NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect)

 Seeking advice/guidance as necessary, the nursing associate will:

Assist the registered nurse with the ongoing assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of  care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the needs of the patients.

A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the appropriate level of physiological, pathological, spiritual, socio-economical and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific speciality.

• Support individuals with all aspects of care including daily living, providing person-centered care and promoting health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as appropriate.
• Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift and demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse or other registered care professionals as appropriate.
• Contribute to setting goals and bench marking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the ward/department.
• Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centered care for an allocated group of individuals.
• Collaborating with other members of the ward team to ensure the patients’ needs are met to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.
• Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.
• Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard and national guidance.  (Including electronic records)  
• Participate in conducting nursing audit to achieve the agreed standards.
• Contribute to and participate in the process of setting goals and bench-marking standards ensuring CQUIN targets are met.
• In conjunction with the staff team contribute to developing and maintaining a ward/department ethos and provide a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care.
• To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs and the Trust Nursing strategy.
• To be aware of the Trust’s framework of clinical governance and patient safety walk rounds within the ward or department area, seeking advice or guidance where necessary.
• Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/departmental Sister/Charge nurse, Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.
• To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of staff, patients/clients, and their relatives/carers, seeking guidance or advice where necessary.
• Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients, and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.
• To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff.

Communication

To demonstrate politeness, courtesy respect, and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues.

Maintain a professional appearance in line with the dress code.Uphold the Trust’s values and behaviour and behave in a manner fitting with the responsible position of the post holder.

Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Departments.

To adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding e.g., language.

Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust wide.

To always promote a positive image of the Trust.

To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are always provided.

People management

 Take active responsibility for own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.

Participate in the Trust’s appraisal and personal development plan schemes by meeting with the team leader/appraiser, regularly.

Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions, and reflecting on answers given.

Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff.

To be a support to new and junior staff as required.

Information management

Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required.

 Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care.

To have an active Trust and email account and adhere to the Trusts           Information Services and Information Governance Policies.

Use the Trust internet to enhance care and for professional development.

Undertake relevant training for electronic systems.

Following Trust/local guidelines to access results from the electronic databases.

Resource management

 To work together with the ward team to ensure effective use and maintenance of resources and adequate stock levels.

To actively engage with rostering in the department and adopt a flexible approach to personal rostering to ensure the needs of the service are met.

Service development

 To contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients, and visitors.

To participate in staff education and development, including utilising appropriate learning opportunities and to act as a resource for learners and the nursing team as/when required.

Policy development

Under the supervision of the ward/department Sister/Charge Nurse to work on delegated projects relating to local policy development.

To contribute to departmental and implement Trust wide/departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines. Or partake in feedback (depends on grade and role).

To be actively involved in the implementation of Trust policies and procedures at ward/department level, reinforcing their use.

Further sections

Administer medicines safety and in a timely manner; (NB nursing associates will only administer medicines, if suitably trained and competent, in settings where it is deemed appropriate and where this is guided by organisational medicines management policies)

 To ensure all team members have a real voice in the development of the clinical service to patients/customers.

To ensure a safe and attractive working environment within available resources.

 Other duties

This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive.  It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the post holder.

To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested.