Sister/Charge Nurse

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL:

1. Assessment and prioritisation of the needs of the critically ill patient and their family, specifically tasks such as patients requiring respiratory support invasive and noninvasive, cardiovascular support, renal support, cardiac/invasive monitoring, inotropic support. The ensuring of provision of client centred care which focuses on the promotion of health as well as illness.

2. Ensure accurate documentation of patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards. Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult matters and/or in difficult situations.

3. Assess educational and informational needs of patient and family, providing up to date information enabling them to participate in the planning of care.

4. Enhance care within the clinical area by using relevant research outcomes when planning and delivering nursing care.

5. Evaluate nursing care communicate with medical staff of patients changing healthcare needs.

6. To be a role model for potential post holders by demonstrating competent skills that have been determined in accordance with the needs of the unit.

7. Maintain safe practice according to Hospital Policies and Standards.

8. Ensure all prescribed drugs and treatments are given in accordance with Hospital Policy.

9. Participate in internal rotation to night duty as required and on occasion be willing to support other clinical areas within the Trust.

10. Prepare patients for safe transfer to other specialist critical care areas and liaise with relevant nursing, medical and Para-medical personnel and relatives.

11. Carry out patient transfer to other specialist critical care areas in absence of transfer team.

12. Prepare patients for safe and timely transfer to ward areas.

13. Carry out and facilitate preoperative and critical care follow up visits.

14. Receive and promote the Trusts annual flu vaccine.

MANAGERIAL:

1. When appropriate, in rotation with other CCU sisters, take charge of the unit in the absence of the unit Manager, ensuring that standards of care and unit management are maintained.

2. In the absence of the unit Manager ensure skill mix is appropriate to clinical needs and keep Senior Nurse Managers/Modern Matrons aware of pertinent issues in the clinical area.

3. Help foster a supportive working environment and maintenance of staff morale, promoting a culture in which staffs feel valued and able to reach their potential.

4. Act as a preceptor/mentor to new unit staff and Pre and Post Registered Nurses.

5. Work with unit Sister to ensure clinical standards of care are achieved and participate in audit of clinical care.

6. Be aware of responsibilities with regard to Health and Safety at Work Act. Maintain and develop an environment and culture that improves health, safety and security.

7. Supporting the unit manager in initiating and implementing change, and in promoting an awareness of professional accountability.

8. Supporting the unit manager, when appropriate, in the recruitment and selection of new staff to the clinical area.

9. Actively participate in Clinical Risk Assessments and ensure correct documentation of Clinical Incidents in accordance with Hospital Policy.

10. Lead a team of registered nurses, nurse associates and health care assistants.

EDUCATION:

1. Maintain own awareness of current nursing practice. Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the highest standards and up to date care offered to the patient with cancer.

2. Supervise clinical staff and disseminate knowledge and current developments. Develop oneself and others in areas of practice. Assist and support the units Practice Educator to support and assess those enrolled on the Current Professional Studies in Critical Care course.

3. Participate in planned programs of appraisal with the unit manager. Facilitate timely PDR completion.

4. Liaise with the School of Nursing, participating in the teaching of basic and post basic learners and training assessments.

5. Ensure own learning and development needs are met.

6. Attend annual updates in: Fire safety, CPR, Moving and Handling, Radiation Protection and other study days as required by the trust.

7. Actively participate in Clinical Risk Assessments and ensure correct documentation of Clinical Incidents in accordance with Hospital Policy.

8. Lead a team of both registered, regulated and non-registered Staff

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

1. In consultation with the unit manager agree learning objectives designed to meet the goals of personal and professional development and undergo appropriate programs of study.

2. Gain teaching skills by undertaking a teaching and assessing course and applying the principles in the clinical setting. work with the practice educator to support and assess those enrolled on the Current Clinical skills course.

3. At the request of the unit manager, to accept responsibility to develop managerial skills within the clinical setting, e.g. planning duty rotas which match needs with available expertise.

4. Contribute to the improvement of services.

5. Contribute to improving quality.

6. Promote equality and value diversity.

Qualifications

Essential

• RGN Level 1 or 2.
• Degree, Diploma or equivalent in nursing studies.
• Post Registration certificate in critical care
• Mentorship course

Desirable

• Management course
• Post registration certificate or course in Cancer care

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience in relevant speciality.
• Leadership experience.

Desirable

• Managerial experience

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Able to work as part of and lead a team
• Able to work using own initiative
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic
• Able to deliver a high quality of care.

Desirable

• Computer Literacy

Knowledge

Essential

• Committed to own personal professional development and that of other staff members

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

• Able to work flexible shifts Day / night rotation

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).

UK Registration

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