NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Responsible for carrying out clinical practice within designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality, current evidence-based nursing assessment, care planning, implementation, interventions and evaluations for patients is provided from admission through to discharge

Will be responsible for the application of knowledge across the range of work procedures and practices, underpinned by theoretical knowledge and practical experience

To act as advocate for patients within the area, to ensure a patient orientated approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines

To ensure that patients’ receive high quality clinical care and a good patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and doctrines

Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the individuals

Will advise on the promotion of health and the prevention of illness

Recognise the significance of observations made, and use them to develop and initiate nursing assessments and devise a plan of care

Carry out those activities necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a person’s nursing requirements

Will ensure that all patients will have a discharge plan that is safe and appropriate for their needs

Carry out nursing procedures and treatments, checking on and maintaining the highest possible standards

Work alongside the multi-disciplinary team to ascertain treatments and advise on nursing priorities

Take a clear and concise history from patients by assessing their health and wellbeing and complete documentation ensuring that all entries are accurate and legible and that all information systems are maintained

Undertake prescribed physical observations as follows: blood pressure, temperature, respirations, blood sugars, urinalysis, weight and height, and report exceptions appropriately

To be responsible for the correct administration of prescribed medication

Professional Responsibilities

Is wholly accountable for his / her practice in line with the NMC Code and takes every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve his / her knowledge and professional competence

Will act in accordance with Local, Hospital and Statutory Guidelines and Policies including Health and Safety initiatives

Will be familiar with the Health and Safety at Works Act, and be aware of its implications, ensuring that local unit and departmental policies are followed

Will work in accordance with Corporate Objectives

Will actively participate in his / her annual appraisal and ongoing review, including compilation of a personal and professional portfolio to support professional revalidation

Will maintain a high standard of care and give courteous reception to all patients and visitors

Will adopt a patient oriented approach to work

Will practice in a cost effective and cost aware manner

Will ensure that the Hospital’s policy is understood and carried out with regard to the care and custody of drugs / medications, especially with regard to those covered by the Control of Drugs Act

Will be familiar with the ward’s fire, manual handling and C.O.S.H.H. policies and ensure that all nurses in the ward are aware of the policies

Will be fully conversant with the Trust major incident plan, and ensure that all nurses on the ward / department understand the procedure

Take all possible precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of staff, service users, visitors and the public, by implementing all policies related to health, safety, security and risk

Communication

Will be responsible for the provision and receipt of complex, sensitive or contentious information related to patients, patient care, relatives, staff and other multidisciplinary colleagues

Provides highly specialised advice concerning the care or treatment of identified groups or categories of patients / clients

Communicate effectively and efficiently with all members of the multi-disciplinary team regarding patient care

Will communicate with patients and relatives, making reports and liaising, as appropriate; with medical staff and other members of the care team and management

Will give and receive day / night reports

Acting as team leader / member / coordinator as necessary

Report to the Doctor / Senior Sister / Charge Nurse and members of the multidisciplinary team on patients’ condition, both verbally and in writing as necessary

Liaise with inter-hospital departments / personnel

Attend and participate in ward meetings and help promote new ideas and methods and assist in their implementation

Attend and participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings and case conferences to benefit patient care

Education and Professional Development

Act as a role model giving guidance, counselling and support to unqualified and qualified staff and students

Actively contribute to the teaching programme within the ward

Act as a mentor and introduce new staff members to their role within the team

Act as a preceptor for newly qualified members of staff

Act as mentor / assessor to unqualified staff

Assist in producing written reports concerning the basic learner nurse in the clinical setting as required by the universities

Take every opportunity to maintain and improve own knowledge and competence and take steps to keep up to date with clinical and nursing developments