Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
1. Provide management support for staff and act as preceptor to designated staff
2. To lead patients services. Review and implement change to the service to support ongoing improvements in clinical practice reflecting capacity and demand issues
3. To liaise with all the members of the MDT to ensure optimal bed usage
4. Close collaboration with medical staff to ensure realistic and efficient bed usage
5. Assess, plan and implement clinical care and maintain associated patient records
6. To organise daily work schedule and off duty rotas ensuring appropriate and effective skill mix and deployment of staff for appropriate patient needs
7. To assist in maintaining the staff and non-staff budget within agreed limits.
8. Collaborate with other service providers in ensuring the highest possible standards of cleanliness and nutrition are achieved.
9. Be aware of Health and Safety issues and ensure relevant risk assessments are undertaken.
10. Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy, investigating speedily and compassionately
11. Ensure all trust policies and procedures are adhered to and new ones implemented as necessary
12. To ensure all team members adhere to the uniform policy and maintain professional image for the unit
13. Report to Lead Nurse on patient affairs/activity and staff development.
14. Support those senior staff acting as appraisers to ensure they have a meaningful and achievable appraisal
15. Ensure each designated staff member participates in a personal development plan and act to maximise the potential of others
16. Assist/lead in the recruitment process for the ward
17. Take a progressive approach to the management of short and long-term sickness/absence in collaboration with the Lead Nurse and Human Resources
18. Take appropriate action in relation to any disciplinary matter when the need arises and follow procedures as laid down by the Trust.
19. Supervise the requisition of stocks and equipment with care and economy
20. Act up as required
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Following patient referral, demonstrate excellent skills in taking patients history through medical notes, verbal report and interrogation of investigations
2. To assess the critically unwell patient, initiate treatment and monitor effects based on evidenced based practice. To Liaise with the OCCU Consultant / patient team with patients causing concern
3. Provide advice on appropriate airway management, oxygen therapy, cardiovascular support in the event of acute deterioration
4. To assess and interpret complex patient conditions using relevant blood results and investigations in order to compare and choose treatment options
5. Provide emotional support for patients and their relatives especially when discharged from OCCU to the ward environment
6. Use a concise documentation framework when recording monitoring and treatment plans in the notes ensuring clarity, this should also be reinforced with verbal communication to the relevant team
7. Identify clinical risks that potentially inhibit the identification and initial management of the deteriorating patient. Work with senior nurses and matron to devise strategies improve safe & effective care
8. Work with members of staff ensuring smooth and safe transfer of patients from wards/theatre to the OCCU environment
9. Ensure clinical policies and guidelines relating to critical care are updated in response to clinical evidence
10. Ensure relevant National Guidelines relating to the critically unwell patient are adopted
11. Work with the Lead Nurse and Clinical Governance lead investigating the patient journey in response to adverse events or incidents. Share good practice and areas for improvement
12. Take responsibility for personal clinical development
TRAINING & EDUCATION
1. To be up to date in education and training in relation to specialised Critical Care including annual updates and competent in all areas of clinical practice
2. Ensure all staff have an appropriate level of training and are offered relevant support
3. Present at training days and at conference
4. Initiate and undertake research and audit which will influence practice
5. Be up to date and competent with other clinical skills such as, Intermediate Life Support and Advanced Life Support .
6. Attend all mandatory study days and ensure attendance of all staff
7. To work in conjunction with the Practice Educator for Critical Care to ensure the delivery of education and training required for the nursing team
PROFESSIONAL
1. Have expert knowledge and be able to advise and support nursing staff within trust & externally regarding emergency admissions and associated issues
2. Liaise closely with the medical team and other members of the MDT in respect of patient care promoting the highest standard of care
3. Participate in the on call rota for hospital cover out of hours
4. Represent the unit at the Band 7 forum.
5. To highlight areas of improvement/development within the department and undertake relevant projects
6. Keep abreast of issues influencing the Trust both internally and externally and ensure senior colleagues and the team have a good understanding of the same
7. Participate in policy writing for the unit and Trust
8. Be fully aware of the divisional objectives and the Trusts corporate plan
PERSONAL
1. Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote a good working relationship.
2. Show professional and courteous manner whilst practicing excellent communication skills at all levels
3. To show respect for members of the team and endorse the ward philosophy of giving mutual support.
4. Being aware of ones own limitations, maintain confidentiality and adherence to NMC Professional Code of Conduct
5. Cooperate in own performance review by indicating learning goals and support needs.
6. Actively seek mentorship / supervision to enable reflection and development within the role.
7. Exercise effective leadership using sound organisation skills and judgement, upholding equality and diversity of colleagues and patients.
