NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

· Work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing safe, effective, evidence based care to babies and their families

· Ensures that care is assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated on an individualised basis, taking into account the needs of the baby and their family

· Provides appropriate developmental care to all babies

· Acts as an advocate, upholding the best interests of the baby and their family

· Organise and undertake safe transfer of babies within the hospital and between hospitals, adhering to unit policy

· Administers medications safely according to Newborn Care Unit policy and NMC guidelines

· Undertakes an annual medications assessment

Is able to assess and recognise emergencies with Newborn Care, interpreting information and taking appropriate action, seeking support when required

· Works collaboratively with families involving them in their babies care and decision making

· Ensures families receive appropriate education to be able to care for their baby

· Undertakes discharge planning in a timely manner working with families

· Work alongside medical staff to share information with families, including breaking sensitive or bad news

· Takes appropriate action when an incident occurs and ensures that incidents are reported appropriately via the Ulysses system

· Responds to complaints effectively, seeking support when required

Professional

· Clearly documents plans of care and care given in line with NMC and Trust policies

· Maintains effective communication with families and colleagues

· Is able to communicate in demanding and challenging situations, seeking support when required

· Maintains confidentiality at all times

· Completes competencies related to the care of babies in a timely manner

· Treats families and colleagues with compassion and respect

· Practices in accordance with NMC guidelines and scope of practice, local, directorate and Trust policies

· Keep up to date with current neonatal practice

· Complete all required statutory training, including a yearly resuscitation update

· Contributes to the orientation, development and training needs of students and new staff

· Takes personal responsibility for their own learning and professional growth

· Keeps up to date with local and national professional issues

· Participates in clinical supervision and the appraisal process

Organisational

· Works collaboratively with other clinical areas to promote good working relationships and joined up thinking

· Liaises with other clinical areas to provide effective hand over for babies transferred to other areas

· Co-ordinate the care of babies and their families with other members of the health care team

Managerial and Leadership

· Co-ordinates nursing activity on the unit to ensure smooth running of the unit, including being in charge of High Dependency and on occasion overall in charge of the unit

· Acts as a clinical leader and role model for all members of the neonatal nursing team

· Ensures a high standard of nursing care is maintained across the Newborn Care Unit

· Encourage practice which develops partnership with parents and maximises their contribution to the care of their babies

· Recognises and values the contribution of all members of the Newborn Care Unit team

· Supports senior members of staff in the safe running of the unit

· Contribute to and take a lead in implementing agreed changes within Newborn Care

· Anticipates and contributes to the orientation, development and educational needs of students and junior staff

· Participates and contributes to clinical audits, quality improvement projects and research on the unit

· Participates and undertakes clinical supervision and appraisals