Job overview
Bedside clinical expert leading care under the direction of the Band 7 Practice Educator. Supporting and deputising for the Practice Educator.
This will be a supernumerary position to allow the post holder to support staff and encourage development, teaching and operational issues to be managed with continuity. The post holder works as part of the multidisciplinary team and delivers a high standard of patient centred care as a bedside nurse. The post holder will work closely with the Ward Manager and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining policies, standards of nursing care and staff development as part of the ward team.
The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care and education without direct supervision and is required to demonstrate procedures, supervise qualified and/or unqualified staff whilst maintaining a safe working environment. We aim that all members of the ASU team will work in an environment which provides support and mutual respect.
To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of all staff on Cedar ward. The post holder must have a commitment to education and research. Able to demonstrate a senior level of responsibility. The post holder is expected to act as a clinical role model and leader for all members of staff.
The post holder is to act as an Assessor to Nursing Students within the new standards.
Main duties of the job
1. To deliver patient care (both direct and indirect)
2. Communicate well
3. People management
4. Support all staff and students
5. Service Development
6. Policy Development
7. Information Management
8. The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care and education without direct supervision and is required to demonstrate procedures, supervise qualified and/or unqualified staff whilst maintaining a safe working environment.
9. Collaborate with the ASU education team to support staff across all surgical wards in Harefield.
Working for our organisation
Cedar is part of the Acute Surgical Unit which is comprised of three wards - Cedar, Maple and Juniper, and has received an “Outstanding” from the Care Quality Commission. Our patients are admitted for heart and lung surgery, including emergency admissions from other hospitals and treatments for lung cancer. It is a fast moving, exciting ward which is enhancing fast track surgery from admission to discharge.
As a specialist tertiary hospital, we receive patients from other hospitals so that we can deliver specialist care. We pride ourselves on our team work, communication and support of staff. We are also a research hospital constantly looking for new ways to improve the lives of our patients.
As part of the ASU Education team, facilitation of study days, delivering lectures for our University accredited in-house course and resuscitation training is a big part of the role, as well as working along side new staff and students.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
In partnership with other professionals and disciplines to develop individual programmes which provide measurable outcomes of patient care. The process should include assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care in accordance with Trust policies. The post holder is required to work according to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct (2018).
Ensuring that nursing documentation is taught and maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records). Participating in conducting nursing audit to achieve the agreed standards and facilitating MDT audits.
In conjunction with the staff team contribute to developing and maintaining a ward /department philosophy and model of care. Demonstrating through a holistic approach to nursing care day-to-day clinical issues an understanding of evidence-based practice.
Take charge of the education needs of the ward in the absence of the Practice Educator. In the absence or as delegated by the Ward/Department Manager commence investigations of untoward incidents, accidents, complaints and other relevant information. Under the supervision of the Practice Educator or Ward Manager contribute and participate in the process of setting goals and benchmarking standards of care.
Monitor the quality of nursing care and action audit information to achieve agreed standards under the direction of the Ward Manager. Ensure through good practice that customer care initiatives are improved and sustained. Act as a resource for advice to patients, relatives/carers and staff. Promote awareness and compliance amongst colleagues regarding Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.
To actively participate in the Trust’s framework of clinical governance within the ward including audit of compliance. To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being for staff, patients and their relatives/carers.
Identify and report clinical risks so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy. Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required. To delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to teaching. Participate in the trust wide Educator forum.
To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff appreciating national strategy requirements.
Facilitate and teach on staff team days. To provide timely, written feedback to Learners via email. Provide support mechanisms for sharing good practice within the Ward/Department and Trust wide. Delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members and evaluate outcomes in conjunction with the Ward Manager.
Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Departments, including developing your formal presentation skills. Promote the corporate image of the Trust to all individuals, groups and organisations both within the Trust and to the community at large.
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. Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors.
Allocate appropriate buddies/preceptors for new staff. To actively engage with rostering of Nurse Students and trainee Nurse Associates, ensuring they are working with their designated Supervisors & Assessors when able and induct them locally.
Identify staff who need further support/development and arrange bedside working with them. Ensure new staff members are inducted locally and aware of how to report sickness/fit for work/return to work procedures, request shifts, request annual leave.
Actively manage own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure. Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills by participating in the Trust’s Appraisal process.
Be responsible for the appraisals of named staff as delegated by the Practice Educator or Ward Manager. Understanding the impact of individuals PDP’s on the learning needs of the Ward/Department. Ensure new staff are aware of their responsibility in relation to personal development and mandatory training.
Participate in clinical supervision as required. Maintain a professional profile, identifying role and skill developments.
Assist in the management of staff attendance, sickness absence, poor performance, disciplinary and grievance issues in the clinical area. Develop buddies, supervisors & assessors. Assist in the recruitment, retention and selection of staff.
To contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors. To participate in staff education and development, including orientation and supervision and act as an assessor and a resource for learners and the nursing team.
Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, using the Trust Appraisal System, enabling standards of patient care to be constantly monitored and improved. Be aware of the service delivery plans.
Under the supervision of the Ward Manager to work on delegated projects relating to local policy development. To be actively involved in the implementation of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level, reinforcing their use.
Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place & under development. Following Trust / local guidelines order relevant tests and access results.
Participate in the collection and discussion of audit and research data as required. Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support.
To have an active email account which is viewed regularly.
This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive. It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the post holder.
To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested.
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
10. Registered Nurse
11. BSc or working towards
12. Post Graduate Specialist course
13. Practice Assessor course
Desirable criteria
14. Teaching Qualification
15. MSc
16. Auditing experience
Experience & Knowledge
Essential criteria
17. Experience in a cardiothoracic surgical speciality at Band 6 or equivalent experience
18. Ability to prioritise workload and manage time efficiently without direct supervision
19. Experience of internal or external teaching
Desirable criteria
20. Expert knowledge in Cardiothoracic Surgery
21. Experience of Clinical Supervision
22. Recent Critical Care Experience (within last two years)
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
23. Experience of teaching, supervising and assessing in the practice setting
24. Good written English
25. Champion or involvement in a ward initiative
Desirable criteria
26. Recruitment and retention experience
27. Management of poor performance
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.