Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY AREAS OF WORK
 Maintain a high standard of nursing care for acutely ill patients in accordance with Airedale Hospital Trust’s guidelines and protocols.
Develop good working relationships with nursing colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team.
Contribute towards the development of clinical practice by participating in practice, and self development programmes on the unit.
 Adheres to Airedale General Hospital Trust’s policies and procedures relating to health and safety.

VALUE BASE
To demonstrate a belief in:
 High standards of individual nursing care with a commitment to the development of best clinical practice, which is evidence based.
Individual professional development. 

Effective communication and working collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
 Flexibility and commitment to enhance care for the acutely ill patient.

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
The post holder will:-
 Demonstrate ability to prioritise and organise clinical workload.
 Exercise initiative when caring for patients.
 Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills and work effectively as a team member.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
Liaises with senior colleagues to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual plans of care for the acutely patient.
 Prioritise and organise workload to ensure continuity of care and treatment throughout the shift.
Maintain a safe environment in the ward area.
Demonstrate professional accountability and works within own limitations.
Maintain accurate legal records of care using care planning and Airedale General Hospital Trust’s documentation.
Demonstrate thorough and concise verbal handover which reflects the care and treatment given to the patient over the course of the shift.
Respect the need for confidentiality and adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
Offer help and advice to the patient’s family/friends responding to their individual needs in a caring and supportive manner.
Develop scope of professional practice to administer intravenous medications.
 Communicate readily with the nurse-in-charge of the shift, regarding the patient’s care and condition.
Integrate within the team and promote a team approach to working.
Consult and co-operate with medical/nursing and support staff from other areas where appropriate.
Keep the senior nurse informed of untoward incidents/events and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with the Trust’s policies.
Participate in the preceptorship and in-service training programme.
Identify individual learning needs at appraisal and contribute to a personal development plan.

Demonstrates a commitment to self-development.
Promote research based practice wherever possible according to the Trust’s and Unit’s guidelines, standards and protocols.
Participate in the audit and evaluation of clinical practice in the interests of quality care.
Participates in the management of the day unit team, including delegation of work to junior staff and reporting to Ward/Departmental Manager.
Takes charge regularly adhering to all agreed protocols, policies and procedures.
Under the control of the Ward/Departmental Manager teaches and monitors nurses and other students allocated to the Ward/Department. Adheres to agreed procedures and promotes, by example, a high standard of nursing care.
 Is aware of responsibilities under Health & Safety legislation. Reports on any practices that could be detrimental to patient, visitors or staff safety.
Fosters good relationships with other departments, the multi-disciplinary team, patients, relatves and visitors to the Ward/Department. Helps achieve high morale for both staff and patients.
Learns from the Ward/Departmental Manager methods of ordering and stock control, management practices, policies and any other aspects of nursing and ward management as required. Reports and recommends changes as necessary.
Identifies areas for change of improvement in working practices, suggests ideas to Ward/Departmental Manager and assists developments.
Ensures all written documentation is of a high standard and according to NMC Regulations.
Is able to deal with patient/visitors’ complaints and reports to Ward/Departmental Manager for investigation.
Attends and assists at Ward/Department Meetings.

 Is involved in the collection of statistical data.
Follows Risk Incident policy.

PROFESSIONAL

 Is responsible, as a trained nurse, for the control and administration of drugs within regulations laid down by Airedale NHS Trust and NMC and national legislation.
Maintains clinical knowledge in nursing and particularly in the speciality of the Ward or Department and is prepared to advise and assist other staff.
Acts as Assessor/Mentor.
Acts as preceptor.
Works within the NMC Code of Practice.
Practices agreed models of nursing and systems of care as directed by Ward/Departmental Manager
Is involved in new initiatives, supporting the Ward/Departmental Manager in the implementation of them.
Is prepared to present topics of interest, developments, feedback from Courses/Study days to peers and seniors if requested.
Participates in developments relating to clinical governance.

STAFF/SELF DEVELOPMENT
Agree a personal development plan.

Is involved in Audit and standard setting.
Is involved in the IPR process of junior staff.
Attends statutory training.
Maintains a personal and professional profile.
Develops within the scope of professional practice.
Achieves PREP.
Is involved in clinical supervision as required.
Acts as a key worker when allocated. Ensures staff are supported educated and informed.
Is familiar with the responsibilities of the Ward/Departmental Manager and junior Sister.
Is involved in collecting statistical data in relation to patients and staff.

TECHNOLOGY
Undertakes training to ensure the correct usage of equipment.
Is aware of equipment maintenance programmes and asset registers.
Keeps records of equipment on hire.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
The post holder will benefit from:
Nursing acutely ill patients with varied diagnosis and care needs
A preceptorship package that supports continued learning
Working with a part of a multi-discplinary team to meet the needs to the patient.
Access to study days as well as other applicable training to enhance development
Working within a supportive environment with highly experienced nurses
Experience daily board rounds to develop patient flow awareness
Regular opportunity for career progression
Commitment to continuous quality improvments and opportunity to work with the organisational learning and improvement teams
Opportunites for supported leadership development