Thank you for your interest in this vacancy! We highly recommend reading our to give you an insight on how applications are scored & shortlisted by our Recruiting Managers. These tips have been provided to give you a better chance of being shortlisted for our vacancies.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our General Medicine Ward, 7B, as a Ward Sister/ Charge Nurse. The medicine division has a dynamic workforce, who are keen to help support and develop nurses interested in experiencing this exciting and changeable environment.
Applicants must hold a mentorship qualification (or equivalent course) and have at substantial band 5 experience.
In joining our team, you will bring your skills and passion to provide the highest quality patient-focused care and compassion for our patients. You must be a team player with excellent communications skills and have the ability to work using your own initiative as well as part of the wider team.
In return, you will find your contribution is valued and that you are supported through excellent management and a teamwork approach, working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. We offer comprehensive learning and development support, excellent training opportunities and support to broaden your experience, knowledge and skills as a qualified nurse.
Please note, there are X2 opportunities available:
1. 18.75 hours per week permanent post
2. 37.5 hours per week secondment/ fixed term post
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work closely with and provide clinical and managerial support for the ward Sister and wider team.
The post holder will take charge of the ward as and when required in the absence of the ward manager.
The post holder will be expected to lead on an area of ward quality and working with the ward sister and other Band 6’ ensure the ward submits all quality and Infection control audits monthly and that the results are reviewed and acted upon to ensure continuous improvement.
The post holder will be responsible for managing the ward team in relation to the assessment, planning, provision, maintenance, and evaluation of programmes of high standards of evidence based, individualised, holistic, patient care.
The post holder will assist the ward Sister in provision of high-quality patient care within the constraints of the allocated ward budget.
In the absence of the ward Sister, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring that care delivery by all members of the care team is carried out in accordance with Trust policies and procedures and the guidelines for practice set by the NMC code of conduct.
The post holder will take responsibility for the management, supervision and guidance of other qualified staff, Health care assistants or students on a daily basis.
The post holder will be responsible for the provision of an effective learning environment within the clinical area in support of the ward Sister.
The post holder will take personal responsibility and accountability for ensuring that the Trust policies and procedures are known and followed by all members of the care team in the absence of the ward Sister
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For a full overview of the Job Description, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional document to this advert.
Patient Care
• Take personal responsibility for the nursing care of patients within designated clinical area.
• Ensure that care needs are assessed and programmes of care are developed, implemented, evaluated and documented contemporaneously for caseload of patients in clinical area.
• Plan, allocate, supervise and evaluate working practices of the team on a day to day basis. Provide professional advice and support to team members so that they are able to assume responsibility to carry out delegated duties.
• Take responsibility for the timely, effective and safe discharge of patients. Lead on planning proves and ensure individual plans are in place accordingly to individual patient or family needs.
• For your area, be responsible for implementation and delivery of nutritional and fluid standards including protected meal times.
• Review the effectiveness of treatments and make any necessary modifications, reporting to senior colleagues/medical staff as necessary.
• Ensure the safe storage and administration of intravenous and oral drugs/medication and fluids in accordance with Trust policies.
• Undertake the full range of extended/advanced clinical skills (relevant to clinical area) and supervise/assess others.
• Implement privacy and dignity standards within own sphere of responsibility.
• Respect individuals’ dignity, wishes and beliefs, involving them in shared decisionmaking with consideration for the vulnerable patient, learning disabilities and child protection issues.
Be able to confidently complete the required documentation pertaining to:
• DoLs procedure
• Referral to Social Service
• Mental Capacity
• Mental Health Act
• Safeguarding referrals
On identification of concerns, raise through the appropriate line management structures, if necessary, referring to the Trust’s Whistle-blowing procedure.
• Act as advocate for staff/patients in internal and external forums, constructively challenging clinical teams as appropriate.
