Detailed job description and main responsibilities

            Main tasks & responsibilities: 

 Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect

           Seeking advice/guidance as necessary:

 · Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the  needs of the patients.   

·        A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the appropriate level of physiological, pathological, spiritual, socio-economical and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific speciality.

 ·      Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways and discharge planning

·      Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift.

          ·      Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.

         ·   Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.

·      Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the ward/department.

 ·        Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust                  standard     (including electronic records).   

             ·         Participate in conducting nursing audits to achieve the agreed                          standards.

                ·         Contribute to and participate in the process of setting goals and                  benchmarking standards ensuring CQUIN targets are met.

    ·         In conjunction with the staff team, contribute to developing and maintaining a ward/department ethos and provide a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care.

                ·         To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies,                         procedures, guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs                           and the Trust Nursing strategy.

·         To be aware of the Trust’s framework of clinical governance and patient safety walk rounds within the ward or department area, seeking advice or guidance where necessary.

      ·      Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/departmental                 Manager , Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be              taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.

     ·      To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical,       psychological and spiritual well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers, seeking guidance or advice where necessary.

   ·         Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.

              ·         Collaborating with other members of the ward team to    ensure                 the patients needs are met to a consistently high standard.

·         To delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to patient care. (for example, when taking  charge or as a link nurse)

·         To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff in line with national strategy requirements.

Communication

·         To demonstrate politeness, courtesy, respect and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.

·         Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Departments.

·         To adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding e.g. language.

·         Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust wide.

·         To promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.

·         To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.

People management

·         Take active responsibility for own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.

·         Participate in the Trust’s appraisal and personal development plan schemes by meeting with the team leader/appraiser and to include feedback from a selection of internal staff and team members.

·         Participate in the programme for preceptorship and to be a support to new and junior staff as required.

·         Maintain a personal and professional profile and maintain skill developments in line with the Scope of Professional Practice.

Information management

·         Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required.

·         Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care. 

·         To have an active Trust and email account and adhere to the Trusts Information Services and Information Governance Policies.

·         Use the Trust internet to enhance care and for professional development. 

·         Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place and under development.  

·         Following Trust/local guidelines to access results from the electronic databases

Resource management

·         To work together with the  DOSA team to ensure effective use and maintenance of resources and adequate stock levels.

·    To actively engage with rostering in clinical ward or departments and adopt a flexible approach to personal rostering to ensure the needs of the service are met.

Service development

·         To contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors.

·         To participate in staff education and development, including utilising appropriate learning opportunities and to act as a resource for learners and the nursing team as/ when required.

Policy development

·         Under the supervision of the ward / department  Manager to work on delegated projects relating to local policy development.

·         To be actively involved in the implementation of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level, reinforcing their use.

Further sections

·         To work towards a senior staff nurse level the staff nurse will be expected to complete relevant clinical competencies and would need to be at least one year post qualification.

·         To ensure all team members have a real voice in the development of the clinical service to patients/customers.

·         To ensure a safe and attractive working environment within available resources.

This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive.  It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the post holder.