Job overview
We are pleased to advertise an exciting opportunity for 2 permanent full time Band 6 Ward Sister/Charge Nurse on the Emergency Surgical Unit (ESU).
The Emergency Surgery Unit (ESU) is a designated place at the L&D for the rapid assessment and treatment of patients requiring emergency surgical care.
Many non-elective patients who are admitted onto an inpatient ward only stay for one or two days, and could instead be safely and effectively managed using a same-day emergency care approach. ESU will manage this same-day approach for non-elective surgical patients and ensure they receive early clinical review, decision-making treatment, rapid access to diagnostic services and surgical intervention without admission unless necessary.
The unit caters for all surgical specialties including general surgery, orthopaedics, urology, max fax and gynaecological patients.
High standards of clinical performance are essential together with good leadership skills and an interest in developing your managerial potential. In addition you will be well organised with strong interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to teach.
ESU is a very fast paced unit with huge opportunity to enhance your clinical and managerial skills.
We are looking for nurses who have worked in an acute fast paced unit with surgical experience.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be required to deputize in the absence of the Ward Manager and ensure a positive patient experience through the delivery of the high standards of patient care. As a Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, you should have the commitment and ability to support the Ward Manager and other Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses in the effective implementation of change. You will be required to facilitate effective management of clinical and non-clinical risk reporting in response to the service needs.
The post holder will demonstrate expert knowledge and practice in the delivery of patient care, therefore experience of working within a surgical nursing/an acute ward environment is essential. You are expected to communicate effectively with patients and relatives and the other members of the multi disciplinary team;ensuring accurate and seamless information is conveyed and documented.
Good clear communication skills are necessary for this post as you will be required to co-ordinate the flow of patients safely through the unit whilst liaising with other departments to ensure a quick turnover to aid with the flow of patients through the trust.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To deputise for the Ward Manager and liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently.
Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.
To lead and support others in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures written and verbal advice is available to patient’s relatives and carers.
Actively involve others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders and ensures excellent communication.
Ensure work with the Trust /unit and ward policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.
Have the in-depth knowledge with practical experience of good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning in conjunction with Luton & Dunstable University Hospital Trust policies and procedures.
Apply the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment.
Plan duty rotas to meet the requirements of the clinical area and the needs of the patients and takes into account skill mix requirements in relation to acuity and dependency.
Initiates emergency treatment where necessary and co-ordinates other staff in this process.
Ensures that all staff including temporary staff and pre-registration students are aware of emergency procedures to follow.
Leads in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients admitted to the Ward / department in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols.
Ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and reviews and regularly updates these standards.
Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages others to enable individuals to assist in their own recovery.
Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration, the ordering and maintenance of stock.
Please see detailed Job Description attached.
Person specification
Qualification
Essential criteria
1. Must be registered with NMC
2. Degree in Nurse related specialty or working towards
3. Mentorship / Practice Supervisor & Practice Assessor Preparation or teaching qualification or working towards
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Post registration experience of working in an acute hospital setting
5. Experience of managing challenging situations to a positive outcome
6. Evidence of teaching others
7. Experience of conducting appraisals and mentoring others
Desirable criteria
8. Experience of managing a team and staff performance
9. Experience of managing staff capability, conduct and sickness absence at the early stages
Skills
Essential criteria
10. Able to do cannulation and venepuncture
11. Competent in all aspects of medicine management
Desirable criteria
12. Counselling or coaching skills
Applicant requirements
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.