Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• The post holder will contribute to policy and practice changes, and implement policies to staff within own work area.
• Encourage staff to be involved in service changes and developments using processes defined within the division.
• Support the Ward / Department Sister / Charge Nurse in managing the ward / department budget, to ensure effective use of resources and a balanced budget at the end of each year.
• Responsible for maintaining stock and ordering through procurement. Handles patient valuables on a regular basis.
• Ensure all staff in the defined clinical area are competent in the use of equipment and have access to appropriate training.
• Encourage ward / department staff to be involved in the management of resources, by effective use of clinical and non-clinical supplies and understanding of financial issues.
• Responsible for the day to day management of a group of staff, this can include meaningful appraisals, recruitment and selection, undertaking first level disciplinary and grievance issues, work allocation and checking, and ensuring appropriate training is delivered to staff.
• Undertake a Training Needs Analysis within the defined clinical area, linked to the performance management process and collate the results on an annual basis to inform the training plan for the area, delivering suitable induction and preceptorship programmes for newly qualified staff.

• Involvement in a programme for performance management that ensures all staff within the clinical area are assessed annually which includes ensuring that all staff have a Personal Development Plan.
• Identify opportunities for staff to access appropriate education and training programmes, and other relevant learning opportunities such as shadowing, mentoring and action learning, ensuring equity and fairness of access.
• Encourage a culture of learning where students receive quality clinical placements supported by mentorship, teaching and support from Registered Nurses and act as a mentor/sign off mentor. Be a major contributor in maintaining an environment conducive to learning and development.
• Ensure that all staff within the ward / department undertakes the required mandatory training including back care and handling, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and fire.
• Ensure clinical supervision within the clinical area is actively supported and staff encouraged to avail themselves of it.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process for staff in collaboration with the Ward / Department Sister / Charge Nurse as appropriate.
• Ensure that, where appropriate, information is maintained and kept in an appropriate place and that accurate records are maintained and stored in accordance with Trust and National policy.
• Produce timely, accurate written / electronic records and documents.
• Co-operate with and participate in research in order to improve patient care. Develop a culture that ensures the contribution to research and the use of evidence to support innovation and practice at ward / department level. Lead and direct the implementation of relevant research based practice.
• Support the Ward / Department Sister / Charge Nurse in ensuring clinical audit takes place in line with the Trust’s requirements to improve practice.
• Improve and maintain standards of essential (basic) nursing care by working with the Ward / Department Sister / Charge Nurse and using tools such as clinical benchmarking.
• Develop and maintain a professional portfolio to ensure that there is evidence for revalidation is completed and submitted in a timely manner, in accordance with NMC guidelines.
• The post holder is responsible for the maintenance of their NMC registration.