Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Practice and Patient Care

• Practise at all times in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code and relevant professional standards.
• Contribute to the assessment of patients’ physical, psychological, social and emotional needs.
• Support the development, implementation, evaluation and review of individualised, recovery-focused programmes of care within the Care Programme Approach framework.
• Maintain oversight of care planning, risk assessments and clinical documentation, ensuring that records are accurate, timely and completed in line with Trust policy.
• Monitor patients’ mental and physical wellbeing and respond appropriately to any deterioration, increase in risk or safeguarding concern.
• Promote the involvement of patients, carers and relatives in assessment, care planning, treatment and discharge planning wherever appropriate.
• Provide patients and carers with clear information and education regarding mental health conditions, treatment options, medication and health promotion.
• Administer, store and order medication in accordance with Trust policy, reporting and escalating any concerns regarding effectiveness, side effects or adverse reactions.
• Work within the Mental Health Act 1983, the Code of Practice and other relevant legislation, including the correct receipt and scrutiny of statutory documentation.

Clinical Leadership and Ward Management

• Provide visible clinical leadership and act as a positive professional role model to the nursing team.
• Take charge of the ward and assume responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of the Ward Manager.
• Deputise for the Ward Manager as required, supporting the safe and effective day-to-day operation of the ward.
• Coordinate shifts, allocate duties and ensure that staffing resources are deployed appropriately in response to patient need, risk and ward acuity.
• Provide clinical advice, direction and support to registered nurses, healthcare support workers, students and other members of the team.
• Provide supervision and clinical leadership to junior nursing staff to support the effective delivery of care.
• Monitor standards of care and address concerns regarding practice, performance, conduct or competence through the appropriate management processes.
• Act as the senior nurse on site when required, providing leadership, advice and support across inpatient services.

Communication and Multidisciplinary Working

• Maintain effective communication with patients, carers, relatives, the multidisciplinary team and partner agencies regarding routine and complex aspects of care.
• Work collaboratively with medical, psychological, occupational therapy, social care and community colleagues to promote coordinated care and safe discharge planning.
• Contribute actively to ward rounds, multidisciplinary meetings, care reviews, handovers and other clinical forums.
• Ensure that relevant information is communicated promptly, accurately and appropriately, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Promote respectful, inclusive and therapeutic relationships with patients, carers and colleagues.

Governance, Safety and Quality Improvement

• Maintain confidentiality and manage information in accordance with data-protection legislation, information-governance requirements and professional standards.
• Promote and monitor best practice in relation to health, safety, security and infection prevention within the clinical environment.
• Identify and report service limitations, clinical risks, staffing concerns and opportunities for service development to senior colleagues.
• Contribute to the management and investigation of incidents, complaints, safeguarding concerns and other clinical-governance matters.
• Support the implementation of learning from incidents, audits, complaints and patient feedback.
• Contribute to quality-improvement initiatives, clinical audits, Essence of Care and other service-development activity.
• Support the development and monitoring of clinical standards based on current research, national guidance and evidence-based practice.
• Take an active role in developing knowledge, sharing learning and promoting evidence-based improvements in care.

Staff Development and Professional Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, support, coaching and guidance to members of the nursing team.
• Contribute to staff induction, appraisal, performance development and the identification of learning and training needs.
• Support students and newly appointed staff to develop their clinical knowledge, confidence and competence.
• Maintain personal professional development and ensure mandatory and role-specific training remains current.
• Reflect on practice and contribute to a culture of continuous learning, openness and improvement.
• Promote equality, dignity, respect and compassionate care in all aspects of practice.