• Facilitate and maintain clinical competence skills of self and others in day to day working practices
• On a shift by shift basis, be responsible for minimising the risks of infections and for the implementation of the relevant code of Practice for prevention and control of health care
• Report to Supervisory Sister/Charge Nurse any issues regarding capacity or skill Communication and Information
• Maintain effective communication of patient and other essential information with the internal/external members of the multi-disciplinary team
• Be able to communicate difficult, sometimes complex and emotive information. breaking bad news effectively and, when appropriate, support and coach junior staff in doing the same.
• Communicate effectively via verbal, written and electronic routes and maintain robust processes to ensure the cascade of information to the team and the engagement of team members with Trust plans and objectives
• Accountable for self and team members for accurate and legible record keeping in accordance with local policies and NMC guidelines within own practice and sphere of responsibility Supervisory and Management Responsibilities
• Take charge of defined clinical areas on a daily basis.
• Assist Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and support cascade of information and key messages to team in a timely manner.
• Adhere to the Trust’s complaints PALS procedures with regard to written and verbal complaints and escalating cases to Supervisory Sister/Charge Nurse or higher when required. Where necessary, develop remedial action plans for designated clinical area and evidence the implementation of action plans.
• On a daily basis allocate workload and, where appropriate, delegate responsibilities amongst the team.
• Working with the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, be responsible for the effective use of e-rostering to ensure optimum skill mix for the acuity of patients. Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in identifying staffing projections for the forthcoming 6 and 12 month periods.
• Accountable for the monitoring and initial management of sick absence for own immediate team and escalating cases as appropriate in accordance with Trust policy.
• For designated area tackle poor performance and standards of behaviour and, where necessary, initiate ad-hoc meetings for staff to discuss performance. Matters to be escalated to Senior Sister/Charge Nurse when necessary.
• Ensure all staff in their area work to the Professional Code of Conduct and/or Trust standards.
• Act as directorate/service/clinical representative at meetings in the absence of Supervisory Sister/Charge Nurse or Matron.
• Where necessary, instigate the relevant HR processes to deal with any breaches. Equality and Diversity, Bullying and Harassment etc.
• Ensure all Annual Development Reviews (ADRs) and Personal Development Plans are completed annually for staff within reporting chain.
• Assist with the interview, selection and recruitment process for staff for their own designated areas and wider when requested by Senior Sister/Charge Nurse or Matron.
• As a shift co-ordinator, have responsibility for health and safety within own sphere of responsibility (. fire, COSHH, violence and aggression, mental capacity act, leading by example ensuring a working culture of the team which is conducive to good health, safety and security practices.
• Report all accidents and/or untoward incidences as per NBT’s clinical risk management procedure.
• Contribute to security of working environment and orders.
• Ensure the safe handling and storage of patients’ valuables and property.
• Act as an ambassador for the area of responsibility and contribute to wider directorate and Trust objectives and continuous improvement opportrunities.
• Be responsible for the supervision and checking of specialist equipment on a shift to shift basis.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
3. Registered General Nurse with NMC registration
4. Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
5. Teaching and assessing qualification (998 or equivalent) or willing to undertake after 2 years post registration (secured a position on this type of course)
6. Management qualification or willing to complete
Work Experience
Essential criteria
7. Completion of training required by the ward/ department.. IV drug administration, cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs, male catheterisation.
8. Recent substantial experience of working in an acute hospital setting as a Qualified Nurse
9. Recent experience in general medicine
10. Recent experience in complex discharge planning
Desirable criteria
11. Experience of managing a team
Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities
Essential criteria
12. Advanced communication skills, verbal & written, to include report writing and record keeping
13. Advanced clinical skills related to role
14. Excellent interpersonal skills with patients and multidisciplinary team
15. Ability to organise own workload
16. Time management/Basic Problem solving skills
17. Ability to work as part of a team
18. Basic computer / IT skills and expectation to develop these in line with the needs of the service. IHS, Acis, Email use
The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.