Job summary
Do you have a senior nursing experience within a palliative care or comparable setting?
Do you have experience of successful team leadership as a senior post holder?
Do you want to develop your skills into a specialist role and be part of a pro-active multi-disciplinary and professional team, who put excellent patient care as their priority?
Do you have a passion for working collaboratively in an environment of thriving on positive change and making a difference to those with palliative and end of life care needs?
Are you passionate about supporting and empowering patients to live well until their very last moment in their life?
- Through holistic needs assessment
- Providing individually planned care informed by patient wishes
- Supporting patients and their families/carers to have open and honest conversations about their wishes for end of life care
If so, then the role of Senior Ward Sister at Pilgrims may be just the job for you!
We are seeking well-motivated and forward thinking professionals to join our multi-disciplinary team, in supporting patients across east Kent.
Main duties of the job
As a member of the wider clinical team, the successful candidate will be involved in assessing and developing appropriate plans of intervention and support for patients and their families, acting as a resource in providing advice on active palliative care management.
Key duties include:
- Providing inspirational and motivational clinical
leadership to a team of nurses, to deliver a high standard of specialist palliative care nursing
in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team on the inpatient unit
- Assessing patient and family needs in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team, as well as
providing expert clinical advice both internally and externally
- Creating, leading and maintaining a nursing culture which is open to change, new
ideas, concepts and innovation whilst influencing Pilgrims strategy and direction
- Improving the patient experience and safeguarding
high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care can
flourish and be measured
- Recognising and appropriately responding to changes in patients conditions
- Actively contributing to service development
- Being involved in the supervision and education of other health professionals
- Making recommendations for the development of and changes to working practices and processes as required
About us
About Us
As an award-winning employer, Pilgrims provides end of life care services to patients and their families across east Kent.
Our commitment is to provide open, compassionate care and expertise for patients and their families – both in the community and in-patient units.
Our Vision
“Of a community where people with a terminal illness, and their family and friends, are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body until the very last moment of their life”.
Other Benefits
As an Employer of Choice, our commitment to supporting our employees and volunteers is a key priority.
Our hospices offer:
- Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments
- Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning
- Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme
- A sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause
- A sense of wellbeing
- A good work-life balance
- Locations across well-populated areas of east Kent – all providing very good road and rail links
- NHS and financial discounts i.e. Blue Light Card
This advert will be closed once sufficient applications have been received. This can happen quickly, so if you’re interested, please apply as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Senior Ward Sister is responsible for providing inspirational and motivational clinical leadership to a team of nurses, to deliver a high standard of specialist palliative care nursing in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team on the inpatient unit. This includes assessment of patient and family needs in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team, as well as providing expert clinical advice both internally and externally.
The post holder will create, lead and maintain a nursing culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovation whilst influencing Pilgrims strategy and direction.
The post holder will be responsible for improving the patient experience and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care can flourish and be measured.
In conjunction with the Hospice Services Manager the post holder will have responsibility for the safe management and security of the inpatient unit, on a daily basis, which may include weekends when required.
To act as a senior member of the care team, influencing development of the organisation.
The post holder will manage resources efficiently and effectively within agreed budgets and will be involved in budget setting
Clinical Responsibilities
- Ensure that planning, implementation and evaluation of total care of the patient and family is individualised, evidence based and of the highest standard and quality
- To be a leader and proactive role model with presence within the inpatient unit, integrating with the multi professional team, maintaining an overview of patient care, acting as a resource and offering guidance and support
- At regular intervals, monitor the effectiveness of clinical care provided to patients and their families in the inpatient unit by undertaking quality checks, ensuring that working practices are followed at all times and that clinical services are delivered appropriately
- Participate in clinical ward rounds on a regular basis to ensure knowledge of patients
- Attend the multi professional team meetings to provide expert opinion on patient and clinical care issues
- Attend or chair meetings both within the hospice and externally as required
- Ensure the promotion of the safety, well being and interests of patients, staff and visitors to the clinical area
- Lead on the identification of risks which may impact upon patients and the delivery of a high quality clinical service. Promote awareness of risk management amongst junior staff and colleagues
- Ensure staff give support and advice to patients families and other health care professionals contacting the hospice, both in and out of hours, and document appropriately
- Use complaints and concerns positively and proactively to review and improve the quality of the service and lead on the development and progression of action plans arising from complaints
- Ensure the Senior Nurse Manager or Clinical Lead is informed of any significant changes in the day to day situation of the inpatient unit.
