Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. To work in an unsupervised senior capacity within the recovery area, pre-assessment clinics and the cardiac catheter laboratories.
2. To be utilised as a resource by the ward staff/multi-disciplinary teams concerning any aspect of cardiac procedures and individual patient care.
3. To ensure accurate collection of patient data is maintained as per information governance policy.
4. To facilitate clinical audits and research within the unit.

Plan, deliver and evaluate compassionate nursing care to meet the patients individualised needs.

Ensure the highest standards of care and safety are maintained.

To be responsible for the assessment of individual patients using the appropriate programme/models of care and ensuring co-ordination and implementation of the discharge assessment process and appropriate multi-disciplinary referrals.

Responsible for the safe custody and administration of medicines, using a range of routes (once competency achieved) within the NMC Standards for Administration of Medicines and adhering to local policy.

To support the nurse in charge with the day to day planning, the delivery of a high quality nursing service and the continuous improvement of that service.

Promote patient involvement in care planning, Implementing and sustaining communication systems to keep patients and their relatives/families informed of treatment and progress

To ensure effective communication is achieved and maintained of sensitive information, with regard to the patient assessments and clinical details.

To act as a role model, ensuring high quality, professional standards are maintained and delivered at all times.

To document observations, results, decisions and actions etc effectively in patient’s notes and communicate these effectively to appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team and as appropriate, to carers.

Provide legible and comprehensive patient records to agreed Trust and NMC standards and guidelines

Assess patient’s suitability for discharge following medical review and instigate discharge planning arrangements. Liaise with multidisciplinary teams as appropriate to assist in complex discharge planning.

To develop and maintain effective communication links with all levels of staff within the Trust and external agencies.

To participate in the audit cycle of clinical practices and procedures including infection prevention & control initiatives

To participate in quality account initiates.

Assist in the monitoring and protecting of groups and individuals whose health and well-being may be at risk e.g.: vulnerable adults.

To participate and contribute appropriately in research, service modernisation, clinical governance and National Service Frameworks.

To be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness in accordance with revalidation requirements and to maintain a professional portfolio with evidence of reflective practice.

Actively encourage service users & carers for feedback and work with ward/dept team to develop action plans to address issues.

To promote best practice and monitor support workers practice.

To assist in the orientation and support of new staff and students to the unit, working together as a team.

To take charge and accept responsibility for the co-ordination of the Cardiac Catheter Lab and recovery area in the absence of a senior colleague.

Assist with the cancellation of patients who require invasive cardiology 
assessments.

To act as a role model and promote the Trust’s values.

To facilitate professional development for nursing staff in the Cardiac Catheter Lab.

To take an active role in yearly staff appraisal, 1:1 meetings, clinical supervision and support networks and act as a resource to the unit team.

To support preceptorship of newly qualified staff.

To be an effective practitioner with the ability to demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of patients in the Cardiac Catheter Lab using enhanced Scope for Professional Practice when appropriate.

Teaching junior staff within the lab, including scrub skills and circulating skills for all procedures. 
Ensure that documentation and booking procedures for patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation and devices are available prior to each procedure.

Liase with the Cardiologists and the inter-disciplinary team in determining 
clinical priorities, promote seamless care and maximise patient outcomes. 

Liase with medical staff over concerns or abnormalities that may affect a 
patient’s procedure. 

To be skilled in Immediate Life Support, cannulation, venepuncture, arterial
sheath removal and ECG assessment and assist others to become proficient in these areas.

To understand radiation protection and the need for wearing lead aprons.