Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities

- Maintain a strong clinical presence within the ward, acting as a visible role model for high standards of care, evidence-based practice, and effective leadership.

- Lead on patient safety and quality initiatives within the ward, ensuring compliance with Trust standards and continuous improvement.

- Directly deliver, coordinate, and supervise patient care, ensuring assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation meet the Trust vision of “Best Care for Everyone.”

- Demonstrate and supervise safe, appropriate care in a dynamic clinical environment, utilising highly specialised equipment and resources.

- Support staff in the management of airway skills, ensuring competency in critical situations.

- Administer and oversee the safe delivery of medications in line with the Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing, and Administration of Medications (POPAM) guidelines.

- Actively manage and professionally lead the nursing team as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce.

- Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to meet patient and family needs, ensuring seamless, high-quality care.

- Take an active clinical leadership role, including acting as shift coordinator when required

- Play a key role in implementing clinical initiatives and introducing new equipment or technologies.

- Promote and support continuous clinical training, education, and development for all staff members.

 
Professional Development, Education and Training

- In partnership with the Matron, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process.

- Maintain and continually develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform the role effectively.

- Complete all mandatory training relevant to the role and ensure compliance with Trust and NMC requirements.

- Support the education, training, and development of staff within the service, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

- Actively contribute to departmental education programmes and initiatives.

- Develop skills to supervise, mentor, and support less experienced and non-registered staff in clinical practice.

- Organise and facilitate mentorship and educational programmes for students, ensuring a positive learning environment.

Management and Leadership

- Work collaboratively with the Matron, Band 7 colleagues, senior nurses, consultants, and the wider team to define and deliver strategic service objectives.

- Manage and lead the ward within agreed Standard Operating Procedures, supporting the development and implementation of new working practices.

- Work with the Matron to create and execute action plans that achieve key performance indicators and maintain high standards of care.

- Contribute to service development initiatives, ensuring changes are implemented effectively and sustainably.

- Liaise with site and operational teams to maintain patient flow, reduce length of stay, and enhance patient experience.

- Ensure day-to-day safe staffing levels, escalating concerns through the appropriate processes.

- Maintain and monitor the electronic roster, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Trust targets for sickness and absence.

- Ensure effective rota planning and cover arrangements to maintain safe staffing levels, including escalation when required.

- Line manage a defined group of staff, ensuring adherence to HR policies and procedures.

- Address underperformance through effective performance management and action planning.

- Promote staff retention by supporting career development, job satisfaction, and clinical supervision.

- Facilitate recruitment processes to attract and select the most suitable candidates.

- Deliver staff appraisals and encourage completion of mandatory training to meet compliance targets.

- Actively work to resolve staff conflict and maintain a positive team culture.

- Support the Matron in managing pay and non-pay budgets responsibly.

- Promote efficient use of resources and reduce unnecessary financial and environmental waste.

- Take responsibility for health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors, contributing to risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

- Manage patient, relative, and staff complaints in line with Trust procedures.

- Lead or support agreed quality improvement initiatives within Head and Neck services and collaborate with internal and external teams to share best practice.

- Deputise for the Matron during absences, representing Head and Neck services as required.

- Role model high standards of care, communication, and professionalism.

- Foster a culture of shared leadership, empowering staff at all levels to lead initiatives aligned with Trust values.

- Demonstrate a proactive, creative, and resilient approach to service development and change management.

Improving safety, quality and developing practice

- Promote and support audits and research initiatives within Head and Neck services and across the wider Trust.

- Champion the use of evidence-based practice, ensuring adherence to relevant policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines.

- Assist in the collection, analysis, and reporting of data to maintain and monitor key performance indicators.

- Collaborate with senior staff on audit and research projects, contributing to recommendations for changes in management practice and supporting implementation.

- Actively participate in the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda, including service improvement initiatives, health and safety, and risk management.

- Take joint responsibility for leading safe and effective infection prevention and control measures.

- Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues locally and nationally, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

- Identify personal development needs aligned to service priorities and proactively seek opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

- Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and protocols relevant to the service.

- Constructively challenge strategic and operational practices to ensure continuous improvement in patient care standards.

- Report and investigate incidents in line with Trust policy, ensuring lessons learned are embedded into practice.

Communications and Working Relationships

- Communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, and relatives, demonstrating sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism at all times.

- Deliver complex and sometimes contentious information to individuals and groups, including in clinical settings where engagement may be challenging.

- Lead and manage difficult conversations with staff, including those related to underperformance, with tact and respect.

- Work cohesively with all members of the Head and Neck team and foster strong multidisciplinary collaboration.

- Act as a positive role model, including maintaining professional appearance and adherence to the Trust uniform policy.

- Promote and uphold the Trust values and objectives in all interactions and decision-making.

- Demonstrate resilience and the ability to work under pressure, meeting agreed timescales and service priorities.

- Take initiative and adopt a progressive, creative, and forward-thinking approach to problem-solving and service improvement.

- Maintain compliance with the NMC Code of Conduct and ensure personal professional development, mandatory training, and NMC revalidation requirements are met.

- Seek advice and support when required and encourage a culture where others feel confident to do the same.

General Working Conditions

- Comply with all Trust and departmental policies and procedures, including Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, Risk Management, Data Protection, and patient confidentiality at all times.

- Utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines to ensure safe practice.

- Frequently manoeuvre patients and objects over 15 kg using appropriate equipment and aids.

- Work in environments with exposure to bodily fluids, infection risks, infestations, and substances hazardous to health, following all relevant policies and procedures.

- Regularly manage distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving patients, relatives, and staff, including exposure to verbal and physical aggression.

- Maintain concentration for extended periods while working under pressure in a fast-paced and constantly changing clinical environment.

- Uphold excellent standards of care and professionalism at all times, even in challenging circumstances.

- Ensure a smart, professional appearance that reflects Trust values and enhances public confidence in the service