Professional Leadership
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills and provide regular team meetings, supervision of staff, and ensuring annual appraisals & PDP’s for the nursing team are completed within the time required
- Demonstrate the necessary skills to establish and maintain high level effective communication to patients, relatives and members of the multi professional team
- Work across all shift patterns to ensure high visibility, effective leadership and management of the nursing team
- In conjunction with senior colleagues within the multi professional team respond positively to change initiatives, demonstrating awareness of the implications and acting as an effective change agent
- Ensure that communication within the team is a two way process, supporting and empowering staff to make suggestions or decisions around aspects of improvement to the patient experience
- Actively establish and develop relationships with internal and external agencies and organisations as part of a wider system of promoting Pilgrims Hospice with key stakeholders
- Supervise and evaluate nursing documentation continuously and implement any required actions to ensure high quality professional documentation; ensuring all documentation is accurate, up to date and review dates are in place and achieved
- In conjunction with Senior clinical colleagues and the wider nursing team, ensure that clinical policies and procedures reflect best practice, professional codes of conduct, The Care Quality Commission Standards
- In conjunction with the leads for Infection Prevention, Tissue Viability and Manual Handling ensure all clinical areas adhere to Pilgrims Policies and best practice guidelines
- Ensure that regular team meetings are held to ensure dissemination of information and a two way forum for communication, and that minutes are circulated in a timely fashion and actions are completed
- Together with Senior Nurse Manager and senior nursing team set standards / competencies of nursing care and ensure that these are maintained at optimum level
- Take responsibility for accessing regular clinical supervision / reflective practice
- Ensure that the care given is fully compliant with the CQC and CCG standards at all times
- Actively contribute to the delivery of Pilgrims Hospices Patient Service Strategy
- Be aware of and accept responsibility for own clinical practice
- Maintain and continue personal development in symptom control, leadership and management, teaching and communication skills
People Management and Development
- Ensure that the inpatient unit has an appropriate establishment and skill mix and that duty rotas meet the needs of the clinical area at all times
- Support the management of nursing staff and ward based volunteers on a daily basis, including induction, recruitment, appraisals, performance management involving line manager if areas of concern are identified
- Work collaboratively to develop and implement staff clinical competencies
- To monitor the performance of the deputy ward sister through effective performance review and empower the deputy sister to manage performance related issues of team members
- Ensure all nursing staff are fully compliant with all aspects of statutory and mandatory training
- Ensure identification of relevant, appropriate ongoing training requirements for all inpatient nursing staff and that there is a training plan in place to facilitate individual training needs in line with Pilgrims service objectives
- Monitor the evaluations and outcomes of student placements; put any actions in place that are identified to ensure the placement remains a preferred choice from the local university
- Act as a role model and mentor, demonstrating positive attitudes and behaviour at all times as per Pilgrims Behaviours and Values Framework
- Accept direct line-management responsibility for the inpatient unit flexi bank nurses and HCAs ensuring they receive all ward and organisational communications and comply with training and performance requirements
- Take responsibility for the training, orientation and probationary evaluation of all newly appointed nursing staff
- Deliver and participate in teaching sessions in areas of expertise within the hospice and externally if required.
