Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Support the Ward Manager /Sister in leading and supervising a safe, high standard of nursing practice and the delivery of evidenced based patient care in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures.

Assist the Ward Manager / Sister in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that said practices are in accordance with department and hospital policy.

Assist in the establishment, monitoring and evaluation of agreed standards of patient care and quality service.

Determine nursing care priorities, planning the delivery of patient care and considering the skill mix of staff.

Interpret the significance of the patient’s clinical observations and records, making decisions and planning in areas affecting patient care; reports promptly to medical or appropriate staff any matters which fall outside his/her responsibility.

Monitor clerical and legal documents completed by ward staff, ensuring they are accurate and legible.

Establish an effective communication system with patients, their carers, and all staff working in the multidisciplinary team.

Assist with any appropriate evaluation projects and in the assessment of new equipment and technology.

With the Ward Manager / Sister, ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection.

To autonomously, within local and Trust guidelines and standards manage a caseload of patients with acute settings, undertaking appropriate assessment and action.

Receiving and analysing highly complex and highly sensitive information where there may be barriers to understanding due to age, language or inappropriate health beliefs.

To use developed persuasive, motivational and empathetic skills to teach patients and their carers following an elective surgical procedure.

To provide highly complex information regarding the patient’s history and medication and social setting in making appropriate referrals to members of the multidisciplinary team or other medical and surgical specialties.

To accurately document the examination findings and any changes in the patient’s condition or management, using the departmental investigation monitoring system and hospital records working within your Professional council guidelines.

To be aware of the boundaries of own scope of practice and to always manage the associated clinical risk effectively.

To be aware of health and safety aspects of the role and implement any policies that may be required to improve the safety of the work area, including prompt recording and reporting of accidents or incidents using the Trust reporting systems, and ensuring that equipment use is safe.

To risk assess all areas of work including manual handling risks, biohazards from body fluids, needle stick injuries, anxious or angry clients/carers, patients with mental health or cognitive dysfunctions etc.

Participate in regular audit collection with assistance and support of other professional within the Directorate.

Attend departmental, Divisional and Trust meetings where required and ensure the Orthopaedic service is championed.