Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Supporting Clinical Excellence

· Provide compassionate, safe and effective care and support to patients and service users in a range of care settings

·  Monitor the condition and health needs of patients within their care on a continual basis in partnership with families and carers and other health professionals

· The first assessment of a patient coming into the Trust must be conducted by a Band 5 (or above) Registered Practitioner, prior to handover to the Nursing Associate

· The Registered Nurse in charge should ensure that any delegation to the Nursing Associate, is within the sphere of competence for a Nursing Associate 

· Recognise and respond appropriately to a patient/ service user whose condition is deteriorating

· To demonstrate knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment, in order to contribute to nursing assessment and reassessment of patient care

·  Contribute to on-going assessment, recognising, when it is necessary to refer to others for reassessment within the boundaries of confidentiality

·  Communicate effectively and appropriately with colleagues, providing clear verbal, non-verbal, digital or written information and instructions when sharing information, delegating or handing over responsibility of care

· To maintain clear, accurate, clear and concise record keeping and communicate this to the team as appropriate

· The Nursing Associate must escalate any concerns or gaps in knowledge and refer to the Registered Nurse in charge for help and support

· In the event of complex situations involving complex social /communication issues, the Nursing Associate should seek support and guidance from the Registered Nurse in charge

· The post holder will evaluate any care given but ensure there is a clear communication with the Registered Nurse in charge of the area. Care Plan changes must be completed by a registered band 5 or above on shift 

· To liaise with internal/external agencies with regards to the development of on-going care needs on discharge

· The post holder will only use medical devices for which they have received necessary training and education in line with Trust policy

· The post holder administer medication, within defined parameters of Practice; see Appendix 1

· Support patients and service users to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing

·  Actively be involved in the prevention of and protection against disease and ill health and the promotion of wellbeing

· Engage in the public health, community development and in the reduction of health inequalities

· The post holder will contribute to Health Promotion tools and practice within their area of competence. The following is a guide but not exhaustive:

o   Complete Lifestyle assessment/Wellbeing on admission to their Ward/area

o   Contribute to delivering simple information of alcohol intake  and smoking cessation

o   Promote and Practice high Standards of Infection Prevention of self, others and Patient Care.

o   Contribute to isolation and barrier Nursing Practice seeking help and advice as necessary

o   Contribute to referral to Infection Prevention Team, with associated actions to prevent, control infection.

 Leadership

• Lead by example with drive and enthusiasm, responding appropriately to the needs of patients, families and carer.
• Sets high standards of nursing care for the ward, including ward cleanliness, nutrition etc., are maintained so that the patients experience is excellent
• Influence people and events through successful communication, negotiation and persuasion skills
• Assist with developing and using local and national networks to identify and introduce to the directorate best practice in the management and care of patients
• Constructively challenge practices as necessary, which impact on patients care and/or staff wellbeing
• Work in partnership with the senior nursing team and other wards to ensure the nursing strategy objectives and agendas are achieved

 Supporting Patient Excellence

• The post holder will contribute in maintaining and improving care for patients, families and carers
• The post holder will support the Registered Nurse to improving safety and maintaining a safe environment, for example participation in audit and health and safety activities
  • The post holder will escalate any risks or safeguarding concerns to shift leader/Nurse in charge 
  • The post holder will support and escalate any safeguarding concerns
  • Improve the quality of care by contributing to the continuous monitoring of patient’s/service users experience of care
  • Identify risks to safety or experience and take appropriate action, putting the best interests, needs and preferences of patient’s/service user first

   

  People/Management Excellence

  • Understand the roles of a range of professionals and carer from other organisations and settings who may be participating in the care of a patient/ service user and their family
  • Understand responsibilities in relation to communication and collaboration
  • The post holder will contribute and support to multidisciplinary team working
  • Collaborate with all members of the multidisciplinary team
  • Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patients’ property in accordance with Trust policy
  • The post holder can support and supervise others with their learning and development (for example trainee nursing associates, apprentices, health care support workers and those new to care roles, for example, those undertaking the care certificate
  • The post holder will supervise other staff or volunteers within their scope of competence
  • After completing the necessary training and education, the nursing associate is involved in assessment of competences for any staff or volunteers to undertake this
  • The post holder will delegate to health care support workers, family members and lay carers and Trainee Nursing Associates 
  • Collaborate with all members of the clinical area to ensure efficient running of the ward.
  • Promote and maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and act as a facilitator/mentor/preceptor/coach in the supervision and teaching of less experienced staff, supporting and facilitating the development of competencies across all staff levels
  • Maintains competent computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems
  • To be able to work independently, prioritising own work as required, exercising initiative and judgment

   

• Supporting Financial Excellence

  ·         Use resources effectively in order to provide quality patient care whist having an awareness of budgetary issues

  ·         Responsible for the effective and efficient use of clinical, physical and financial resources

   

  Professional Responsibilities

  • Act in the best interest of the patients, carers and their families
  • Put  patients first and provide nursing care that is person centred, evidence based, safe and compassionate
  • Act professionally at all times in line with the organisations values and behaviours
  • Use the knowledge and experience to make evidence based decisions and solve problems
  • Recognise and work within the limits of their competence as defined by the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates
  • Be able to identify role boundaries
  • Be responsible for own actions and omissions and escalate concerns appropriately.
  • The post holder is responsible to ensure any delegation of task they undertake, is to appropriate within the parameters of the Nursing Associate Proficiencies (Appendix 1)