- Take responsibility for your own professional development, including keeping up to date with relevant clinical, professional and management issues at local and national level
- Ensure that you are fully compliant with the requirements of professional revalidation
Finance / Resource Management
- Ensure that inpatient unit patient equipment is used and maintained in a safe and serviceable condition and that faults are reported promptly
- Monitor the use of flexi bank and additional hours, being mindful of keeping within the agreed budget and highlighting excess use to the Senior Nurse Manager for Inpatient Services
Audit, Research and Policy Development
- Engage in research, audit and quality initiatives, encouraging participation and awareness within the nursing team
- In collaboration with the MDT lead audit programmes ensuring wide ownership and active participation across the inpatient unit nursing team
- Implement any learning from audit and research projects
- Assist the lead nurses for Infection Prevention and Tissue Viability with conducting ward audits such as hand hygiene compliance, mattress and environmental audits, sharps adherence and commode cleaning audits
- To contribute to the development of new policies and the review of existing policies and procedures
- To be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of compliance against policies and procedures, including issues arising from complaints or incidents.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Senior Ward Sister is responsible for providing inspirational and motivational clinical leadership to a team of nurses, to deliver a high standard of specialist palliative care nursing in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team on the inpatient unit. This includes assessment of patient and family needs in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team, as well as providing expert clinical advice both internally and externally.
The post holder will create, lead and maintain a nursing culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovation whilst influencing Pilgrims strategy and direction.
The post holder will be responsible for improving the patient experience and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care can flourish and be measured.
In conjunction with the Hospice Services Manager the post holder will have responsibility for the safe management and security of the inpatient unit, on a daily basis, which may include weekends when required.
To act as a senior member of the care team, influencing development of the organisation.
The post holder will manage resources efficiently and effectively within agreed budgets and will be involved in budget setting
Clinical Responsibilities
- Ensure that planning, implementation and evaluation of total care of the patient and family is individualised, evidence based and of the highest standard and quality
- To be a leader and proactive role model with presence within the inpatient unit, integrating with the multi professional team, maintaining an overview of patient care, acting as a resource and offering guidance and support
- At regular intervals, monitor the effectiveness of clinical care provided to patients and their families in the inpatient unit by undertaking quality checks, ensuring that working practices are followed at all times and that clinical services are delivered appropriately
- Participate in clinical ward rounds on a regular basis to ensure knowledge of patients
- Attend the multi professional team meetings to provide expert opinion on patient and clinical care issues
- Attend or chair meetings both within the hospice and externally as required
- Ensure the promotion of the safety, well being and interests of patients, staff and visitors to the clinical area
- Lead on the identification of risks which may impact upon patients and the delivery of a high quality clinical service. Promote awareness of risk management amongst junior staff and colleagues
- Ensure staff give support and advice to patients families and other health care professionals contacting the hospice, both in and out of hours, and document appropriately
- Use complaints and concerns positively and proactively to review and improve the quality of the service and lead on the development and progression of action plans arising from complaints
- Ensure the Senior Nurse Manager or Clinical Lead is informed of any significant changes in the day to day situation of the inpatient unit.
Professional Leadership
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills and provide regular team meetings, supervision of staff, and ensuring annual appraisals & PDP’s for the nursing team are completed within the time required
- Demonstrate the necessary skills to establish and maintain high level effective communication to patients, relatives and members of the multi professional team
- Work across all shift patterns to ensure high visibility, effective leadership and management of the nursing team
- In conjunction with senior colleagues within the multi professional team respond positively to change initiatives, demonstrating awareness of the implications and acting as an effective change agent
- Ensure that communication within the team is a two way process, supporting and empowering staff to make suggestions or decisions around aspects of improvement to the patient experience
- Actively establish and develop relationships with internal and external agencies and organisations as part of a wider system of promoting Pilgrims Hospice with key stakeholders
- Supervise and evaluate nursing documentation continuously and implement any required actions to ensure high quality professional documentation; ensuring all documentation is accurate, up to date and review dates are in place and achieved
- In conjunction with Senior clinical colleagues and the wider nursing team, ensure that clinical policies and procedures reflect best practice, professional codes of conduct, The Care Quality Commission Standards
