Job summary
Acute Medicine have a vacancy for an enthusiastic and keen team leader to take on the role of Junior Sister/Charge Nurse in EAU. EAU are looking for a dynamic Junior Sister/Charge Nurse who has the ability to lead, motivate and co-ordinate a large team.
It is a fast paced admissions unit which focuses on assessing patients with a range of different specialties, while delivering high standards of care and treatment. There are several expectations within the role of Emergency Assessment Unit such as being competent in identifying acutely unwell patients and escalating appropriately. This would also include maintaining flow within the hospital and work accordingly with the multidisciplinary team.
The applicant should have the ability to work independently and within a team, with patient experience at the heart of their delivery of care . There should be evidence of self-development and a clear plan for the applicant's further development, along with the qualification to mentor students. When in charge the expectation is to lead, support and motivate your team to ensure high quality care is delivered. As a Junior Sister/Charge Nurse you will need to conduct investigations and deputise in the absence of the Ward Manager.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be required to deputise in the absence of the Ward Manager and ensure a positive patient experience through the delivery of the high standards of patient care. As a Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, you should have the commitment and ability to support the Ward Manager and other Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses in the effective implementation of change. You will be required to facilitate effective management of clinical and non-clinical risk reporting in response to the service needs.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To deputise for the Ward Manager and liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently.
- Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.
- To lead and support others in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures written and verbal advice is available to patients relatives and carers.
- Actively involve others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders and ensures excellent communication.
- Ensure work with the Trust /unit and ward policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.
- Have the in-depth knowledge with practical experience of good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning in conjunction with Luton & Dunstable University Hospital Trust policies and procedures.
- Apply the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment.
- Plan duty rotas to meet the requirements of the clinical area and the needs of the patients and takes into account skill mix requirements in relation to acuity and dependency.
- Initiates emergency treatment where necessary and co-ordinates other staff in this process.
- Ensures that all staff including temporary staff and pre-registration students are aware of emergency procedures to follow.
- Leads in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients admitted to the Ward / department in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols.
- Ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and reviews and regularly updates these standards.
- Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages others to enable individuals to assist in their own recovery.
- Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration, the ordering and maintenance of stock.
Education, Training & Development
- Has a well development clinical understanding and practice with effective assessment skills.
- Provides clinical advice as required to staff, carers and junior colleagues which promotes clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.
- Participate in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the ward environment
- Supports the education and development of all staff including students.
Take part in education and training programmes appropriately and feeds back knowledge gained.
- To identify own clinical competency deficits, education and development needs, through participation in the Trust appraisal process.
- Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the ward manager for development planning.
- Advise patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection.
- Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
Management Responsibilities
- Responsible for leading and co-ordinating the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Department Manager.
- To assist with the management of the nursing team, under the direction of the ward Manager/ Matron.
- Actively assists the Ward Manager in workforce planning, by supporting and participating in the recruitment and retention of staff.
- Ensures the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients, relatives and colleagues is respected at all times.
- Communicates sensitive/difficult information and subsequent support of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues as appropriate.
- Ensures that all medical equipment is kept in a safe condition and is ready for use when required, and that faulty equipment is reported and/or replaced as necessary.
- Ensure all staff have necessary mandatory training in relation to all equipment used.
- Orientates new staff to the ward and helps to plan the ward/departmental orientation programme ensuring that all staff (including temporary/bank/agency staff) are inducted into the ward and given the appropriate information.
- In conjunction with the Ward /Department Manager, ensures that an annual Training Needs Analysis is undertaken, which is communicated to the manager for Education
- Represents team and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feeds back information appropriately.
- Under direction of the Ward /Department Manager, assists with undertaking performance reviews and return to work interviews.
- Participates and leads in Nursing and Clinical Audit on the ward.
- Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team.
- To contribute to the discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.
- To be actively involved in the interview and recruitment process for ward staff
- With due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures, is actively involved in maintaining a safe environment for patients, relatives, carers and staff.
- To work with the ward Manager/Matron to ensure the most effective use of resources with in a defined budget.
- To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers and colleagues
- Have basic computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems
- Actively assists in the investigation of complaints and draft responses as required. Supports the ward manager in implementing change as a result of investigations.
- Assisting in preparation for external audits or inspections, e.g. Care quality commission visits.
- Liaises with senior /managerial staff to bring to their attention any problems identified.
Professional and Legal Responsibilities
- To be conversant with policies and procedures relating to Fire and Health and Safety.
- To report all accidents and complaints in accordance with agreed policies and assist in investigations of complaints and accidents as required.
- Ensures own and others professional/educational/training needs are identified and maintains own and others mandatory and professional updating in order to maintain clinical and professional credibility.
- Maintain professional portfolio.
- Maintain clinical study to fulfil professional registration and show evidence of continuing professional development.
- Ensures own and others practice is in line with NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.
- To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.
