Job overview
The Discharge Lounge provides a safe comfortable waiting area for patients who are medically stable awaiting discharge The service allows optimum utilization of beds without detrimental effects to patient care.
We are looking for an enthusiastic nurse who is keen to work at the leading edge of cardiothoracic practice. You will need to be a highly motivated nurse who is committed to delivering high standards of care and can demonstrate excellent clinical and communication skills ,the ability to work autonomously and effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team in a busy environment .You will also be responsible for the safe discharge of patients, with their medications as per trust policy, make referral to community team, be expected to support ward staff to achieve timely patient flow and discharge of patients.
The Discharge Lounge is open from 08:00 hrs –18:00 Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays
This advert is open to all applicants with an active Nursing and Midwifery Council Personal Identification Number (PIN). This refers to an NMC PIN, which allows you to work as a registered nurse or midwife in the UK.
Main duties of the job
• The post holder will work under the guidance of the Sister/Charge nurse and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of nursing care and staff development, as part of the ward team. • To assist in the continuing professional development and overall performance of learners and junior staff in the clinical area. • The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care with the guidance and support of more senior staff. • To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover according to experience for any area specified. • The post holder will be accountable for their nursing practice, adhere to the policies and protocols of the Trust and the NMC. He/she will have a responsibility for their own personal and professional development.
Working for our organisation
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best known hospitals – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK’s busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services.
Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ in February 2021 and is the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. We provide treatment for people with heart and lung disease, including rare and complex conditions, offering some of the most sophisticated treatment that is available anywhere in the world.
We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and continue to develop new and existing partnerships with local people, patients, neighboring NHS organisations, local authorities and charitable bodies and GP.
We strive to recruit and retain the best staff as the dedication and skills of our employees lie at the heart of our organisation and ensure that our services are of the highest quality, safe and focused on our patients.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main tasks & responsibilities:
Seeking advice/guidance as necessary:
· Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking
evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the
needs of the patients.
· 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.
· Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating
assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways and discharge planning.
· Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift.
· Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.
· Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.
· 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.
· Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard
(including electronic records).
· Participate in conducting nursing audits to achieve the agreed standards.
· Contribute to and participate in the process of setting goals and benchmarking standards ensuring CQUIN targets are met.
· In conjunction with the staff team, contribute to developing and maintaining a ward/department ethos and provide a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care.
· To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs and the Trust Nursing strategy.
· To be aware of the Trust’s framework of clinical governance and patient safety walk rounds within the ward or department area, seeking advice or guidance where necessary.
· Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/departmental Sister/Charge nurse, Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.
· To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical, psychological and
spiritual well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers, seeking guidance or advice where necessary.
· Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.
· Collaborating with other members of the ward team to ensure the patients needs are met to a consistently high standard.
· To delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to
patient care. (for example, when taking supervised charge or as a link nurse)
· To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff in line with national strategy requirements.
Communication
· To demonstrate politeness, courtesy, respect and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.
· Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Departments.
· To adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding language.
· Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust wide.
· To promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.
· To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.
People management
· Take active responsibility for own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.
· Participate in the Trust’s appraisal and personal development plan schemes by meeting with the team leader/appraiser and to include feedback from a selection of internal staff and team members.
· Participate in the programme for preceptorship and to be a support to new and junior staff as required.
· Maintain a personal and professional profile and maintain skill developments in line with the Scope of Professional Practice.
Information management
· Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required.
· Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care.
· To have an active Trust and email account and adhere to the Trusts Information Services and Information Governance Policies.
· Use the Trust internet to enhance care and for professional development.
· Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place and under development.
· Following Trust/local guidelines to access results from the electronic databases
Resource management
· To work together with the ward team to ensure effective use and maintenance of resources and adequate stock levels.
· To actively engage with rostering in clinical ward or departments and adopt a flexible approach to personal rostering to ensure the needs of the service are met.
Service development
· 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 utilising appropriate learning opportunities and to act as a resource for learners and the nursing team as/ when required.
Person specification
Qualifiaction
Essential criteria
1. Registered Nurse
Experience
Essential criteria
2. Ability to practice within the scope of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
3. Demonstrate the ability to work in a team
Desirable criteria
4. Depending on previous experience the candidate may be expected to supervise Junior Staff
5. Cardiothoracic surgical nursing experience
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
6. Excellent verbal communication skills
7. Able to prioritise and meet deadlines
8. Able to manage difficult situations
Employer certification / accreditation badges