Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties/Key Results Areas: 

To ensure that nursing care is assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated using research evidence as appropriate.

To ensure that all nursing procedures are carried out in accordance with St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust policies taking appropriate action in emergency situations.

To provide nursing expertise, follow up and support for patients with respiratory diseases.  

In conjunction with the multidisciplinary team, be responsible for setting, monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of care particularly for patients with multiple needs who require complex packages of care.

Maintaining personal contact with patients, relatives and carers, being sensitive to their needs for courtesy, dignity and privacy and ensuring a friendly environment at all times.

Assist in the management of all respiratory services in the absence of the senior nurse within the department. Co-ordinating the clinical team and delegating duties as appropriate, maintaining safe staffing levels and informing the Matron of any problems or incidents that might arise.

Ensuring that accurate and timely nursing records are maintained, monitoring

standards and taking appropriate corrective action as necessary.

Storing, checking and administering drugs in accordance with Trust policy,

To work in an unsupervised capacity throughout all areas of the speciality

including wards and outpatients.

To prioritise own work and that of others to ensure the respiratory service is managed effectively.

ORGANISATIONAL

Co-ordinating the admission of patients from clinic in conjunction with the Bed Management Team .

Arranging in consultation with the multidisciplinary team the discharge/transfer of patients and initiating appropriate community care services.

Communicating and co-operating with other wards and departments giving accurate information as required, particularly with regard to notification of incidents and accidents to staff, patients and visitors.

Maintaining and monitoring a safe and clean environment within the

clinical area in accordance with the Trust Health and Safety, Clinical Risk and Infection Control Policies.

Representing the Service at meetings participating in audit, research, and projects.

Maintaining and monitoring levels of stock and ensuring that there are adequate supplies   and that resources are used effect

To maintain accurate records of clinical service, ensuring confidentiality of  information

To take appropriate action to address unexpected changes and situations, informing the Lead nurse or Matron as necessary.

To be familiar with and use the Iclip and EPR system and any other computerised system integral to the running of the service.

To actively contribute to Clinical Governance and achieving the goals of the care group and the Nursing Strategy.

To demonstrate a willingness to lead and motivate a team, providing clear direction and consistent leadership at all times.

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

To provide a respiratory service for patients under the care of Physicians in the Trust, and

provide advice and guidance to colleagues within primary care.

 To have a good understanding of national guidelines for ILD, COPD and asthma, including diagnosis and evidence based interventions

To provide support, treatment and on-going review of patients with ILD, administration of

medication, including monitoring for side effects of medication, assessment of functional

ability (e.g. 6 minute walk test), palliation of symptoms

      To manage and supervise clinical care respiratory patients including assessment, care planning, and on-going support, monitor adherence, including inhaler technique, untoward side effects of the drugs, and assess and arrange provision of oxygen therapy.

To be able to provide effective smoking cessation advice and recommend interventions and support

To provide advice, assessment and arrange the installation of oxygen therapy

To perform diagnostic procedures such as spirometry, capillary blood gas sampling, and phlebotomy

 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

 In consultation with the respiratory nurse consultant, to be involved in the education and assessment of all pre and post registration students in accordance with the University and Trust requirements.

      To be responsible for personal and professional development and practice, recognising own limitations and the need for continuing education

 To take a lead in initiating, implementing and evaluating new ideas and changes in clinical practice.

 In conjunction with the Lead nurse, plan and participate in the orientation of new staff and the development of junior staff, including those in training.

Promote health education and provide appropriate information and advice to patients and their carers.

Participate in and lead quality initiatives to promote and ensure that nursing care is evidence and research based.

General

To have responsibility for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others and to comply at all times with the requirement of the Health and Safety Regulations.

To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during   the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and its amendments.

To work in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities policy to eliminate unlawful discrimination in relation to employment and service delivery.

To ensure skills are up-to-date and relevant to the role, to follow relevant Trust policies and professional codes and to maintain registration where this is a requirement of the role.

To comply with St. George’s Healthcare No Smoking Policies.

To undertake such duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the grade and the needs of the service.

This job description is not an exhaustive document but is a reflection of the current position. Details and emphasis may change in line with service needs after consultation with the postholder.

St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and operates a No Smoking Policy.