Job overview
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic cardiothoracic nurse to join our team as a Band 6 Senior Staff Nurse.
You will be working on the ward and HDU looking after our private patients pre- and post-procedure in a range of specialities including surgery, cardiology and tranplant. You will need to be highly motivated and commited to providing a high standard of care as well as demonstrating excellent clinical skills. You will need to be able to problem solve efficiently and liase with the bed managers to plan admissions and discharges.
You will also work closely with the Deputy Sister and Ward Manager to monitor and maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice and staff development as part of the ward team.
If you are looking for a career in Cardiothoracic nursing, this is your oppurtunity to join a friendly and inclusive team at Harefield Hospital.
Main duties of the job
1. The post holder will work closely with the ward manager and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining excellent clinical standards of nursing practice and staff development as part of the ward team. Also, act as a team leader to ensure the needs of the patients are met.
2. To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of all staff by acting as a mentor with the support of their senior colleagues.
3. To take charge of the ward/Juniper HDU department on a regular basis.
4. The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care without direct supervision and is required to demonstrate procedures, supervise qualified and/or unqualified staff whilst maintaining a safe working environment.
5. To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover for any area specified.
Working for our organisation
Juniper is 20 bedded private patients ward that includes 4 high dependency beds.
The ward cares for transplant, cardiology, thoracic and cardiac surgical patients allowing you to gain experience within this speciality. The high dependency area cares for patients with a range of conditions requiring interventions such as, inotropic support, Central Venous and Arterial lines, LVADs, Non-invasive ventilation and temporary pacing. The post holder must be competent to work in the HDU and take charge when needed. They should have all Step 1 competencies signed off and completion of a HDU-post graduate course is desirable.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect)
6. To lead the provision of care in accordance with the Trust Policies reflecting current trends and developments in nursing and the NHS.
7. In conjunction with the staff team, to assist in developing and maintaining of the Ward/Department ethos and to the delivery of a standard approach to excellent nursing care.
8. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence-based practice which will improve the quality of care and meet the needs of the patient. A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the appropriate level of physiological; pathological; spiritual, socio-economical and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific speciality.
9. Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways. Planning for care pathways for discharge.
10. To act as patient advocate in line with the NHS plan and to actively apply knowledge of holistic/socio-economic and cultural aspects of the care to clients within your specific speciality.
11. Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the Ward/Department.
12. To comply with and participate in the Trust’s framework for Clinical Governance within the Ward or Department area, incorporating the trust core behaviours and the 6C’s and to work with the trust nursing strategy.
13. To regularly take charge of the clinical area, utilising resources effectively and to ensure that safe staffing levels are maintained for their shifts.
14. In conjunction with the Ward / Department Manager provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical and psychological wellbeing of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers.
15. Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is implemented in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.
16. Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with the Trust policies and lead in any investigations where required to do so by the sister/charge nurse.
17. Take charge of the clinical area in the absence of the sister/charge nurse.
18. In the absence or as delegated by the sister/charge nurse initiate investigations of untoward incidents, accidents, complaints and other relevant information.
19. Monitor the quality of nursing care and action audit information to achieve agreed standards under the direction of the Ward / Department Manager.
20. Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records)
21. Ensure through good practice that customer care initiatives are improved and sustained. Act as a resource for advice to patients, relatives/carers and staff.
22. To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients & staff in line with national strategy requirements.
Communication
23. Provide support mechanisms for sharing good practice within the Ward/Department and Trust wide. Assist in the programme and provide preceptorship and supervision as required, for all registered nurses working in the Ward / Department.
24. Delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members and evaluate outcomes in conjunction with the Ward / Department Manager.
25. Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and other Wards / Departments, including developing your formal presentation skills.
26. To adapt communication skill to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding language
27. Promote the corporate image of the Trust to all individuals, groups and organisations both within the Trust and to the community at large.
28. Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues, including support staff to promote a cohesive ward team and the achievement of team objectives
29. Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors.
30. To ensure self-development through own completion of Trust and specialist competencies as per the Trust educational policies, update through reading and contributing to update policies, procedures, guidelines and seeking advancement of clinical and knowledge.
Policy development
31. Lead on delegated projects relating to local policy development.
32. To be actively involved in the development and implementation of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level and reinforce their use.
People management
33. Assist in the management of staff attendance, poor performance, disciplinary and grievance issues in the clinical area.
34. The post holder will work alongside the Senior Sister, Modern Matron and Management team to provide a high standard of clinical leadership to staff within the trust. You will ensure that all staff provide high quality services, patient centred care maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
35. To work closely with the Practice Educator and/or Facilitator to educate staff and undertake both formal and informal staff training as required.
·Actively manage own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure and as delegated help others to do the same.
36. Assist in the recruitment, retention and selection of staff.
37. Participate in the Trust Appraisal and Personal Development Plan schemes by: meeting with the manager at least annually which includes feedback from a selection of internal staff and team members; and undertaking staff appraisals.
38. Actively deputise for the Ward Manager at meetings, workshops, visits etc.
Service development
39. To participate in staff education and development, including orientation and supervision and act as a resource for learners and the nursing team and the multi-professional teams.
40. Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, using the Trust’s Performance Review System, enabling standards of patient care to be constantly monitored and improved.
41. To participate in the business planning process, helping to identify areas for service development.
42. Design and undertake audit and implement research and quality audit cycles specific to the area.
Resource management
43. Assist the ward / department manager in the effective and efficient use of resources by adhering to the procedures for the use of supplies. Ensure appropriate activation of Bank and Agency staff when permanent staff are unavailable. Have an awareness of budget management and budget setting.
44. Ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix are scheduled to reflect the workload and meet the needs of the patient.
45. To be a role model to other staff in adopting a flexible approach to personal duty rostering to ensure the needs of the service are met.
Information management
46. Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support ensuring CQUIN targets are met.
47. Arranges for the collection and analysis of audit and research data as required.
48. To have an active and intranet and email account and adhere to the Trust’s Information Service and Information Governance Policies.
49. Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required.
50. Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care.
51. Use the Trust internet to enhance care and for professional development.
52. Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place and under development.
·Following Trust/local guidelines to access results from the PAS system.
Further sections
53. To ensure all team members have a voice in the development of the (insert name) service to patients/customers.
54. To maximise the potential of all team members.
55. To ensure in conjunction with the ward/departmental managers that identified members have a meaningful appraisal/personal development plan that includes feedback to the individual from a selection of internal customers and team members.
56. To provide a safe and attractive working environment for team members within available resources.
57. To attend and play a major role in corporate groups as a representative of the directorate and team.
58. To represent the clinical area on working groups as appropriate and at relevant conferences at regional and national level and on working groups as appropriate.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
59. HDU experience/course/competencies
60. Must have NMC registration
Desirable criteria
61. Other relevant post-graduate courses
Experience
Essential criteria
62. Post-graduate experience
63. Cardiothoracic nursing experience
Desirable criteria
64. Experience in leadership and management
65. Experience working with private patients
Skills
Essential criteria
66. HDU competencies comepleted/HDU course completed
Desirable criteria
67. ILS training completed/booked
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.