NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities / Leadership skills

Demonstrate clear leadership skills and act as an effective ‘role model’, a resource and facilitator in all aspects of management

To attend and take part in ward/unit meetings to assist the matron in providing a well-managed unit

To provide education relating to the Critically Ill respiratory patients

Organise educational study sessions relative to the staff learning requirements

Work flexibly with the respiratory ward and RSU  

To manage all ward resources and maintain clinical, organisational and environmental standards

To be responsible for the management of the RSU in the absence of the Matron

To be responsible for ensuring standards of care are maintained, contribute to the setting and auditing of standards of care

To be knowledgeable about the Trust and Directorate policies and ensure they are implemented

Promote and maintain good communication and working relationships within the multi-disciplinary team

Maintain accurate written nursing records and provide statements in the event of accident or untoward incident

Respond rapidly to complaints (verbal and written) proactively and positively in order to improve clinical practice ensuring that feedback and mechanisms are used to continuously improve the patient experience.

To participate in the revalidation process by acting as a confirmer

Ensure that mandatory and statutory training programmes are attended by all staff and ensure records of such are regularly monitored

To act at all times in accordance with The NMC Code

To provide clinical support to all staff, acting as a mentor and assessor

Work effectively as part of the nursing team, supporting senior staff and facilitating juniors

Work with the multi-disciplinary team to influence, initiate and implement standards of care

To be responsible for the teaching, supervision, assessment of students and junior staff or new staff across both RSU and acute respiratory  

To act as a role model

To be responsible for developing clinical skills and knowledge through on going education and lifelong learning, ensuring that nursing practice is up-to-date and evidence based and within the scope of practice

Continually maintain revalidation requirements and up-to-date nursing knowledge through study and appropriate training, identify own learning needs to maintain professional standards

To be aware of and contribute towards audit, and understand the need for research based evidence in this area of nursing

Identify and have a Personal Development Plan that addresses the requirements of the post

To ensure alongside the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse that each member of staff have a Personal Development Plan, and provide the opportunities for further development and a framework for Individual Performance Review

Organise and deliver the education/training sessions in the department to achieve an environment that provides and fosters effective learning and growth for trained, untrained staff and nursing students

Encourage and facilitate all members of staff to act as mentors or preceptors with appropriate training

To be conversant with the Education Strategy of the College of Nursing and the curriculum of Degree Courses for nursing students

Facilitate and help with the orientation and induction of new staff members and act as a mentor or preceptor as appropriate, having attended Mentorship Training Study Days

To be involved with the Trust Senior Sister Development group to ensure good practice is shared across the trust

Empathise, support and show sensitivity to the needs of distressed patients and relatives

Recognise both the physical and psychological needs of critically sick patients, delivering a humane and holistic standard of nursing care

To promote a therapeutic environment for patients

To work with the multi-disciplinary team to develop and implement projects for the benefit of the patients

He/or she will act in a courteous open professional and helpful manner in matters concerning patients, relatives and colleagues

To be responsible for the assessment, planning, initiation, implementation and evaluation of individualised programmes of holistic care for the critically ill patient

To provide an effective specialised resource (practical and theoretical) within the RSU and the wider hospital setting to ensure resources are efficiently and effectively used

To exercise leadership in unit meetings, co-ordinating and managing the nursing team as required

To be involved with the Trust Senior Sister Development group to ensure good practice is shared across the trust

Empathise, support and show sensitivity to the needs of distressed patients and relatives