NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will provide high standards of compassionate, holistic, family centred evidence-based neonatal care to all pre-mature sick neonates and their families, within the Neonatal, Transitional care and Community setting. To work as a member of the multidisciplinary ward team. The post holder will be expected to communicate effectively to all and provide support for students and new members of staff. The post holder will be accountable for their professional conduct as part of their Nursing and Midwifery Code.

 As a member of the neonatal team; you will contribute (through direction of your team leaders and matron) on:
o Increasing public and patient engagement.
o Improving communication with patients and improved customer care.
o Reducing infant mortality.
o Improving staff morale.

Clinical Work –

o To work with or without supervision according to own competency.
o Work as a member of the team providing evidence based nursing care to infants and their families.
o To ensure that the infant care is assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated in accordance with the Neonatal Unit’s Philosophy of Family Centred Care.
o To maintain an on-going welcoming, caring and safe environment for neonates and their families.
o Act as an advocate to ensure the delivery of care is focused on the neonate and family.
o To have an understanding of all drugs used in the unit environment and to  administer all medications (including intra-venous medications) in accordance with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) Guidelines, Directorate and Trust Policies.

o Ensure that adequate precautions are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection in relation to the safe disposal of body fluids including blood products.
o To develop and maintain clinical skills, knowledge and attitude which includes expanded roles and responsibilities following appropriate training
o To facilitate discharge planning, liaise with the multidisciplinary team, other departments and community services as necessary
o Participate in the orientation, development and training needs of pre-registration students and newly qualified staff on the ward.
o Participate in clinical supervision as both supervisor and supervisee in accordance with the NMC guidelines.
o Support the team leader in effective resource management
o Be aware of budgetary controls and ensure the economical use of resources, supplies and equipment. This includes effective utilisation of time.
o To assist in ensuring the safety of the ward, actively participating in clinical audit, clinical risk and quality issues including the managing and reporting of incidents
o To assist ward co-ordinator in the supervision of non-nursing staff
o Seek to resolve concerns/complaints raised by service users with direction from the team leader/matron. Advice service users of the complaints procedures as appropriate. Participate in official investigations when necessary.

Communication:
o Take an active role in maintaining effective communication with all members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure care is patient centred, efficient and effective.
o Encourage parents/carers to be involved in the planning and participation of their infants care during their stay on Neonatal Unit
o Communicate sensitively with parents/carers, giving information, offering support and reassurance regarding their infants on going care and condition. Able to communicate (with support) in sometimes stressful situations.
o Participation in unit meetings

Professional:
o Maintain active status on the NMC Register
o Maintain up to date skills, knowledge and professional portfolio. Keep abreast with current issues within the profession.
o Participate in and undertake clinical audit in the ward area
o Participate in in the development and implementation of clinical guidelines and policies with other members of the team, reviewing them on a regular basis.
o To maintain confidentiality surrounding the infant’s admission and treatment at all times.
o Participate in own appraisal/personal development plan.