Clinical Nurse Specialist in Cardiothoracic Pre-assessment

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

JOB TITLE: Clinical Nurses Specialist in Adult cardiac Surgery

AREA/SPECIALITY: Pre Assessment for surgery

GRADE: Band 7

RESPONSIBLE TO: Senior Business Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Divisional Lead Nurse

Job Summary

The pre assessment nurses have advisory, clinical caseloads and teaching responsibilities on an equal basis in order to fulfil the role, including:

Provision of expert advisory and consultative services to healthcare professionals within the organisation and to GP's if further investigations are required.
Provide leadership and vision within the multidisciplinary team to affect the modernisation of pre assessment service.
Have responsibility for the assessment of surgical patients to prepare them safely for surgery.
Facilitate the pathway of care prior to, in between and after surgery whilst developing strong links with the Surgeons and the wider multi-disciplinary teams eg Scheduling, Anaesthetists, ODP, Ward nurses
Identifying through pre assessment patients who are suitable for same day admissions and which require admission prior to surgery.
Scheduling of patients within the agreed timeframe for and following the investigation provide a full report to the referrer within 3 working days.

Key Relationships

Consultant Cardiologists, Admin staff, Syncope team, Outpatient department, External hospital teams, GP's, Diagnostic and imaging departments, ward nurses, Pharmacy

Main duties of the job

Use evidence based, advanced specialist skills, knowledge and expertise to provide excellent clinical practice.
To develop the role of the cardiac nurse specialist to maximise delivery of holistic patient centred care
To integrate into the existing clinical structure and to support other professionals to manage the surgical service
The nurse specialist will be responsible for undertaking routine assessment including history taking and clinical examination and manage the surgical patients by arranging relevant investigations and communicating these to the lead clinician and scheduling staff if applicable.
To lead on the Organisation of the pre-admission clinics in conjunction with clinical nurse specialist team, organising a staffing rota to ensure appropriate staff cover is arranged.

Perform the physical assessment for the surgical patients at pre assessment and complete the medical and nursing documentation

About us

Organisational Values

Our values help us to define and develop our culture, what we do and how we do it. It is important that you understand and reflect these values throughout your employment with the Trust.

The post holder will:

Put patients first
Take pride in what they do
Respect others
Strive to be the best
Act with integrity

Our values and behaviours framework describes what it means for every one of us in the Trust to put our values into action. The framework can be found on our Trust careers pages and GTIntranet.

Date posted

27 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£51,488 to £57,802 a year p.a Inc HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

196-NM11328

Job locations

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sydney Street

Chelsea

SW3 6NP

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

Use evidence based, advanced specialist skills, knowledge and expertise to provide excellent clinical practice.
To develop the role of the cardiac nurse specialist to maximise delivery of holistic patient centred care
To integrate into the existing clinical structure and to support other professionals to manage the surgical service
The nurse specialist will be responsible for undertaking routine assessment including history taking and clinical examination and manage the surgical patients by arranging relevant investigations and communicating these to the lead clinician and scheduling staff if applicable.
To lead on the Organisation of the pre-admission clinics in conjunction with clinical nurse specialist team, organising a staffing rota to ensure appropriate staff cover is arranged.

Perform the physical assessment for the surgical patients at pre assessment and complete the medical and nursing documentation ( if you have not completed a physical assessment course you will required to undertake the training)
To provide support to surgical patients and their families on an individual basis
To liaise with ward managers, administrative staff and other members of the MDT to optimise the smooth transition of surgical patients through the pathway.
On behalf of the Lead nurse and operational lead set goals and benchmarking standards of care for pre assessing patients and managing their pathways.
Ensure that the documentation is maintained to the Trust standard including Electronic records.
To produce reports on all aspects of pre assessment and discharge service
To ensure continuity of care, between the multidisciplinary team from hospital to community including the GPs
Ensure the Trusts infection control policies and procedures are adhered to by both themselves and others.
To act as an advocate for the patient and their family enabling them to express their needs affectively when dealing with MDT.
To deal with complex and sensitive information and be able to communicate this information in a delicate and sensitive manner to patient and their family.

