Detailed job description and main responsibilities

•    To adhere to the main standard of performance for patient care, within the concepts of the accepted nursing philosophy, ‘The Guide’ and good customer care.
•    To carry out all relevant forms of nursing care without direct supervision.
•    To manage a group of patients ensuring effective communication with the nurse in charge.
•    To liaise with clinicians, other professionals and community staff as appropriate co-ordinating and maintaining care which will achieve the set standards.
•    To ensure that the following standards are met and that this can be demonstrated.
a)    Respect for privacy, dignity and religious and cultural beliefs
b)    Information to relatives and friends about the progress of treatment subject to the patient’s wishes
c)    A named qualified nurse must be allocated and be responsible for each patients’ care
d)    Discharge of patients from hospital must comply with agreed standards which include prior consultation with agencies such as community nursing services and local authority social services departments
•    To be aware of the ward budget in order to achieve a safe and cost-effective service within the constraints of the agreed budget.
•    To ensure care provided is evidence based and in line with the Trusts policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.
•    To act as a second mentor and participate in teaching pre-registration students, Healthcare assistants and supporting National Vocational Qualifications as required ensuring they are given adequate supervision and support.
•    To be required to use any computer system purchased by the Trust providing appropriate training given.
•    To set an example of professional work and behaviour and may be required to take charge as part of an on-going experience in a learning situation.
•    To participate in any other duties that you may be asked to undertake by senior nursing staff.

Personnel function:
•    To ensure that you are familiar with the Trust’s policies and procedures and introduce staff to them as required.
•    To exercise leadership by example.
•    To continue to develop clinical and professional knowledge and be aware of own training needs.
•    To work to the competencies/objectives expected of a Band 5 registered nurse.
•    To assist with appraisals of healthcare assistants.

Clinical Governance:
•    To participate in the clinical governance and quality activity in conjunction with the ward sister/charge nurse including:
a)    Maintaining accurate documentation
b)    Incident reporting and preparation of accurate statements as required
c)    Undertaking audits
d)    Participating in research
e)    Understanding the complaints procedure
f)    Practice development
•    Contribute to the ward teaching sessions and be involved in producing a teaching resource file.
•    To promote and participate in health education.

Oncology Specific Responsibilities

1.    To organise and participate in the care of patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and any other treatment modality related to the care of the cancer patient
2.    To undergo a period of training and supervision to become competent at venepuncture, cannulation and administration of cytotoxic agents, if not already competent in these areas
3.    To manage and maintain both central and peripheral lines, according to the guidelines
4.    To act as a resource for all staff, patients and carers in all aspects of chemotherapy care and administration
5.    To provide telephone advice, with the support of more senior staff, to patients, carers and other health care professionals
6.    To manage the admission and discharge of patients. Organising follow up or review in clinic
7.    To be familiar with and participate in, procedures carried out in HDR suite

Preceptorship:
For newly, Band 5 graduated radiographers/qualified nurses; to complete the departmental preceptorship programme as per the Trust preceptorship policy.

Special Responsibilities:
To abide by the NMC Code of Professional Conduct for the Nurse and ensure safe practice. As a registered nurse or midwife, you are personally accountable for your practice. In caring for patients and clients, you must:
•    Respect the patient or client as an individual
•    Obtain consent before you give any treatment or care
•    Protect confidential information
•    Co-operate with others in the team
•    Maintain your professional knowledge and competence
•    Be trustworthy
•    Act to identify and minimise risk to patients and clients
These are the shared values of all the United Kingdom health care regulatory bodies’.