·         Develop nursing professional practice skills and competences in the area of responsibility.

·         Provide professional supervision of nursing and support staff in the area of responsibility.

·         Responsible for working towards the maintenance of morale of staff in difficult and stressful situations by providing regular feedback and an environment which encourages open communication.

·         Ensure the maintenance of an environment in which patients nursing needs can be assessed, plans developed, implemented and evaluated in an holistic manner, involving all members’ of the multidisciplinary team, patients and their carers as appropriate.

·         Ensure the maintenance of accurate nursing records and staff signature log in line with NMC guidance “Record Keeping” 2000.

·         Apply health-promoting principles for patients and staff.

·         Maintain local professional policies ensuring the reflection of best practice

·         Co-ordinate the reception and discharge of patients in conjunction with medical and bed management staff.

·         Provide input to working and research groups, as appropriate.

·         Ensure that there is effective liaison with the community Trust and Social Services for patient aftercare.

·         Maintain professional links with other wards and departments, within the Surgical Directorate and other departments and specialties within the Trust.

·         Undertake other reasonable ad-hoc duties that will support the service provided, as requested by the Clinical Business unit manager, Senior Nurse Manager or associate Medical Director.

·         Maintain personal professional development/education.

·         To provide support and advice in distressing circumstances such as imparting news of terminal illness and bereavement.

·         Dealing with occasional unpleasant conditions such as bodily fluids and violence and aggression.

·         To risk assess all patients and carry out manual handling as per Trust Policy.

MANAGERIAL

·         Responsible for holding and managing the devolved Ward Budget ensuring efficient deployment of resources in conjunction with Modern Matron.

·         Manage and ensuring fairness of opportunity in the nursing service in their area of responsibility, by monitoring, overtime, sickness, annual and study leave in line with Directorate policy.

·         Create an appropriate educational climate for staff development.

·         Takes the lead role for the unit in relation to ensuring Infection Control policies and procedures are adhered to.

·         Ensures effective communication systems are in place in order to consult with and update staff.

·         Act up for Modern Matron on a rotation basis.

QUALITY

·         Determine monitor and review the standards of the nursing service.

·         Formulate, review and update local policies in clinical area.

·         Ensure that all staff are aware and adhere to local and Trust wide policies, procedures and statutory body documentation.

·         Encourage the application of evidence based “best practice”.

·         In line with the National Service Framework, NHS Modernisation Agenda and Trust Plan agenda develop and support clinical staff in undertaking the development of critical care nursing practice.

·         Ensure Clinical Nurse Manager (Modern Matron) is advised of significant events/changes.