Management and Leadership

To develop and maintain clinical skills and knowledge of pre assessment service that is evidence based aiming to achieve a best practice principle.
To take responsibility for adjusting ones own SCOPE of professional practice in order to demonstrate competence.
To act as a role model and clinical expert, providing evidence-based practice for staff and members of the multidisciplinary team in relation surgical service.
To work autonomously, when required, having accountability for decisions made (in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct).
Undertakes independent/supplementary prescribing course following completion of physical assessment/nurse practitioner course.
Undertakes advanced skills training and continuously updates own knowledge.
Actively manages own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.
To identify and be responsible for own professional and managerial development in liaison with Divisional Lead Nurse and Senior business Manager
Encourages and supervises other nurses to develop their clinical skills, assesses advanced clinical competencies and nursing knowledge.

Quality, Risk and Governance

Manage the implementation of effective systems, control processes and risk management arrangements in the pre assessment service eg when patients require further investigations and change of medication from the GP
Support the monitoring of compliance with internal and external governance for eg patient monitoring on waiting list and medpad and best practice requirements in the pre assessment Service
Support conflict resolution from patients, staff, suppliers, other internal and external service providers and partner organisations in the Service.
Undertake complaint investigation in conjunction with medical staff.
Resolution of PALS issues.
Ensure outcomes of root cause analysis, serious incident investigation, PALS issues are implemented.
To participate as necessary in the quality improvement standards and audit programme within the cardiothoracic services Unit.

Strategy, change and service improvement

To ensure the constant provision of effective, high quality care to all patients.
To support and work with the multi-disciplinary team in the introduction of clinical changes.
To be actively involved in the review and development of pre assessment related protocols and procedures in conjunction with other members of the multidisciplinary team, Cardiothoracic surgeons and Anaesthetists.
To develop the service, making changes and ensuring effective governance arrangements in place
Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, using the Trusts Performance Review System, enabling standards of patient care to be constantly monitored and improved.
To participate in the business planning process, helping to identify areas for service development.
Be innovative in widening professional boundaries in nursing/AHP.
Demonstrate advanced professional knowledge and skills for clinical competency and assumes responsibility for own professional development.
To undertake formal teaching sessions for the multidisciplinary team and other nursing staff in the organisation.
Assist the ward / department manager in the effective and efficient use of resources by adhering to the procedures for the use of supplies and ordering or accessing of equipment.
To be actively involved in maintaining data quality on PAS or similar systems in the future.
Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place & under development.
Following local guidelines order relevant tests and access results reported on electronic systems. To inform the relevant surgical team of the results of the investigations.
To have an active email account and use this as one of the methods of communication and disseminating information within team and other departments.
Review literature and leaflets for patients within the pre assessment service, in conjunction with the rest of the care team to ensure they are correct and up to date.
To support / input information into the Trust clinical data warehouse
To attend and play a major role in corporate groups as a representative of the directorate and team.

Research/Audit

Actively participates in clinical and nursing audit, quality assurance activities and research projects. Evaluates and implements findings with the multi-disciplinary team to maintain and improve care.
Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support.
Be involved in clinical audit evaluating factors for example patient satisfaction survey data.
To maintain an active awareness of clinical and professional developments within the service and to disseminate that knowledge to all colleagues.
To take a lead role in identifying and recommending relevant areas for research within the service which will benefit patient care
To participate and be actively involved in multidisciplinary research studies of relevance to the care of patients.
To influence the workplace to have a culture where nursing/allied health professional audit and research are valued and to promote the appropriate utilisation of those findings.
To assist in introducing and applying research findings along with members of the team to enhance patient care.
To keep up to date with new advances in treatment and new developments in the world of research.
To represent the Trust at regional and national conferences and on working groups as appropriate.

Closing Date: 11th March 2024

Interview Date: 19th March 2024

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

Use evidence based, advanced specialist skills, knowledge and expertise to provide excellent clinical practice.
To develop the role of the cardiac nurse specialist to maximise delivery of holistic patient centred care
To integrate into the existing clinical structure and to support other professionals to manage the surgical service
The nurse specialist will be responsible for undertaking routine assessment including history taking and clinical examination and manage the surgical patients by arranging relevant investigations and communicating these to the lead clinician and scheduling staff if applicable.
To lead on the Organisation of the pre-admission clinics in conjunction with clinical nurse specialist team, organising a staffing rota to ensure appropriate staff cover is arranged.

