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.
o 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.
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o Maintain precise nursing documentation relating to patient care and ensure that all clinical and legal documents completed are both accurate and legible and maintain confidentiality at all times
o Identify any concerns relating to child protection and report to unit coordinator liaising with other agencies as appropriate
o To meet revalidation requirements. To identify own learning needs to ensure own professional development is maintained by keeping up to date with practice developments
o Act as a role model to raise the profile of the service through good communication and public relations.
Education and Training
o To participate in informal and formal teaching
o Provide comprehensive education and advice to parents/carers on issues relating to the care of sick preterm and term infants on the Unit, ensuring that they become confident as a family in preparation for discharge home.
o Ensures continued effective registration with the NMC and be aware of NMC Code and be accountable for their own practice.
o Be aware of NMC Scope of Professional practice and ensure competency to undertake duties as allocated. Ensure that a professional and updated portfolio is maintained as per NMC guidance.
o Seek support and advice in matters beyond own sphere of knowledge and
experience
Standards of Conduct
Ensure that personal action and conduct comply with the Trust Policies and Procedures with Health and Safety, Cardiac Arrest, Tobacco Control Policy, Equal Opportunities, Infection Control, Moving and Handling Regulations.
Conduct duties with regard to values underpinning the Trust’s Vision of:-
‘East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s vision is to ‘be a great Trust providing the best possible healthcare to the people of East Lancashire’:-
- Respecting the individual
- Putting patients and customers first
- Promoting positive change
- Acting with integrity
- Serving the community
All members of the Trust have a mandatory obligation to be aware of and abide by the
following:
Health and Safety
All employees of the Trust have a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety andthat of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions (Health and Safety at Work
Act 1974). Employees are required to co-operate with management to enable the Trust to
meet its own legal duties and to report any circumstances that may compromise the
health, safety and welfare of those affected by the Trust undertakings.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust provides a range of services and employment opportunities for a diverse
population. As a Trust employee you are required to treat all patients, customers, visitors
and work colleagues with dignity and respect irrespective of their background.
You would be expected to promote the equality, diversity and rights of patients, relatives
and colleagues in line with Trust policy.
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Employment Acts and Codes of Practice
All employees are required to comply with employment legislation and codes of good
practice.
Risk Management
It is a standard element of the role and responsibility of all staff of the Trust that they fulfil
a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk
assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all
incidents, near misses and hazards.
Confidentiality, Information Security and Data Protection Act
As a Trust employee you are legally required to uphold the confidentiality of all records
held by the Trust whether patient records, financial, personnel or Trust information. This
duty lasts indefinitely and will continue if you are no longer employed by the Trust.
All the information which identified individuals in whatever form, paper, picture, electronic
data, images or voice, is covered by the Data Protection Act 1988 and should be
managed in accordance with this legislation.
You must consult your manager if you have any doubt as to the correct management of
the records with which you work.
Trust Policies
The Trust operates a range of policies, Human Resources, Clinical Practice etc. All Trust
employees must observe and adhere to the provisions outlined in these policies.
Research
The Trust manages all research in accordance with the requirements of the Clinical
Governance Framework. As an employee of the Trust, you must comply with all reporting
requirements, systems and duties of action put in place by the Trust to deliver research
governance.
Safeguarding
All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
and adults. Further guidance can be sought from your Line Manager.
Infection Control
All employees have a personal responsibility for adhering to the control of infection policy.