Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To deputise for the Ward Manager and liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently.

Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.

To lead and support others in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures written and verbal advice is available to patient’s relatives and carers.

Actively involve others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders and ensures excellent communication.

Ensure work with the Trust /unit and ward policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.

Have the in-depth knowledge with practical experience of good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning in conjunction with Luton & Dunstable University Hospital Trust policies and procedures.

Apply the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment.

Plan duty rotas to meet the requirements of the clinical area and the needs of the patients and takes into account skill mix requirements in relation to acuity and dependency.

Initiates emergency treatment where necessary and co-ordinates other staff in this process.

Ensures that all staff including temporary staff and pre-registration students are aware of emergency procedures to follow.

Leads in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients admitted to the Ward / department in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols.

Ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and reviews and regularly updates these standards.

Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages others to enable individuals to assist in their own recovery.

Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration, the ordering and maintenance of stock.

Education, Training & Development

Has a well development clinical understanding and practice with effective assessment skills.

Provides clinical advice as required to staff, carers and junior colleagues which promotes clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.

Participate in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the ward environment

Supports the education and development of all staff including students.

Take part in education and training programmes appropriately and feeds back knowledge gained.

To identify own clinical competency deficits, education and development needs, through participation in the Trust appraisal process.

Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the ward manager for development planning.

Advise patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection.

Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.

Management Responsibilities

Responsible for leading and co-ordinating the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Department Manager.

To assist with the management of the nursing team, under the direction of the ward Manager/ Matron.

Actively assists the Ward Manager in workforce planning, by supporting and participating in the recruitment and retention of staff.

Ensures the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients, relatives and colleagues is respected at all times.

Communicates sensitive/difficult information and subsequent support of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues as appropriate.

Ensures that all medical equipment is kept in a safe condition and is ready for use when required, and that faulty equipment is reported and/or replaced as necessary.

Ensure all staff have necessary mandatory training in relation to all equipment used.

Orientates new staff to the ward and helps to plan the ward/departmental orientation programme ensuring that all staff (including temporary/bank/agency staff) are inducted into the ward and given the appropriate information.

In conjunction with the Ward /Department Manager, ensures that an annual Training Needs Analysis is undertaken, which is communicated to the manager for Education

Represents team and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feeds back information appropriately.

Under direction of the Ward /Department Manager, assists with undertaking performance reviews and return to work interviews.

Participates and leads in Nursing and Clinical Audit on the ward.

Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team.

To contribute to the discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.

To be actively involved in the interview and recruitment process for ward staff

With due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures, is actively involved in maintaining a safe environment for patients, relatives, carers’ and staff.

To work with the ward Manager/Matron to ensure the most effective use of resources with in a defined budget.

To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers and colleagues

Have basic computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems

Actively assists in the investigation of complaints and draft responses as required. Supports the ward manager in implementing change as a result of investigations.

Assisting in preparation for external audits or inspections, e.g. Care quality commission visits.

Liaises with senior /managerial staff to bring to their attention any problems identified.

Please see detailed Job Description attached.