Perform the physical assessment for the surgical patients at pre assessment and complete the medical and nursing documentation ( if you have not completed a physical assessment course you will required to undertake the training)
To provide support to surgical patients and their families on an individual basis
To liaise with ward managers, administrative staff and other members of the MDT to optimise the smooth transition of surgical patients through the pathway.
On behalf of the Lead nurse and operational lead set goals and benchmarking standards of care for pre assessing patients and managing their pathways.
Ensure that the documentation is maintained to the Trust standard including Electronic records.
To produce reports on all aspects of pre assessment and discharge service
To ensure continuity of care, between the multidisciplinary team from hospital to community including the GPs
Ensure the Trusts infection control policies and procedures are adhered to by both themselves and others.
To act as an advocate for the patient and their family enabling them to express their needs affectively when dealing with MDT.
To deal with complex and sensitive information and be able to communicate this information in a delicate and sensitive manner to patient and their family.

Management and Leadership

To develop and maintain clinical skills and knowledge of pre assessment service that is evidence based aiming to achieve a best practice principle.
To take responsibility for adjusting ones own SCOPE of professional practice in order to demonstrate competence.
To act as a role model and clinical expert, providing evidence-based practice for staff and members of the multidisciplinary team in relation surgical service.
To work autonomously, when required, having accountability for decisions made (in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct).
Undertakes independent/supplementary prescribing course following completion of physical assessment/nurse practitioner course.
Undertakes advanced skills training and continuously updates own knowledge.
Actively manages own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.
To identify and be responsible for own professional and managerial development in liaison with Divisional Lead Nurse and Senior business Manager
Encourages and supervises other nurses to develop their clinical skills, assesses advanced clinical competencies and nursing knowledge.

Quality, Risk and Governance

Manage the implementation of effective systems, control processes and risk management arrangements in the pre assessment service eg when patients require further investigations and change of medication from the GP
Support the monitoring of compliance with internal and external governance for eg patient monitoring on waiting list and medpad and best practice requirements in the pre assessment Service
Support conflict resolution from patients, staff, suppliers, other internal and external service providers and partner organisations in the Service.
Undertake complaint investigation in conjunction with medical staff.
Resolution of PALS issues.
Ensure outcomes of root cause analysis, serious incident investigation, PALS issues are implemented.
To participate as necessary in the quality improvement standards and audit programme within the cardiothoracic services Unit.

Strategy, change and service improvement

To ensure the constant provision of effective, high quality care to all patients.
To support and work with the multi-disciplinary team in the introduction of clinical changes.
To be actively involved in the review and development of pre assessment related protocols and procedures in conjunction with other members of the multidisciplinary team, Cardiothoracic surgeons and Anaesthetists.
To develop the service, making changes and ensuring effective governance arrangements in place
Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, using the Trusts Performance Review System, enabling standards of patient care to be constantly monitored and improved.
To participate in the business planning process, helping to identify areas for service development.
Be innovative in widening professional boundaries in nursing/AHP.
Demonstrate advanced professional knowledge and skills for clinical competency and assumes responsibility for own professional development.
To undertake formal teaching sessions for the multidisciplinary team and other nursing staff in the organisation.
Assist the ward / department manager in the effective and efficient use of resources by adhering to the procedures for the use of supplies and ordering or accessing of equipment.
To be actively involved in maintaining data quality on PAS or similar systems in the future.
Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place & under development.
Following local guidelines order relevant tests and access results reported on electronic systems. To inform the relevant surgical team of the results of the investigations.
To have an active email account and use this as one of the methods of communication and disseminating information within team and other departments.
Review literature and leaflets for patients within the pre assessment service, in conjunction with the rest of the care team to ensure they are correct and up to date.
To support / input information into the Trust clinical data warehouse
To attend and play a major role in corporate groups as a representative of the directorate and team.

