Job overview
The post holder is responsible for maintaining high standards of care within the ward and will regularly take charge of co-ordinating the ward in the absence of the ward manager; they will lead shifts and have designated responsibilities from the ward manager as part of their portfolio.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is expected to:
* Participate in the overall management of the ward including nights in conjunction with the Ward manager.
* Take the lead for education and training of ward staff
* In co-ordination with the Ward Manager promotes delivery of high quality research based nursing care
* Participate in the implementation and monitoring of programmes of care
* Responsible for promoting effective and efficient utilisation of available resources
* To facilitate an environment conductive to learning and professional development
* Ensure that Trust policies and directives are adhered to at Ward level
* Act in accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery Code of Conduct (NMC)
* Deputise for the Ward Manager as required.
Working for our organisation
* Act as a resource for other Unit personnel, providing advice, nursing expertise and specialist knowledge as required
* Be responsible for maintaining his/her own professional status and ensuring that the NMC’s requirements for registration are adhered to
* Participate in the Trust delivery of Essence of Care, Saving Lives Program and ‘High Quality for all,’ (Lord Darzi, June 2008)
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• Ensure effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
• In accordance with the NHS and Community Care Act (1990), ensure that discharge planning for all patients is commenced on admission and involves all members of the Multidisciplinary Team.
• Take the lead and compile duty rotas for nursing staff with attention to efficient and effective skill mix.
• Be responsible for co-ordinating holiday leave, study leave and training.
• Be involved in the investigation of complaints from patients, relatives, other staff and members of the public in accordance with Trust policy.
• Ensure the correct handling, storage, maintenance and utilisation of drugs, equipment and supplies.
• As a senior nurse on the unit advise staff in the absence of the Ward Manager.
• Be responsible for ensuring that standards in the clinical area are in keeping with the NMC Code of Conduct.
• Participate in departmental and professional group meetings as required, and lead on other groups as directed by the Ward Manager.
• Act as a resource for other Unit personnel, providing advice, nursing expertise and specialist knowledge as required.
• Be responsible for maintaining his/her own professional status and ensuring that the NMC’s requirements for registration are adhered to.
• Participate in the Trust delivery of Essence of Care, Saving Lives Program and ‘High Quality for all,’ (Lord Darzi, June 2008)
• Participate with the recruitment and selection of staff in liaison with the Ward Manager.
• Assist the Ward Manager in formulating a programme of appraisal for ward staff with provision of individualised training and development plans.
• Take the lead in education and training of pre and post registered students including preceptorship of newly qualified staff, cadets and Health Care Assistants undertaking NVQ training.
• Participate in the management provision of leadership experience and expertise on the ward.
• Be responsible for pursuing his/her own professional development.
• Assist with the development and up-dating of patient education and health promotion programmes for patients/relatives/carers.
• Assist to provide a good learning environment for both pre and post registration nurses, NVQ candidates and other learners.
• Actively encourage continuous development of nurses, providing suitable learning opportunities on the ward.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
* Able to demonstrate leadership qualities
* Effective communication skills both written and verbal
* Mentorship experience, sign off mentor
* Promotes effective teamwork with own team and otehr members of MDT
* Able to facilitate a cohesive team spirit and good team working
* Able to deal competently with conflict and complaints
* promotes quality in the clinical setting
* Has a positive attitude
* Reacts well to constructive feedback
* Highly motivated and can motivate others
* Ability to perform well under pressure
* Keen to embrace new concepts
Desirable criteria
* Good knowledge of IT and integrated systems
* Flexible approach to shift patterns
* Experience of recent employment in a pre registration student nurse area
* Ability to articulate instructions to others effectively
* Ability to inspire others
* Positive role model