Staff Nurse Band 5

Job responsibilities

To develop specialist knowledge to provide advice and counselling skills to patients and carers on the holistic needs which arise with terminal illness.

To ensure the needs of the bereaved are fully met by the most appropriate individual or external agencies if required.

To participate in areas of nursing research and be able to apply the findings of pertinent research and nursing practice, to the workplace.

To adhere to and ensure that the requirements are achieved.

To demonstrate organisational/time management skills relevant to the position.

To be able to recognise and respond to stress and anxiety in self, colleagues and volunteers.

To deal promptly and sensitively with complaints, resolving where possible, and referring to the Senior Nurse in charge.

To liaise with all external organisations as appropriate in undertaking care management of patients.

To have knowledge of current Fire and Health and Safety Policies and ensure they are practiced correctly.

To be actively involved with staff meetings, working parties and liaison with voluntary and multi-professional services as required.

To participate in discussions during multi-professional ward meetings presenting patients as appropriate.

To be involved and have knowledge of audit and continuous quality improvement.

To ensure that all Hospice supplies are used effectively and economically at all times.

To maintain a personal commitment to the expansion and development of professional skills and knowledge in line with NMC requirements and those developments related to annual individual performance review, taking ownership for own development needs.

Understand and comply with the policies and practices of the organisation.

The post holder will observe the organisations No Smoking policy.

You are required on an annual basis to attend and comply with the mandatory training requirements, plus any other training as deemed appropriate.

Maintain confidentiality in respect of all information

To be an effective representative of Willowbrook Hospice and to act at all times in a professional manner, promoting a positive company image.

Undertake any other duties which commensurate with the post at the request of the IPU Manager or other Willowbrook Hospice Manager.

This is an outline of the post holders duties and responsibilities. It is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time in order to meet the changing needs of Willowbrook Hospice.

It is the responsibility of all employees to support Willowbrooks vision of promoting a positive approach to diversity and equality of opportunity, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in service delivery and employment, and to manage, support or comply through the implementation of Equality & Diversity Strategies and Policies.

It is the responsibility of all employees to work with managers to achieve a healthy and safe environment, and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. The post holder must safeguard the welfare of patients, visitors, staff and volunteers in accordance with Health & Safety regulations under the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974.

The prevention and control of infection is the responsibility of everyone who is employed by Willowbrook Hospice. Employees must be aware of infection control policies, procedures and the importance of protecting themselves and others in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and is covered by the Exceptions Order of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Able to take initiative and lead by example in a professional role
• Able to interact with other members of the multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach
• Able to be self-reliant and motivated
• Be committed to developing self
• Able to encourage and enhance performance in others
• Able to act calmly and thoughtfully in stressful situations

Skills

Essential

• Able to communicate effectively with patients, carers, families, and care professionals in difficult situations
• High standard of record keeping
• A good level of IT literacy, with the ability to learn new computer skills
• Able to reflect upon clinical skills
• Possess empathy skills
• Able to undertake full internal rotation of shifts and work flexible hours to meet service needs.
• Physical capability of performing the role and carrying out responsibilities required by the duties of this post. This includes the wearing of personal protective equipment

Desirable

• Counselling skills
• Experience of Clinical audit
• Leadership skills

Qualifications

Essential

• First Level registration
• Recent professional development

Desirable

• Foundation course-specialist palliative care / end of life care
• Spiritual Care Training
• Bereavement Training

Experience

Essential

• Genuine interest in Palliative Care
• Ability to demonstrate development of clinical expertise in symptom control
• Committed to furthering professional skills & development
• Clinically up to date in general nursing care
• Experience of working in a multi-professional team
• Understanding of the nature of palliative nursing
• Knowledge of clinical governance requirements
• Ability to deputise effectively for Senior Staff Nurse

Desirable

• 12 months post registration experience as Staff Nurse
• Palliative care experience
• Experience working with volunteers

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.

UK Registration

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