NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

TRAINING AND EDUCATION
1. To take a lead in an agreed area of neonatal care and facilitate this in the service
development.
2. To act as a resource and supervisor to all staff working within the area.
3. To act as a mentor/preceptor/supervisor to students and other learners.
4. To promote an environment that is conducive to quality learning and assessment.
5. Maintain own continuing professional development needs in education, research, clinic
and leadership skills.
6. Develop and maintain competence in the additional skills related to the needs of the children, particularly those with differing needs.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To be professionally accountable and to recognise own limitations of work and practice
within the NMC Code of Conduct.
2. To be responsible for the assessment and planning, implementation and evaluation of
care, in negotiation with the family adapting to the individual needs of the infant.
3. To attend labour ward and competently assist in the resuscitation and stabilisation of a newborn.

4. To act as an advocate for the child and their family ensuring the provision of appropriate information and support services.
5. To take responsibility for a defined group of patients.
6. To guide, advise, and direct other staff in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient/client care.
7. To lead a team of staff in emergency and other acute situations, ensuring that the patient’s/client’s needs are met and that significant others are supported.
8. To utilise information and data from a range of sources to identify patient problems and guide decision-making processes. Within field of expertise and organisational policy, request specific clinical tests to establish a diagnosis.
9. To promote service user involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of care,
respecting their wishes, beliefs and dignity.
10. To promote an open and trusting relationship by communicating effectively with service
users, members of the multidisciplinary team and other agencies involved in the care of
the patient/client.
11. To contribute to the continuing development of the Neonatal Unit.
12. Participate in the internal rotation of day and night shifts within the unit.

LEADERSHIP/MANAGERIAL
1. To contribute to the recruitment and retention of team members.
2. To coordinate a team of staff, ensuring that clear systems of communication are
developed within the team and any work-related issues raised by the team are
addressed.
3. To ensure the implantation of the organisation’s objectives, policies and procedures and
the implications for their practice.
4. To assist in the development and review of policies, guidelines, protocols and
procedures.
5. To undertake the professional development review process with identified team
members.
6. Support staff with performance issues developing action plans to address
developmental needs.
7. To act as a professional role model for junior staff, promoting high standards of practice
and strong professional values.
8. To assist with shift planning for the practice area including the efficient use of Bank & Agency Staff.

9. Promote the safety of the ward and the risk management process, by participating in
clinical audit, clinical risk and quality issues and incident reporting.
10. To attend and participate in Band 6 meetings
11. Maintain a safe environment by ensuring that equipment is checked, clinical areas prepared for patients, faulty equipment is reported and withdrawn from service until
repaired and that staff perform in a professional manner at all times.
COMMUNICATION
1. To communicate effectively with patient/clients and their significant others, taking into
account their cultural background and cognitive functioning.
2. To communicate clearly with all members of the multidisciplinary team, demonstrating
sensitivity to cultural and language differences.
3. To promote open and trusting relationships by communicating effectively with service users, members of the multidisciplinary team and other agencies involved in the care of
the child/young person.
4. To manage conflict between individuals, including staff, patients/clients and their
significant others.
5. To ensure written communication complies with organisational and professional
standards.
AUDIT/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/RESEARCH ACTIVITY
1. In conjunction with the Governance and Assurance audit team, initiate and undertake clinical audits to monitor and maintain standards or practice and present findings through presentations.
2. To utilise the critical incident reporting system to document actual or potential risks impacting on the quality of patient care.

3. To actively promote evidence based practice in own and the practice of other members
of staff involved in the care of the patient/client.
4. With training, access organisational electronic information systems relevant to the role.