Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and experienced Band 6 Registered Nurse or practitioner (who is drug assessed) to join the newly established Outpatient Assessment Centre and Minor Procedures Suite at St Marys University Hospitals Dorset. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to work alongside the Band 7 Lead Nurse and be part of the development and implementation of a new service from the ground up. This is a diverse and fast-paced unit that supports a wide range of specialities including: Urology, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Dermatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) and several other surgical and medical specialities This role would suit someone who has experience in the theatre setting or in any of the specialities. The service is focusing on how we can deliver diagnostic care and treatment in new ways so an enthusiasm for innovation is essential. We’re looking for a compassionate, proactive person who demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. You’ll be instrumental in building a positive team culture and ensuring the service runs safely and efficiently. Interview Date: 8th December Main duties of the job Deliver safe, effective and high-quality nursing care throughout the patient's journey in the minor procedures and outpatient assessment setting. · Coordinate and manage patient flow through the unit, ensuring timely and efficient preparation, procedure, and recovery processes. · Provide direct nursing care during minor procedures, including preparation of patients, assisting with procedures, and post-procedure monitoring · Assist with and scrub for minor procedures, ensuring high standards of asepsis and infection prevention. · Provide recovery and discharge care following minor procedures under local anaesthetic. · Maintain clear and accurate documentation in line with NMC and Trust standards. · Support the education and supervision of junior staff, nursing students, and new starters. · Work collaboratively with consultants, advanced clinical practitioners, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. · Take an active role in clinical governance, service improvement, audits, and patient safety initiatives. · Contribute to the ongoing development of the service to meet the changing needs of the population. · Escalate any concerns or complications promptly, ensuring appropriate clinical action is taken. Working for our organisation Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. In some cases this means that a services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview. Detailed job description and main responsibilities Clinical Care Delivery · Deliver expert, evidence-based nursing care before, during and after minor surgical and diagnostic procedures. · Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care plans for patients across multiple specialties. · Prepare clinical areas, patients and equipment for procedures, ensuring compliance with infection prevention and control standards. · Assist with or scrub for procedures, maintaining sterile technique and supporting clinicians as required. · Monitor patients' post-procedure, manage any complications, and ensure safe discharge planning. · Administer medications safely and appropriately, including local anaesthetic agents where required. · Act as a key point of contact for patients and carers, providing education, reassurance and support. Leadership and Team Management · Lead and coordinate daily clinical activities within the unit, supporting junior colleagues and ensuring effective staffing. · Act as a positive role model, promoting a culture of professionalism, compassion, and patient-centred care. · Supervise, mentor and support the development of junior staff, students and new staff. · Contribute to the development and review of clinical guidelines, pathways and standard operating procedures. · Participate in recruitment, induction, and performance appraisal of team members as required. Patient Safety, Quality, and Governance · Escalate clinical concerns appropriately, ensuring timely medical or senior nursing input as required. · Actively participate in audits, incident reporting, complaints handling, and root cause analysis where necessary. · Support the implementation of action plans in response to audit results or safety events. · Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical documentation in accordance with Trust and NMC standards. · Promote a culture of continuous improvement, reflecting on feedback and using data to drive service enhancements. Communication and Collaboration · Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including consultants, ACPs, operating department staff, outpatient teams and administrative colleagues. · Ensure effective handover, coordination of care, and communication across all members of the team. · Liaise with patients, families, and carers to ensure they are fully informed and involved in care decisions. · Communicate clearly, professionally and compassionately in potentially complex or sensitive situations. Professional Development · Maintain NMC registration and comply with revalidation requirements. · Take responsibility for personal and professional development, actively engaging in training and development opportunities. · Support and deliver teaching sessions or in-service training to develop the wider team. · Keep up to date with clinical developments, best practice, and national guidance related to outpatient and procedural nursing. Working Conditions / Physical Demands · The role involves frequent standing, walking, and moving between procedure rooms. · Manual handling of patients and equipment is required in line with Trust policies. · Exposure to bodily fluids, sharps, and clinical waste as part of routine procedures. · Some exposure to distressing or emotional situations, especially during complex or unexpected clinical scenarios. Person specification Experience Essential criteria Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Outpatients department at previous grade Minimum of 3 years post registration experience Experience of leading, motivating and supporting a team Experience of delegating workload and monitoring progress Able to demonstrate managing and leading a change Experience of monitoring clinical practice Evidence of professional development Skills Competencies Essential criteria Excellent Interpersonal Skills Excellent communication/listening skills Decision making skills – clinical and non-clinical Ability to accept responsibility for a department Proven delegation skills Expert knowledge and experience of complex dressings and comprehensive wound care Knowledge of the specialist practise area Desirable criteria theatre scrub skills recovery skills pre and post op Requirements specific to the role Essential criteria Availability to work flexibly to suit the needs of the service Demonstrate decisiveness in decision making Change management skills Reliable, enthusiastic and motivated Personal Attributes Interpersonal skills Essential criteria Self-motivated and able to motivate others. Supportive to others Friendly and approachable manner