Job responsibilities
Management and Leadership
To support the Ward Manager in the delivery of patient care and developments within the service area
To work flexibly across the organisation including rotation to all shifts and through all departments as required to support the delivery of nursing care within the Hospice
To organise the team deploying staff appropriately according to their skills and experience
To work collaboratively alongside volunteers on a day to day basis giving guidance and instruction to the volunteer team members as required
To ensure processes for induction, support, mentorship and monitoring of staff including volunteers are in place and observed
To ensure that maximum usage of the service the service is always maintained by utilising agreed operational strategies to facilitate appropriate acceptance of referrals and timely discharges
Support the Ward Manager in implementing and reviewing clinical practices to ensure that they are cost effective
To support the Ward Manager in promoting new ways of working which support and contribute towards service and corporate objectives and improvement programmes
To contribute to and influence the total patient experience and journey through collaborative working and effective communications with all members of the multi-disciplinary team throughout the hospice
To ensure agreed policies within area of responsibility are adhered to
To be a point of contact by ensuring that they are visible, accessible to patients and relatives, for assistance, advice and support
To act as a role model for other staff
To ensure that high standards of cleanliness, tidiness and decor are maintained in their designated area. To ensure environmental standards are adhered to
To work with external agencies and community nursing services
To support the Ward Manager in the process of change demonstrating professionalism and integrity
To complete annual appraisals for allocated staff
Patient Care
To be a competent practitioner demonstrating clinical expertise. The postholder acts as a resource and advisor in their area of expertise to colleagues
To deliver all aspects of care relative to their patient group
To ensure the use of approved manual handling techniques in delivering patient care, including the safe use of mechanical and non-mechanical manual handling aids
To assist in the review of clinical standard and practice within their clinical standards and practice within their clinical area, with particular attention paid to the drive for evidence-based practice
To be aware of nursing performance indicators and support the senior nursing team in implementing the action plans to address areas for improvement
Communication and Relationships
To report changes in patient progress effectively, both verbally and in written form. Ensure that accurate, legible and holistic nursing records according to NMC guidelines and unit guidance are maintained
Where appropriate interpret and present clinical information to patients and their relatives, demonstrating highest levels of interpersonal and communication skills ensure that patients and their carers have enough relevant verbal and written information during the patient's stay
To appropriately support staff working with highly distressing and highly emotional situations
To demonstrate sensitivity in dealing with complex and confidential information from patients, families and colleagues, giving advice and support when necessary. Respond appropriately to the information given
Actively contribute to departmental meetings and ensure information is cascaded where appropriate
Ensure good working relationships and effective communications between all members of the multidisciplinary team ensuring a high standard of co-ordinated patient care
Education, Professional Development and Training
To take every reasonable opportunity for maintaining, developing and acquiring competencies and skills for self-development
To participate in the supervision, training and effective mentorship of other staff
Research and Audit
Together with the Ward Manager develop standards of care and participate in ongoing research and audit projects
To promote and disseminate relevant research findings to support clinical practice and education within the department
To participate in developing systems for assessing the users' views on the quality of services provided and for involving patients' relatives and their representatives in the planning and development of services
Human Resources
To ensure that all Hospice HR policies, procedures and guidelines are adhered to and report any failure to do so appropriately
Assist the Ward Manager in planning off duty rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix to meet patient needs
Use of Information
To ensure that staff maintain and update Hospice information systems to support patient care
To be conversant in the use of electronic communication systems, personal computer systems, normal office equipment and Systmone
Health and Safety
Be aware of and follow policies and procedures around incident reporting and the identification of risks
To contribute to the department's implementation of a Health and Safety management monitoring structure and as far as is reasonable practical with the designated area of responsibility maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and relatives
The post holder will work in a safe and responsible manner by demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of all Health and Safety policies and the implementation of safety measures
The postholder will be fully conversant in the Hospice Infection Control policies and ensure that infection control policies, protocols and procedures are adhered to
Although the Hospice has a 'Zero Tolerance' position in relation to violence and aggression the post holder may on occasions be exposed to verbal and physical abuse and should be fully conversant with the Hospice policy for dealing with these situations. To actively support staff in dealing with such incidents
Clinical Governance and Risk Management
To ensure compliance with the programme of risk assessment and action planning in relation to health and safety, clinical risk and other agreed areas of risk management
To have an awareness and support the Matron in handling of complaints relating to the service area
To promote clinical incident reporting and support the development and implementation of action plans to improve and develop practice
Decisions, Judgement and Freedom to Act
To work to ensure a high standard of services are delivered
To work independently to ensure delivery of quality services within area of responsibility. Work within policies, protocols and professional standards. Seeks further advice and support for actions that effect areas outside of their area of responsibility
To be accountable for decisions affecting their sphere of responsibility
Professional Conduct
To adhere at all times to uniform policy
To adhere to NMC guidelines and Hospice policies and procedures
To report appropriately any observed lapses in professional conduct to the Matron in line with Hospice policy and NMC guidelines
At all times to act as an ambassador for Severn Hospice to patients, relatives, colleagues and members of the public
Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the team's operations and in the public domain
Additional Duties
To take part in the on-call managers rota
