Support the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in ensuring the development and ongoing management of work rosters that provide appropriate safe staff cover. Encourage ward/department staff to be involved in the management of resources, by effective use of clinical and non-clinical supplies and understanding of financial issues. Contribute to the work of time limited committees and project groups. Ensure that, where applicable, information is maintained and kept in an appropriate place and that accurate records are maintained and stored in accordance with Trust and national policy.
Be a major instrument of change within the clinical area in response to clinical incidents and/or demands. Ensure high quality, evidence-based care is offered to patients and, incollaboration with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, identify the common issues which affect the quality of care, devising clear action plans to address any shortcomings ensuring agreed action is undertaken. In collaboration with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, ensure that the patient has a satisfactory experience by evaluating patient processes and redesigning the pathway of care. Improve and maintain standards of essential (basic) nursing care by working with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse and using tools such as clinical benchmarking.
Support the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in ensuring clinical audit takes place in line with the Trusts requirements to improve practice Work with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse to identify hazards relating to clinical and non-clinical risks and undertake identified risk assessments. Ensure that junior staff also sees this as important by maintaining a culture which will support the delivery of both clinical and non-clinical governance within the ward or department. Along with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, support the ward or department team in completing appropriate risk assessments and develop action plans accordingly in order to provide a safe environment for the delivery of high quality patient care. Ensure that all nursing documentation is regularly and appropriately reviewed and updated with changes implemented.
Continuing professional development appropriate to the field of practice and continue to develop competency in line with agreed personal development plans, including leadership skills and enable the empowerment of other members of ward teams. Encouraging a culture of learning where students receive quality clinical placements supported by mentorship, teaching and support from registered nurses. Support of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in ensuring that best practice undertaken is shared with colleagues in the directorate, division and the Trust. Helping staff to use clinical information within the ward or department to help improve the quality of patient care.
Encouraging staff to be involved in service changes and developments using processes defined within the directorate/division. Being able to demonstrate clear lines of communication within a defined clinical area which result in clear responsibilities being identified within the multi professional team. Creating a culture where staff have appropriate authority over issues that contribute to the provision of essential care and enable them to secure and achieve the highest quality standards. Assisting in the establishment, motivation and development of the clinical team with a clear focus and direction.
Ensuring that the clinical team is kept informed of the policies, direction and strategy of the directorate and division. Take an active role in self-development and identifying ones own needs, taking taking appropriate steps to meeting those needs.