Job responsibilities
CLINICAL :
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised patient care through appropriate frameworks, including safe effective arrangements for discharge, underpinned by trust values.
Assist members of the team in the co-ordination of clinical activities
Use clinical standards to participate in the process of monitoring the quality of the care delivered. Act to ensure that nursing practice is the highest quality in line with trust and CQC standards
Supply and/or administer medication safely in line with Trust medicine policy
Assess and support patients with adherence and understanding of their medication, advise on health promotion and illness prevention.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in patient and family education.
Assist with the evaluation of care and initiate any action required, for example liaising with the multi-disciplinary team as appropriate.
Review the effectiveness of the nursing care provided and initiate any action that may be required.
Undertake and reasonable and relevant clinical or non clinical functions appropriate to the banding.
Recognise and act on situations that may be detrimental to the health and well being of the individual.
Co-ordinate and support other members of the team.
Investigate and report accidents, incidents and losses and provide initial support for the member of staff or patient involved, in line with trust policy.
Take on extra duties and responsibilities as delegated and agreed by the department/ward manager or senior nurse within their capacity/limitations.
PROFESSIONAL :
Maintain professional behaviour at all times and promote a positive image of RFH at all times in line with world class care values.
Contribute to a high quality safe working environment in which patients receive a high standard of care.
Participate in the setting of standards for nursing practice and for care involving the multi-disciplinary team.
Practice in accordance with, and with awareness of their responsibilities, the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other appropriate NMC guidelines.
Understand and practice in accordance with Trust and unit policies and procedures, and ensure they are understood and practiced by staff.
Maintain a safe working environment, recognising the health and safety requirements of patients, staff and visitors.
Ensure all strategies, policies and protocols relating to infection control are implemented and monitored and that appropriate and timely action is taken in response to ensuring the prevention and control of infection.
Protect patient confidentiality and acts according to the data protection act.
Maintain clear and accurate documentation in line with Trust and unit standards.
Be aware of clinical governance and the impact it has on patient care.
Understand local audit processes and take opportunities to initiate and participate in local audits.
Participate in the ordering and maintenance of adequate stock levels in an effective manner.
Work with members of the team in implementing a quality approach to service provision, in line with Trust quality care standards
Report all complaints, incidents or accidents to the Nurse in Charge and take appropriate action.
Work shift patterns and weekends to the needs of the service delivery.
EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT :
Be responsible for, and demonstrate personal professional development, maintain up to date clinical skills and ensure mandatory training is always current.
Be aware of current developments within the nursing profession and within the NHS.
Participate in team and ward meetings.
Participate in established research projects and clinical audit in local area
Assist in ongoing development of the department as a positive learning experience .
Ensure own appraisal is always in date and personal development plan is completed.
Work in a supportive way with learners, providing knowledge and feedback as appropriate.
Participate in local teaching sessions.
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP :
Manage a group of patients in line with level of experience.
Supervise under the direction of the nurse in charge the work of unqualified staff.
Manage the department in the absence of the band 6 or 7, if senior enough to do so.
Demonstrate effective time management and prioritisation of workload.
Take and active role in the induction and orientation of new staff.
Take responsibility for the teaching and education of pre and post registration students, acting as preceptor and mentor as appropriate.
Demonstrate leadership and teaching skills in the supervision, development and feedback of junior staff.
Demonstrate procedures to junior staff and students, and supervise in the practice of these skills.
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING:
Be familiar with and utilise World Class Care values in all working relationships to patients, carers and staff.
Ensure communication is effective and ensure appropriate nursing input into patient care discussions .
Ensure communication is used effectively in the interests of patient care, including the use of incident reporting if appropriate .
Communicate handover of care in a professional manner.
Demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations and recognising individuality and rights for each patient in line with Trust values.
Work cohesively with all members of staff in ensuring the very best services to patients are provided at all times.
Work effectively within a multi-racial and multi-cultural environment.