- In conjunction with the leads for Infection Prevention, Tissue Viability and Manual Handling ensure all clinical areas adhere to Pilgrims Policies and best practice guidelines
- Ensure that regular team meetings are held to ensure dissemination of information and a two way forum for communication, and that minutes are circulated in a timely fashion and actions are completed
- Together with Senior Nurse Manager and senior nursing team set standards / competencies of nursing care and ensure that these are maintained at optimum level
- Take responsibility for accessing regular clinical supervision / reflective practice
- Ensure that the care given is fully compliant with the CQC and CCG standards at all times
- Actively contribute to the delivery of Pilgrims Hospices Patient Service Strategy
- Be aware of and accept responsibility for own clinical practice
- Maintain and continue personal development in symptom control, leadership and management, teaching and communication skills
People Management and Development
- Ensure that the inpatient unit has an appropriate establishment and skill mix and that duty rotas meet the needs of the clinical area at all times
- Support the management of nursing staff and ward based volunteers on a daily basis, including induction, recruitment, appraisals, performance management involving line manager if areas of concern are identified
- Work collaboratively to develop and implement staff clinical competencies
- To monitor the performance of the deputy ward sister through effective performance review and empower the deputy sister to manage performance related issues of team members
- Ensure all nursing staff are fully compliant with all aspects of statutory and mandatory training
- Ensure identification of relevant, appropriate ongoing training requirements for all inpatient nursing staff and that there is a training plan in place to facilitate individual training needs in line with Pilgrims service objectives
- Monitor the evaluations and outcomes of student placements; put any actions in place that are identified to ensure the placement remains a preferred choice from the local university
- Act as a role model and mentor, demonstrating positive attitudes and behaviour at all times as per Pilgrims Behaviours and Values Framework
- Accept direct line-management responsibility for the inpatient unit flexi bank nurses and HCAs ensuring they receive all ward and organisational communications and comply with training and performance requirements
- Take responsibility for the training, orientation and probationary evaluation of all newly appointed nursing staff
- Deliver and participate in teaching sessions in areas of expertise within the hospice and externally if required.
- Take responsibility for your own professional development, including keeping up to date with relevant clinical, professional and management issues at local and national level
- Ensure that you are fully compliant with the requirements of professional revalidation
Finance / Resource Management
- Ensure that inpatient unit patient equipment is used and maintained in a safe and serviceable condition and that faults are reported promptly
- Monitor the use of flexi bank and additional hours, being mindful of keeping within the agreed budget and highlighting excess use to the Senior Nurse Manager for Inpatient Services
Audit, Research and Policy Development
- Engage in research, audit and quality initiatives, encouraging participation and awareness within the nursing team
- In collaboration with the MDT lead audit programmes ensuring wide ownership and active participation across the inpatient unit nursing team
- Implement any learning from audit and research projects
- Assist the lead nurses for Infection Prevention and Tissue Viability with conducting ward audits such as hand hygiene compliance, mattress and environmental audits, sharps adherence and commode cleaning audits
- To contribute to the development of new policies and the review of existing policies and procedures
- To be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of compliance against policies and procedures, including issues arising from complaints or incidents.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse
- Healthcare Leadership Training
- Qualification or working towards a Healthcare Management
- qualification or equivalent
- Relevant degree or working towards
- Independent Prescriber specific to Palliative Care; or willing to complete within one year of start date.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of successful team leadership as a senior post holder
- Previous experience at Band 6 or equivalent within a palliative care or comparable setting
- Experience of introducing change in a clinical service
- Experience of working with a patient-centred philosophy of multi-professional team working
- Experience of formal and informal teaching
- Experience of standard setting and audit
Other Skills
Essential
- Conversant in the use of Microsoft Office application
- Excellent verbal and written communication and negotiation skills
- Demonstrates positive leadership skills
- Strong time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse
- Healthcare Leadership Training
- Qualification or working towards a Healthcare Management
- qualification or equivalent
- Relevant degree or working towards
- Independent Prescriber specific to Palliative Care; or willing to complete within one year of start date.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of successful team leadership as a senior post holder
- Previous experience at Band 6 or equivalent within a palliative care or comparable setting
- Experience of introducing change in a clinical service
- Experience of working with a patient-centred philosophy of multi-professional team working
- Experience of formal and informal teaching
- Experience of standard setting and audit
Other Skills
Essential
- Conversant in the use of Microsoft Office application
- Excellent verbal and written communication and negotiation skills
- Demonstrates positive leadership skills
- Strong time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
