Referrals Senior Staff Nurse

Job responsibilities

KEY PRIORITIES

· The Senior Staff Nurse will be responsible for the co-ordination and the day-to-day management of the Referral service, in conjunction with the Referral CNS.

· The Senior Staff Nurse will provide rapid response visits to patients in crisis at end of life in the community, in order to assess their suitability for the service.

· The Senior Staff Nurse will be responsible for the assessment of the patient’s personal care needs and wider palliative health care requirements and for referral on to other hospice or health/ social care providers where appropriate.

· The role will involve being a clinical resource to the service.

· The role involves deputising for the Referral CNS when required.

· The Senior Staff Nurse will work closely with community colleagues, St Helena and hospital staff in order to ensure that patients requiring end of life care receive an integrated service in a timely manner.

· The role will include taking calls from patients and professionals and doing home visits as necessary throughout North Essex.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

· As a qualified nurse, providing high standards of holistic, individualised care and support to patients and families, through a process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.

· To act as a resource to patients and their families in the community who are admitted to the Virtual Ward, providing advice and support.

· To provide a rapid response visit to patients with urgent end of life care needs within the last 2 weeks of life

· To be responsive to changing patient needs and visit flexibly accordingly

· Take responsibility for accurate assessments of patients and families and to provide ongoing plans of care for St Helena staff and other healthcare providers.

· Ensuring patient records are accurately written, in line with NMC and St Helena regulations.

· To work with the CNS to plan and implement change and development within St Helena where this would increase effectiveness and efficiency of the Referrals service

· To provide supervision and work alongside Healthcare Assistants and provide guidance and expert advice, assisting in the identification and meeting of their educational needs.

· To maintain and promote effective and efficient working and communication with other community professionals, hospital professionals, voluntary, private and statutory agencies and other hospices.

· Participate in the audit process and encourage colleagues to embrace the opportunities gained from audit.

· To ensure end of life procedures are carried out sensitively and appropriately.

· To verify death following training and when it is appropriate to do so in line with St Helena policy

· Demonstrate awareness of emotional needs of patients and families and the sensitivity and communication skills to meet these needs.

· Demonstrate effective communication with patients’ key workers in order to ensure continuity of care for patients across all sectors.

· To maintain professional awareness of current developments in nursing and palliative care and evidence based practice in order to remain an effective practitioner.

· Follow St Helena policy at all times.

· Participate in Clinical Supervision both as a recipient and a provider

· Comply with NMC guidelines

· Be aware of own emotional needs, relating to the palliative care environment, and how to meet them.

· To act as an advocate safeguarding the patients and family’s rights and interests, abilities and aptitudes, encouraging empowerment and informed choice.

· Ensure you follow all policies and procedures in relation to prevention and infection control

Experience

Essential

• Significant post registration experience at Band 5 equivalent or above in any setting, working with palliative care patients

Desirable

• Experience of working in the community
• Experience of working with people with mental health needs
• Experience of working with people with sensory and learning disabilities

Communication

Essential

• Sensitive communication skills with patients with a life-limiting condition and their families/ carers
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Good IT skills

Desirable

• Skills in communicating with people with specific communication needs including learning disabilities and sensory disabilities
• Participate in an open and honest communication culture within the team

Qualities

Essential

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
• Ability to use own initiative
• Flexible approach to work and shift system.
• Role model who can influence, motivate and encourage others
• Positive, self-motivated and committed to achieving results and solving problems

Desirable

• Innovative and creative

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse

Desirable

• Evidence of further palliative care education
• Degree in relevant subject
• 1st Degree Palliative Care
• Clinical Supervision qualification
• Teaching qualification
• Advanced Communication Skills Training

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of common end of life symptom management.
• knowledge and understanding of issues affecting vulnerable people and child protection
• Ability to recognise and respond to potential distress in individuals and to manage crisis situations.
• Knowledge of End of Life care tools and the My Care Choices Register.
• Full Driving Licence (and access to a vehicle)

Desirable

• Understanding of the interface between community and acute settings
• An awareness of St Helena as an organisation and the services it provides

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).