NursingNetUK

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Main tasks & responsibilities: 

Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect)

− To provide sound clinical leadership and develop support mechanisms 
for sharing good practice within the Ward/Department and Hospital wide. 
− With the Ward Managers, Matrons, clinical services manager and fellow 
clinical practice educators, monitor the quality of nursing care and action audit information to achieve agreed standards and take the lead on customer care initiatives.
− Maintain study leave records and particularly monitor mandatory training such as Manual Handling, Basic Life Support, and Fire Training.
− Work clinically with staff according to their needs in the cardiothoracic services unit.
− Co-ordinate induction and orientation programmes with the Ward Managers.
− Takes the lead in ensuring the provision of care is in accordance with the Trust’s Polices & procedures.
− In conjunction with the staff team, to lead in developing, implementing, evaluating and maintaining a Ward/Departmental ethos and a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care. 
− To act as patient advocate in line with the NHS plan and to actively apply in depth knowledge of holistic/socio-economic and cultural aspects of the care to clients within your specific speciality, acting as a role model and resource for patients, relatives and staff.
− Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence-based practice which will support clinical outcomes as appropriate.
− Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records) and implement nursing audit of records to measure and evaluate care planning.
− To be aware of and champion current trends and developments in nursing and in the NHS and be responsible for taking the lead in the continuing professional development of ward/departmental staff and self.
− To lead on the implementation of the Trust’s framework for Clinical Governance within the Cardiothoracic Services Unit.
− In conjunction with the staff and the ward managers develop a mechanism for  setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the Ward/Department.
− Have continuing responsibility for the provision of a suitable, clean, uncluttered and safe environment for the physical and psychological well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives. Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is taken under the supervision of the Matrons, in accordance with the Trust Risk Management policy. 
− In the absence of the ward sister/charge nurse and when required to do so, take overall responsibility for the clinical area utilising resources effectively and to ensure that safe staffing levels are maintained for their shifts. 
− Work in partnership with support staff to ensure that care, treatment and service needs are met, ensuring a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care. 
− To investigate complaints, accident reports and untoward incidents within the ward/ department in line with Trust Policies and procedures and in conjunction with the Matrons; and implement recommendations for action.
− To take the lead in ensuring compliance to Trust policies and procedures amongst the multi-disciplinary team.
− Provide information and support to relatives/carers as appropriate, following consultation with members of the multi-disciplinary team. Leading in assessment, re-assessment and discharge pathways for patients. 
− To take a lead role in promoting a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff, in line with national strategy requirements. 
− Ensure infection control policies are adhered to by yourself and those with whom you work and address areas for action/improvement as necessary in conjunction with the ward managers and matrons.

 Communication

− Delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members ensuring that staff have the appropriate support to take on projects. Ensure that all outcomes are evaluated.
− Maintain and promote effective communication with ward teams and all members of the multi-disciplinary team and other Wards/ Departments, including formal presentation of information relating to the ward/ Department
− Promote the corporate image of the Trust to all individuals, groups and organisations both within the Trust and to the community at large.

People management

− In conjunction with the ward managers, provide effective orientation of staff, including welcome to the department and early objective setting and follow-up. 
- In the absence of the ward sisters/charge nurse ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix are in place to reflect the workload and meet the needs of the patient.
- In conjunction with the ward sisters/charge nurse investigate and manage staff issues that relate to sickness and absence, poor performance, harassment, disciplinary and grievance issues using the relevant Trust policies and in liaison with your Directorate management 
team, implement recommendations for action
− To actively support the implementing of flexible working practice, in line with Improving Working Lives Standards and Trust Change Management Policy. 
− Participate in the Trusts appraisal and personal development plan schemes by meeting with the manager at least annually and to undertake appraisals on a delegated group of staff and to ensure the implementation of personal development plans for individuals. 
− To ensure that a suitable learning environment is maintained for all grades of staff and implement ward teaching programmes.
− To take the lead on planning, implementing and evaluating a programme for clinical supervision for all registered nurses, as required, working in the Cardiothoracic Services Unit in line with Trust guidance.

Service development

− To set annual Ward/Departmental objectives with the Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses and/or Directorate Senior Nurses ensuring that all staff are aware of them and their implementation.
− In conjunction with the Directorate Management participate in the Trust Business Planning cycle, identifying areas of service development.
− To involve staff in the developments and business of the Trust. Actively encourage and promote, supporting where possible within the constraints of service delivery, staff membership of Trust wide initiatives/committees, professional organisations/forums and/or relevant Trade Unions.

Resource management

− To assist with the recruitment, retention and selection of staff within the budgeted establishment.
− To manage the efficient and effective use of supplies, provisions and equipment of the cardiothoracic services unit within the designated budget. 
− In conjunction with the Directorate Management team identify, analyse and discuss cost pressure and financial constraints in a timely manner. 
− To act as a role model to others by adopting a flexible approach to personal rostering. 

Policy development

− Plan and lead projects relating to local policy development.
− To be actively involved in the development of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level, lead the implementation and reinforce their use.
− To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff appreciating national strategy requirements.

Please see the job description for the full range of duties