Research/Audit

Actively participates in clinical and nursing audit, quality assurance activities and research projects. Evaluates and implements findings with the multi-disciplinary team to maintain and improve care.
Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support.
Be involved in clinical audit evaluating factors for example patient satisfaction survey data.
To maintain an active awareness of clinical and professional developments within the service and to disseminate that knowledge to all colleagues.
To take a lead role in identifying and recommending relevant areas for research within the service which will benefit patient care
To participate and be actively involved in multidisciplinary research studies of relevance to the care of patients.
To influence the workplace to have a culture where nursing/allied health professional audit and research are valued and to promote the appropriate utilisation of those findings.
To assist in introducing and applying research findings along with members of the team to enhance patient care.
To keep up to date with new advances in treatment and new developments in the world of research.
To represent the Trust at regional and national conferences and on working groups as appropriate.

Closing Date: 11th March 2024

Interview Date: 19th March 2024

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

First level Registered Nurse with the NMC.
University accredited post registration qualification in CardioThoracic surgery
1st level degree
All staff is expected to take responsibility for their own continual personal development.

Desirable

Master level course
Nurse specialist course/physical assessment course, undertake an independent prescribing course.
SLICE 1 and 11 or equivalent level teaching and assessing course

Experience and knowledge

Essential

Excellent clinical skills, that have been practiced at a senior staff nurse/charge nurse level, with proven managerial and leadership skills.
Managing a specific patient case load
Managing patients via protocols and pathways.
Research and audit
Experience of care of surgical patients or relevant acute /critical care.
Experience in the supervision of junior staff / others.

Desirable

Experience in change management.
Conducting nurse led clinics
Service and or practice development

Skills and abilities

Essential

Advanced communication skills using a range of methods e.g. verbal, written, report writing, record keeping.
Leadership skills.
Proven teaching and assessing skills.
Evidence of continuing professional development
Demonstrate the ability to compile complex written information.
Flexible to change.
Able to prioritise and meet deadlines.
Able to manage difficult situations effectively.
Able to communicate with the wide healthcare community outside of the Hospital
Able to use own initiative and decision making
Demonstrates an awareness of the wider NHS organisation and its service developments.
Demonstrates evidence of applying current research to practice
Experience of using computer packages

Desirable

Budget management
Phlebotomy and cannulation

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

Assertive attitude.
Maturity in approach to role and responsibilities
Reliable
Enthusiastic.
Kind and compassionate.
Calm and objective.
Approachable.
Flexible in working patterns
Good interpersonal skills
Positive change agent.
Self-motivating and able to motivate others
Commitment.
Punctual.
Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
Well presented

Other

Essential

Reliable work record

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

First level Registered Nurse with the NMC.
University accredited post registration qualification in CardioThoracic surgery
1st level degree
All staff is expected to take responsibility for their own continual personal development.

Desirable

Master level course
Nurse specialist course/physical assessment course, undertake an independent prescribing course.
SLICE 1 and 11 or equivalent level teaching and assessing course

Experience and knowledge

Essential

Excellent clinical skills, that have been practiced at a senior staff nurse/charge nurse level, with proven managerial and leadership skills.
Managing a specific patient case load
Managing patients via protocols and pathways.
Research and audit
Experience of care of surgical patients or relevant acute /critical care.
Experience in the supervision of junior staff / others.

Desirable

Experience in change management.
Conducting nurse led clinics
Service and or practice development

Skills and abilities

Essential

Advanced communication skills using a range of methods e.g. verbal, written, report writing, record keeping.
Leadership skills.
Proven teaching and assessing skills.
Evidence of continuing professional development
Demonstrate the ability to compile complex written information.
Flexible to change.
Able to prioritise and meet deadlines.
Able to manage difficult situations effectively.
Able to communicate with the wide healthcare community outside of the Hospital
Able to use own initiative and decision making
Demonstrates an awareness of the wider NHS organisation and its service developments.
Demonstrates evidence of applying current research to practice
Experience of using computer packages

Desirable

Budget management
Phlebotomy and cannulation

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

Assertive attitude.
Maturity in approach to role and responsibilities
Reliable
Enthusiastic.
Kind and compassionate.
Calm and objective.
Approachable.
Flexible in working patterns
Good interpersonal skills
Positive change agent.
Self-motivating and able to motivate others
Commitment.
Punctual.
Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
Well presented

Other

Essential

Reliable work record

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).