Job responsibilities
Communication
To communicate clearly with all members of the multi professional team, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural and language differences.
Communicate effectively across a wide variety of settings, using tact and diplomacy in response to situations that may be complex and sensitive and may have resulted from conflict.
Providing advice and use initiative and follow organisational procedures in routine and crisis situations
To ensure written communication complies with organisational and professional standards.
To represent the ward at meetings/events as requested by the Ward Manager.
Clinical Responsibilities:
Support and assist the Ward Manager to provide continuing responsibility for the ward.
Support and assist the Ward Manager to monitor performance and manage the nursing staff in areas of responsibility, ensuring all employment records are locally maintained and current in the absence of the Ward Manager.
Support the Ward Manager in achieving set key performance indicators for the ward/unit.
Support and assist the Ward Manager to ensure that all staff update mandatory training and appraisals are completed in a timely manner.
Deputise for the Ward Manager at meetings and forums when required.
Assist the Ward Manager in assuring and monitoring the quality of care delivery meets the needs of the individual service users and carers.
Undertake the assessment of patients/clients with complex care needs including individuals with undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions.
Develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care to meet these needs.
Guide, advise and direct other staff in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient/client care.
Initiate risk assessment processes to determine risks to the health and wellbeing of patients/clients with complex care needs, taking relevant action to minimise these risks.
Lead a team of staff in emergency and other acute situations, ensuring that the patients/clients needs are met and that significant others are supported.
Utilise information and data from a range of sources to identify patient problems and guide decision-making processes. Within field of expertise, and organisational policy, request specific clinical tests to establish a diagnosis.
Promote service user involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of care, respecting their wishes, beliefs and dignity.
Independently liaise and communicate effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other agencies involved in the care of the patient/client.
Challenge others when the rights of patients may be disregarded.
Responsible for the delivery of patient centred care and is able to articulate its benefits.
Ensure delivery of key performance indicators which set benchmark for quality standards and improvements.
Take a lead role in the continuing monitoring of standards and the quality of care including documentation in healthcare records.
Work collaboratively with the customer care team and patient forums to investigate and resolve patient concerns/complaints, developing action plans within specified timeframes.
Training and Education
Support the Ward Manager and practice development lead in the development of annual education and training plans for staff.
Support the Ward Manager by informing curriculum development of Higher Education Curriculum CPD development in line with service developments.
Take a lead in the promotion of the health and well-being of clients/patients and their significant others, ensuring that health promotion is incorporated in the planning and delivery of care.
Act as a supervisor to staff working within the area.
Act as a mentor/preceptor/supervisor to students and other learners.
Promote an environment that is conducive to quality learning and assessment.
Develop programmes of learning to meet the educational needs of all staff working within the care setting.
Maintain own continuing professional development needs. The post holder should be willing to work towards achieving graduate status.
Develop and maintain competence in the additional skills related to the needs of the clients and patients.
Undertake in-house annual mandatory training in Manual Handling, Basic Life Support, Fire Safety and AED training.
Leadership/Teamwork
Support the Ward Manager to maintain 24hr continuing responsibility for professional policy and procedural practice to ensure the continuance of best practice.
With the Ward Manager monitor agreed quality improvement metrics (KPIs) to enable reporting to lead nurse/service managers.
Support the Ward Manager with the recruitment and retention of team members.
Co-ordinate a team of staff, ensuring that clear systems of communication are developed within the team and any work-related issues raised by the team are addressed and clear feedback is provided.
Ensure team members are aware of organisational objectives, policies and procedures and the implications they have for their practice.
Undertake the professional development review process with the Ward Manager. Support staff with performance issues developing action plans to address developmental needs.
Act as a professional role model for junior staff, promoting high standards of practice and strong professional values.
Assist the Ward Manager with shift planning for the practice area.
Lead and develop of facilitative reflective supervision and management of clinical nursing practice within area of responsibility to ensure safe and effective holistic evidence based care.
Conduct management of short and long term sickness in the absence of the Ward Manager.
Audit/Information Technology/Research activity
In conjunction with both the Lead Nurse and the audit department, initiate and undertake clinical audits to monitor and maintain standards of practice.
Utilise the critical incident reporting system to document actual or potential risks impacting on the quality of patient care.
Actively promote evidence based practice in own and the practice of other members of staff involved in the care of the patient/client.
Take a professional lead in one specific aspect of practice, ensuring that new initiatives are incorporated within the working practices of all staff.
With training, access organisational electronic information systems relevant to the role.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY:
Takes all possible steps to safeguard the welfare and safety of service users, colleagues and not least oneself, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work (General Ordinance) Guernsey 1987.
Identify the risks involved in work activities and processes within the areas.
Monitor work areas and practices ensuring, they are safe and free from hazards and conform to policy and procedure, taking necessary action in relation to risk.
Identify how health, safety and security can be improved and takes action to put this into effect.
Promote an environment and culture of best practice in relation to health, safety and security.
