the community.

Important success factors

Being able to work with a person who is anxious or distressed about completing a memory assessment and at the end having them leave feeling reassured and supported by their experience.
Input of the MDT to discuss assessments and make diagnosis appropriately and confidently.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

Be organised and keep on top of paperwork
Be aware of your communication skills and how you ask questions to gain information.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

Time management skills
Dealing with difficult situations
Risk management skills
Communication skills
Dealing with people who are anxious or defensive regarding the assessment process
Use of specialised assessments

Career Profiles