Job responsibilities
Accountability
1.1 To perform all functions of the post complying with the Hospice values, aims, policies and
guidelines. When working as a member of the ward team the post-holder will be guided by the
IPU Clinical Lead Nurses and Social Workers.
2. Clinical
2.1 Attend and participate in the daily MDT admissions meeting; gather information to ensure
seamless transition to the IPU by establishing care and support needs. Identify any complex
care needs and liaise with internal and external staff as needed.
2.2 Coordinate with the medical team in relation to patient clerking to ensure a joined-up
approach is taken. Oversee the admission documentation process, including; paperwork that
is transferred with the patient. Take an active role in reviewing the required paperwork is
completed on admission.
2.3 Support with the management, including recording, of patients own drugs (PODs) as well as
the ongoing development of the POD project.
2.4 Participate in ward rounds and multi-disciplinary meetings proactively identifying patients who
may be suitable for discharge and contributing information regarding the needs of patients
who may be discharged.
2.5 Working in conjunction with the IPU Social Workers, meet with patients and patients
representatives with the aim of enabling a shared understanding of their likely needs on
discharge. Keep patients and their chosen representative informed of discharge care planning
in accordance with patients wishes.
2.6 Liaise closely with relevant members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that all aspects of
the discharge, e.g. equipment, transport, paperwork, medicines etc. have been considered
and that discharge plans progress in a timely fashion, maximising chances that the patient will
be discharged on the planned date to home or alternative care setting as appropriate.
2.7 Liaise closely with external professionals e.g. District Nurses, Continuing Healthcare, other
specialist teams to ensure they have a comprehensive handover of the patients ongoing care
and support needs. Develop positive relationships with external providers through effective
communication to build good working relationships.
2.8 Support with making applications for ongoing care e.g. Continuing Healthcare assessments.
Prepare other care plans and reports that may be needed to support with this process.
2.9 Organise and facilitate meetings with nursing homes and care agencies to provide information
regarding a patient needs to ensure a smooth transition to an onward place of care takes
place.
2.10 Liaise with the medical team and the external pharmacy to ensure TTOs/discharge
medication are prepared accurately and in a timely way. Be pro-active in troubleshooting
issues that arise and have a good working knowledge of the medicine management policies/
procedures.
2.11 Maintain excellent communication with members of the multidisciplinary team.
2.12 Maintain accurate, concise and up to date records providing the multi-disciplinary team with
all necessary information in terms of discharge planning.
Professional
3.1 Ensures own registration with relevant professional body e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council
(NMC).
3.2 Positively commits to staff appraisal, performance and clinical supervision to ensure personal
professional development.
3.3 Participates in educational programmes offered to staff.
3.4 Is able to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours of the organisation.
3.5 Identify areas of practice where patient care can be improved and proactively aim to take
forward any changes identified in relevant area overcoming barriers to change.
1. Educational
4.1 To continue personal professional development, to ensure clinical effectiveness of self and
to have a positive commitment to both providing and receiving clinical supervision.
4.2 To participate in the development and delivery of formal educational programs for
professionals within Princess Alice Hospice, the community and educational establishments.
4.3 To provide training and support to the wider team around patient discharge, including
supporting members of staff to complete discharge competencies.
2. Audit and research
5.1 To develop mechanisms for auditing care and in conjunction with senior medical and
nursing staff, participate in the development of multi-disciplinary audit.
5.2 To participate in and support nursing and collaborative clinical research in palliative care.
5.3 To critique current research into best practice.
Other responsibilities
6.1 To act as an ambassador for Princess Alice Hospice at all times, including representing the
Hospice in fundraising and PR activities as requested.
6.2 To receive and disseminate information through attendance at appropriate meetings and
liaison with other hospices and palliative care teams.
6.3 To undertake any other such duties or general tasks and hours of work as may reasonably be
required and to work in other locations within the hospice organisation.
6.4 This job description covers the major responsibilities to be carried out and may be amended in
the light of changing needs of the organisation. Consultation will occur before any such
changes take place