Please see detailed Job Description attached.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To deputise for the Ward Manager and liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently.
- Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.
- To lead and support others in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures written and verbal advice is available to patients relatives and carers.
- Actively involve others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders and ensures excellent communication.
- Ensure work with the Trust /unit and ward policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.
- Have the in-depth knowledge with practical experience of good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning in conjunction with Luton & Dunstable University Hospital Trust policies and procedures.
- Apply the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment.
- Plan duty rotas to meet the requirements of the clinical area and the needs of the patients and takes into account skill mix requirements in relation to acuity and dependency.
- Initiates emergency treatment where necessary and co-ordinates other staff in this process.
- Ensures that all staff including temporary staff and pre-registration students are aware of emergency procedures to follow.
- Leads in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients admitted to the Ward / department in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols.
- Ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and reviews and regularly updates these standards.
- Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages others to enable individuals to assist in their own recovery.
- Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration, the ordering and maintenance of stock.
Education, Training & Development
- Has a well development clinical understanding and practice with effective assessment skills.
- Provides clinical advice as required to staff, carers and junior colleagues which promotes clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.
- Participate in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the ward environment
- Supports the education and development of all staff including students.
Take part in education and training programmes appropriately and feeds back knowledge gained.
- To identify own clinical competency deficits, education and development needs, through participation in the Trust appraisal process.
- Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the ward manager for development planning.
- Advise patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection.
- Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
Management Responsibilities
- Responsible for leading and co-ordinating the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Department Manager.
- To assist with the management of the nursing team, under the direction of the ward Manager/ Matron.
- Actively assists the Ward Manager in workforce planning, by supporting and participating in the recruitment and retention of staff.
- Ensures the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients, relatives and colleagues is respected at all times.
- Communicates sensitive/difficult information and subsequent support of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues as appropriate.
- Ensures that all medical equipment is kept in a safe condition and is ready for use when required, and that faulty equipment is reported and/or replaced as necessary.
- Ensure all staff have necessary mandatory training in relation to all equipment used.
- Orientates new staff to the ward and helps to plan the ward/departmental orientation programme ensuring that all staff (including temporary/bank/agency staff) are inducted into the ward and given the appropriate information.
- In conjunction with the Ward /Department Manager, ensures that an annual Training Needs Analysis is undertaken, which is communicated to the manager for Education
- Represents team and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feeds back information appropriately.
- Under direction of the Ward /Department Manager, assists with undertaking performance reviews and return to work interviews.
- Participates and leads in Nursing and Clinical Audit on the ward.
- Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team.
- To contribute to the discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.
- To be actively involved in the interview and recruitment process for ward staff
- With due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures, is actively involved in maintaining a safe environment for patients, relatives, carers and staff.
- To work with the ward Manager/Matron to ensure the most effective use of resources with in a defined budget.
- To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers and colleagues
- Have basic computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems
- Actively assists in the investigation of complaints and draft responses as required. Supports the ward manager in implementing change as a result of investigations.
- Assisting in preparation for external audits or inspections, e.g. Care quality commission visits.
- Liaises with senior /managerial staff to bring to their attention any problems identified.
Professional and Legal Responsibilities
- To be conversant with policies and procedures relating to Fire and Health and Safety.
- To report all accidents and complaints in accordance with agreed policies and assist in investigations of complaints and accidents as required.
- Ensures own and others professional/educational/training needs are identified and maintains own and others mandatory and professional updating in order to maintain clinical and professional credibility.
- Maintain professional portfolio.
- Maintain clinical study to fulfil professional registration and show evidence of continuing professional development.
- Ensures own and others practice is in line with NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.
- To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.
Please see detailed Job Description attached.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current Registered Nurse with the NMC
- Degree in Nurse related specialty or working towards
- Able to evidence recent and continuing professional development relevant to the department
- Mentorship / Practice Supervisor & Practice Assessor Preparation or teaching qualification or working towards
Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience of working in an acute hospital setting
- Evidence of teaching others
- Demonstrates awareness of current changes in the NHS - in particular related to Nursing
Desirable
- Experience of managing a team and staff performance
Skills
Essential
- Ability to prioritise and organise workload
Desirable
- Counselling or coaching skills
- Knowledge of patient administration systems e.g. PAS
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current Registered Nurse with the NMC
- Degree in Nurse related specialty or working towards
- Able to evidence recent and continuing professional development relevant to the department
- Mentorship / Practice Supervisor & Practice Assessor Preparation or teaching qualification or working towards
Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience of working in an acute hospital setting
- Evidence of teaching others
- Demonstrates awareness of current changes in the NHS - in particular related to Nursing
Desirable
- Experience of managing a team and staff performance
Skills
Essential
- Ability to prioritise and organise workload
Desirable
- Counselling or coaching skills
- Knowledge of patient administration systems e.g. PAS
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.
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).
Additional information
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).
