Overview of Responsibilities: Clinical/ManagerialTo provide high quality care to the patients attending the Orthopaedic ward in relevant areas of practice and manage areas of practice in the absence of Senior staff. Support the Ward Manager and deputies in leading and supervising a safe, high standard of nursing practice and the delivery of evidenced based patient care in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trusts Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures. To work with the ward leads in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that said practices are in accordance with departmental and hospital policy. Determine nursing care priorities, planning the delivery of patient care and considering the skill mix of staff.
To monitor the patients clinical observations and records, making decisions and planning in areas affecting patient care; reports promptly to medical or appropriate staff any matters which fall outside his/her/their responsibility. Monitor clerical and legal documents completed by junior staff, ensuring they are accurate. Establish an effective communication system with patients, their carers, and all staff working in the multidisciplinary team. Assist with any appropriate evaluation projects and in the assessment of new equipment and technology.
With the Ward Manager and deputies to ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection. To autonomously, within local and Trust guidelines and standards manage a caseload of patients with acute settings, undertaking appropriate assessment and action. To maintain awareness of, and comply with, the NMC Code of Professional Conduct/Scope of Professional Practice, trust Policies, Procedures and Guidelines. Receiving and analysing highly complex and highly sensitive information where there may be barriers to understanding due to age, language or inappropriate health beliefs.
To use developed persuasive, motivational and empathetic skills to teach patients and their carers following an orthopaedic surgical procedure. To be able to provide information regarding the patients history and medication and social setting in making appropriate referrals to members of the multidisciplinary team or other medical and surgical specialties. To accurately document the examination findings and any changes in the patients condition or management, using the departmental investigation monitoring system and hospital records working within your Professional council guidelines. To be aware of the boundaries of own scope of practice and to always manage the associated clinical risk effectively.
To be aware of health and safety aspects of the role and implement any policies that may be required to improve the safety of the work area, including prompt recording and reporting of accidents or incidents using the Trust reporting systems, and ensuring that equipment use is safe Organisational In conjunction with the Ward Manager and deputies is responsible for effective organisation of the ward/department. Be aware of and adhere to the Registered Nurses Responsibilities as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care. Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with established procedure and the law. Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that junior member of staff, NAs, HCAs as well as student nurses are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order.
Understand the implications of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff according to the hospitals Health and Safety Policy. To comply with the departmental and organisational policies and participate in implementing such policies within the Orthopaedic Ward setting. To assist with the development of the service, proposing changes to practice and attend at regular team meeting. To assist with the development, implementation and use of IT to improve the efficiency and accuracy of systems within the department.
To be aware of the Trusts health and safety procedures, COSHH and fire regulations, and to take appropriate action in the event of an incident or accident. To undertake and up to date with statutory Mandatory training requirements in health and safety; fire; basic life support; moving and handling; infection control and all the others as stipulated by the trust. To always comply with the Trusts policies and procedures