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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical & Professional Responsibilities

1. Support the Ward sister / Charge Nurse in leading and supervising a safe, high standard of nursing practice and the delivery of evidenced based patient care in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures. This 
will involve all dependency of babies including intensive care, high dependency, special care and transitional care.
2. Assist the Sister/Charge Nurse in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that said practices are in accordance with department and hospital policy.
3. Assist in the establishment, monitoring and evaluation of agreed standards of patient care and quality service.
4. Determine nursing care priorities, planning the delivery of patient care taking into account the skill mix of staff, ensuring safe staffing levels at all times.
5. Attend high risk deliveries on Labour Ward and Abbey Birth Centre to ensure optimum care immediately post-partum.
6. Interpret the significance of the patient’s clinical observations and records, making decisions and planning in areas affecting patient care; reports promptly to medical or appropriate staff any matters 
which fall outside his/her responsibility.
7. Investigate and reports on all aspects of patient management, including accidents and complaints, in line with hospital policy.
8. Monitor clerical and legal documents completed by ward staff, ensuring they are accurate and legible.
9. Establish an effective communication system with patients, their carers, and all staff working in the multidisciplinary team.
10. Assist with any appropriate evaluation projects and in the assessment of new equipment and technology.
11. With the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection.

Management and Leadership Responsibilities
1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron is responsible for effective organisation of the ward/department.
2. Be aware of and adhere to the ‘Shift Leader Responsibilities’ as per the Trust’s Standards for Practice and Care.
3. Demonstrate effective Multidisciplinary working and acknowledge the role of the individual team member to ensure everyone’s expertise is seen as a resource in the team.
4. Act as an appropriate and effective role model at all times.
5. Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with established procedure and the law.
6. Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order.
7. Understand the implications of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff according to the hospital’s Health and Safety Policy.
8. Report and record accidents/incidents via the Trust’s Datix System and escalate complaints to the Ward Sister/Matron, according to the Trust policy, and undertake further investigations and collection 
of evidence/statements.
9. Be competent in current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theory and practice, Have a working knowledge of the fire regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate action is taken in response to an emergency.
10. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron, maintain budgetary control through an efficient and effective use of resources.
11. Attend meetings and participate in working parties when required, developing effective links with 
colleagues for obtaining and giving information.
12. Undertake projects, audit, and initiate improvements in nursing care and management of the ward/department.
13. Deputise for the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in his/her absence.

Education
1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/CPE, maintain a suitable learning environment for all staff working in the ward.
2. Ensure that registered nurses understand the educational objectives of all staff and students, acting as a mentor assessing performance as appropriate.
3. On a day to day basis, contribute to the education of all staff, promoting competency via workbased education.
4. Be conversant with the relevant current curricular from the local higher and further education providers.
5. Contribute to the teaching programmes, recognising that teaching is an integral part of the nurse’s role. Utilise the resources of the Clinical Practitioner Educator and ensure ward programmes compliment the wider Trust programmes provided to enhance staff development.
6. Promote and provide health education for patients and their carers.
7. Maintain and enhance own knowledge through continuing education and training activities.
8. Work with the Ward sister / Charge Nurse/Matron to ensure a programme of performance review is in place for all staff. Take part in an individual performance review, reviewing personal development 
and performance in consultation with line manager.
9. Participate in approved research projects.

Clinical Governance Responsibilities
1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse participate in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets, including CNST, NLSA and CQC requirements.
2. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse actively develop and maintain evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited, and initiate appropriate changes in practice.
3. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking.
4. Conduct and lead appraisal for assigned staff identifying development needs.
5. Support ward staff to acquire the appropriate clinical competencies to deliver safe and effective 
patient care.
6. Provide guidance and support to staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being and their own professional development.
7. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, assist in the supervision and performance 
management of bank staff within the Unit.
8. Identify and action own development needs and establish personal clinical supervision/mentorship.
9. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, help to implement team working to provide clinical supervision for staff.
10. Assisting the Clinical Practitioner Educator to ensure that all new staff undergo orientation and induction specific and relevant to the clinical area.
11. Ensure that all staff are aware of when and how to report untoward incidents and how to deal 
effectively with patients’ or relatives’ complaints.
12. To be fully conversant with Child Protection policies and procedures and have an understanding and recognition of those at risk.

• To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work