Overview
The post holder will provide a high standard of nursing care by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating programmes of patient care. To work closely with the department / ward manager and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining policies, standards of nursing care, staff and service development within the department / ward environment. To carry out all relevant forms of care under supervision and when proficient demonstrate procedures of care; supervise junior qualified and / or unqualified staff including student nurses whilst maintaining a safe working environment.
Key Responsibilities
Professional Responsibilities
* Assess patient care needs and the development and implementation of programmes of patient care and participate in the evaluation of these.
* To ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and assist in the review and regular update of these standards.
* Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to changes in the patient's condition and safety.
* Adhere to all Trust Policies to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.
* Ability to administer oral drugs safely and independently and that they are administered in line with the NMC and Trust Policy guidelines.
* Be aware of the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment.
* Be able to communicate basic care information and answer queries to patients, their relatives/carers and the multidisciplinary team members.
* To undertake intravenous drug therapy administration following a training programme which will assess the competencies and practical levels required to achieve safe working within the Trust policies and procedures.
* Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration and the ordering and maintenance of stock.
Education, Training & Development
* Participate in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the ward environment
* Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the ward manager for development planning
* Advise patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection.
* Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
Management Responsibilities
* To manage the maintenance of an acceptable environment for patients, reporting and taking appropriate action on hazards and faulty equipment.
* To report incidents using the Trust electronic incident reporting system.
* Management of patients with regard to their nursing /clinical needs as directed by the nurse in charge.
* Report to and request advice from the nurse in charge of the ward in regard to patient care when appropriate.
* Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team
* To contribute to the discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.
* Ensure that the ward environment is well maintained, clean and safe. Report hazards to the nurse in charge acting to prevent further danger to staff and patients.
* To be economical in the use of ward stocks and clinical requisitions, avoiding waste wherever possible.
* To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users to the trust.
* Have basic computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems
* To take charge as required in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility for the ward/department. Only after completion of preceptorship programme and local induction period.
Professional and Legal Responsibilities
* To be conversant with policies and procedures relating to Fire and Health and Safety.
* To report all accidents and complaints in accordance with agreed policies and assist in investigations of complaints and accidents as required.
* Maintain professional portfolio.
* Maintain clinical study to fulfil professional registration and show evidence of continuing professional development.
* To uphold the principles of the NMC code of professional conduct.
* To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.
Care and Compassion
The post holder must be able to actively demonstrate and proactively deliver effective and personal care, which is safe for the patients, in a calm and compassionate manner to every patient, every time. This should be at the core of all planning which actively involves the patient and where appropriate, their relatives /carers. With the ability to escalate areas of interprofessional and multiagency care concerns to the ward manager, Matron or Deputy/Chief Nurse in a timely manner.
General and Safeguarding
NB: This job may involve the manual handling of heavy loads, for which training will be given. If there is any reason why you should not do this, it is your responsibility to inform your manager immediately.
GENERAL: To comply with regulations issued by the Trust, especially Health and Safety at work, and to ensure that any safety defects are brought to the attention of the appropriate manager. All staff should minimise the Trust's environmental impact by recycling, switching off unused equipment, and reporting faults promptly.
This job description reflects present requirements and objectives. Duties may be amended in consultation with the post holder.
You are required to disclose any additional work you undertake or plan to undertake for another employer.
Probation and Standards
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: This post is subject to a 6-month probation with a four-week notice period for both parties.
STANDARDS: Staff must comply with standards set by their Line Manager; breaches may lead to disciplinary action. Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and information governance are also addressed.
Qualifications, Experience, Skills, and Knowledge
Qualifications
* First level qualification
* RSCN/RNA
* Working towards NMC registration
Experience
* Experience within the hospital setting
* Critical care/acute area experience
* Knowledge of high quality care and safe environment for babies and families, including parent craft and teaching
Desirable Experience
* NICU placement
Skills
* Good written and oral communication skills
* Able to work under pressure to meet demands of heavy workload including organising and prioritising care delivery
* Ability to do mathematical calculations for fluid requirement and drug administration
Knowledge
* Awareness of the Children's Act and safeguarding
* Understanding of patient confidentiality principles
* Participation in continuing education and mandatory training
* Awareness of unit education and development, CPD
* Awareness of research and evidence-based practice (Desirable)
Disclosures and Sponsorship
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a DBS check.
Certificate of Sponsorship and UK Registration: Applications from sponsorship-requiring job seekers considered; applicants must have current UK professional registration for NHS roles.
Employer Details
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ
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