NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PROFESSIONAL

• Facilitating the delivery of nursing care in accordance with standards, policies and procedures set.

• Ensure local policy and legislation is adhered to in relation to the custody and administration of drugs.

• Support the effective documentation of all nursing records, monitoring through audit that national and local standards are maintained on a daily basis

• Maintain effective communication channels throughout professional and support staff on the ward

• Provide professional advice and support to all members of the ward team, acting as a link to medical staff.

• Participate in ensuring an effective learning environment is established and maintained for all trainee staff on the ward.

• Practice Preceptorship and Clinical Supervision for junior staff in accordance with local policies.

• Monitor standards by participating in Audit of Clinical Standards and policies.

• Be aware of current developments and research in clinical practice and facilitate its introduction to the ward team.

• Liaise with Clinical Specialists and senior colleagues to develop practice in the ward environment and enhance the role of the untrained and qualified nurse.

• Develop local standards for care delivery.

• To demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of any patients receiving treatment on the ward.

• To provide specialist nursing advice and support to patients, their families and other healthcare professionals from the point of diagnosis and throughout treatment

ADMINISTRATION

• To support the Senior Sisters and Matrons in processes of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and assisting in the implementation of changes in the light of such findings.

• Support the Senior Sister in the administrative function of their role, assuming managerial responsibility in the Senior Sister’s absence.

• Ensure a safe working environment is maintained for self and others, taking appropriate action as necessary in line with legislation, Trust and departmental requirements.

• Ensure staff are aware of resources available on the ward and utilise them in an efficient and effective way.

• Support the Senior Sister in maintaining an effective communication system on the ward.

• Provide 'Unit' cover as required, reporting to the Senior Nurse on for the hospital or Night Co-ordinator.

• Participate in the monitoring of Patients Charter Standards and Quality Initiatives.

• Support staff in adhering to all local policies and procedures.

• Participate in the investigation of complaints.

• Act as a change agent for clinical practice.

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

• To act as a mentor and support to junior staff members, responsible for the orientation, supervision and ongoing development of junior and student nurse, in conjunction with Line Manager and Practice Development Staff

• To act as practice supervisor, responsible for completing competency documents for junior staff within agreed timeframes

• To act as a mentor to students undertaking further education as requested, ensuring a positive learning experience and facilitating the development of their clinical skills

• To promote and encourage the application of research and of evidence based practices

• To participate in any research projects conducted in the clinical area as appropriate

• To act as a positive role model to junior staff members. Partifcular emphasis on adherence to the Right Care Values and Behaviours; ensuring that all staff recognise their responsibility to deliver services in a high quality, courteous, patient focused manner and to main patient confidentiality at all times

• Empower and support junior staff to be accountable for their own practice and undertake the role of the named nurse/primary nurse.

• Develop nurses to undertake duties under the Scope of Professional Practice, whilst developing oneself towards nurse practitioner status.

• Participate in the Staff Development Review system, assisting staff to take every opportunity to develop knowledge and skills.

MANAGEMENT

• To manage the clinical workload effectively, ensuring care is prioritised appropriately.

• To facilitate transfers/ repatriation into and from the unit on a 24hr basis (SAFER)

• To liase with Medical Personnel and Bed Managers to ensure optimal bed usage at all times, facilitating timely admission and discharge of patients

• To develop own skills in recruitment and retention, sickness management and performance management as determined by line manger

• To actively support the process of risk management – ensuring incidents are reported appropriately and help identify ways of preventing errors and accidents to both patients and staff

• To make a positive contribution to service development affecting the clinical area and positively influence other to adapt to change

• To actively promote patient care, assisting in resolving local (informal) complaints and supporting the ward manager to investigate formal problems

• To assist with monitoring of stock levels of clinical stores and technical equipment, resolving any shortfall as appropriate

• To maintain standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the clinical area, auctioning remedy as appropriate and reporting deficits to the Matron, as appropriate

• To communicate varied and complicated information (verbally and in writing) in a way that is understood and gets the important facts across

• To take a leadership role in crisis situations, resolving problems acress the Care Group as necessary

• To maintain confidentiality with regard to personal information pertaining to staff

• To attend and contribute to departmental meetings as required