Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To maintain up to date knowledge of and adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct and other regulations, and Trust policies and protocols for example the storage and administration of drugs. 

Use good communication skills to disseminate information and promote and maintain good working relationships within the department and trust wide. 

Participate in all key roles within the ED - Triage/ Streaming/ resuscitation/ trauma/ Co-ordinating any area .

Promote the use of communications skills to overcome language and understanding difficulties when discussing complex or sensitive issues relating to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment with patients and their relatives. Be able to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and the multidisciplinary team both face to face and over the phone. 

Be able to show empathy and compassion on a frequent basis, when caring for people who are experiencing bereavement or have a relative who is critically ill. Be responsible for the evaluation and delivery of care of acutely unwell and injured patients, ensuring that accurate nursing records are maintained.

To participate in non-clinical management processes i.e. Performance Review, sickness management recruitment and selection and Appraisal of staff both personally and of staff at Band 5 and below. To undergo, where necessary, further training in relation to the Extended Role of the Nurse and participate in the training of others, ensuring that all staff have equal opportunity to participate in statutory core/ advanced training and Emergency Department specific training & development.

 Be available, in the absence of the Nurse Team Managers, to deputise and take responsibility for the co-ordination of 24 hour nursing care of each patient in the department.

Support the Manager in staff rostering, ensuring adequate skill mix. 

Participate in the recruitment selection of staff at Band 5 and below in conjunction with the Nurse Team Leaders and the Matron

To act up for the nurse Team Manager in their absence, ensuring senior cover within the Emergency Department at all times. 

To provide support and advice to colleagues in distressing circumstances such as imparting news of terminal illness and bereavement.

Be responsible for the assessment of nursing needs and plan and implement care required by patients, in conjunction with nursing observations & patient assessment, medical requirement and with the co-operation and partnership of the patient and their relatives. 

Carry out treatments such as dressings, wound closure, personal care such as washing and toileting, transfers of patients in wheelchairs, on trolleys or in beds in and around the department and hospital and assist patients with mobility as part of daily duties. 

Take responsibility for ensuring the co-ordination of discharge planning of patients in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team. 

Remain calm, professional and non-judgemental when faced with violent or aggressive patients and relatives, those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Patients suffering from Mental Health Issues and those with poor personal hygiene and /or infestations on a daily basis. 

To risk assess all patients and carry out manual handling as per Trust Policy.

Be able to deal with frequent exposure to unpleasant sights such as major wounds or bleeding, emaciated patients and bodily fluids. Be able to plan own workload in a busy, noisy environment where there are frequent interruptions and unpredictable changes in demand. 

To ensure communication with paramedical services to enable them to carry out their part in patient care and to create a climate in which feedback on patient progress is the norm.

To ensure that staff are aware of current changes both local and national and involve them in consultations regarding changes by contributing in regular staff meetings. 

Maintain clinical competence in the use of medical devices used within the department and clinical procedures such as administration of injections.

Ensure that the National Service Framework for Paediatric Services is adhered to and that Child Protection Policies are followed. 

Responsible for ensuring that all accidents/incidents are reported to the appropriate Manager and reported via the Inphase reporting system. All employees are required & expected to participate in the Trust’s accident/incident reporting system and to comply with the Trust’s procedures and techniques for managing risks.

Attend the Daily incident review meetings as required and participate in clinical governance meetings & Morbidity and mortality meetings, sharing the learning.

Maintain and share up to date knowledge of current research relevant to emergency care. 

 It is mandated that all registered healthcare professionals – nursing included, are compliant with new SSSA/ SLiP standards for pre registrants as practice supervisors as a bare minimum moving on to also becoming practice assessors after 12 months in the department.

To support education, training and development of self and others in the emergency department and actively encourage to share learning and best practices in Emergency Medicine