NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Practice and Research

1. Deliver and lead patient centred practice that reflects and promotes the beliefs and values of professional nursing practice and is in accordance with OUH Trust policies.
2. Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Participate in developing tools to improve the quality of the service in conjunction with the ward sister and directorate objectives
3. Ensure accurate documentation and reporting by all members of the nursing team regarding the care given to patients and changes in their condition
4. Implement early care planning for ward based patients, ensuring that all care plans are updated, relevant and reviewed routinely
5. Promote effective communication and liaison with other health care professionals with ongoing responsibility for patient care.
6. Identify and initiate early discharge planning in relation to family meetings and case conferences to ensure effective decision making with regards to appropriate discharge.
7. Attend the Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings to discuss and drive smooth functioning of the study within the department
8. Adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct and Scope of Professional Practice at all times.
9. Demonstrate a commitment to research and evidence based practice and clinical excellence and be instrumental in the introduction of research-based changes to improve patient centred care.
10. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of accountability, responsibility and duty of care.
11. Act as a clinical team leader and develop a team of nurses, providing support and clinical supervision.
12. Assist in developing and implementing training programmes and educational packages for all staff as directed by the Ward Sister
13. Conduct annual staff appraisals, giving constructive feedback, facilitating development of personal development plans and ensuring objectives are set in line with department profile, as directed by Ward Sister.
14. Provide support and guidance for mentors

Management and Organizational role

1. Promote effective interpersonal relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team thereby ensuring a good team spirit and collaborative and holistic working practices.
2. Deputise for the ward manager in his/her absence, demonstrating a sound problem solving approach to clinical and management issues, seeking advice from senior nurses as appropriate
3. Identify nursing/patient needs with the multi-disciplinary team, assisting colleagues and advising on patient care issues where appropriate.
4. Facilitate ward or Directorate projects, audits and quality initiatives in collaboration with senior staff.
5. Be proactive in undertaking specific responsibilities as delegated by the ward manager.
6. Ensure equipment, supplies, disposables and staffing resources are used appropriately by all staff.
7. Be diligent in identifying, reporting and acting upon untoward incidents, accidents, complaints and clinical emergencies, as detailed in ward and Trust protocols and procedures. Initiate investigation into such events in the absence of, or as delegated by, the Ward Sister.
8. Implement health and safety regulations that apply to staff and patients in the clinical area and monitor compliance with the procedures.
9. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of budgetary restrictions and their implications and act as a budget signatory.
10. Be involved with developing and implementing local departmental policies, educating and supporting junior staff in their implementation.
11. Facilitate the implementation of Trust policies, providing training and support for staff in their utilisation
12. Participate in local audits as directed by the ward sister and ensure data is effectively recorded on the Matrix
13. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of organizational and governmental policies and agendas, identifying implications for patient care, staff management and budgetary targets.
14. Ensure implementation of the organizational zero tolerance policy and support junior staff in relation to it.

Professional Development and Education

1. Continually update own nursing practice and knowledge in accordance with current research and evidence in nursing and specialist practice. Actively share experience, knowledge and skills with junior colleagues
2. Ensure their own, and their teams, compliance with Statutory-Mandatory training and appraisals are up to date
3. Promote and practice evidence based nursing care, implementing new ideas and changes for the benefit of patient care and staff development
4. Actively participate in the ward based competency programme for all staff and promote good practice through shared learning
5. Accept responsibility for own personal and professional growth and for maintaining a record of evidence of professional development experiences within a Personal Professional Portfolio.
6. Discuss personal and professional development needs during an annual appraisal with ward manager and develop, agree and document action points in a personal development plan.
7. Act as mentor to students and colleagues, planning and implementing orientation programmes, guiding practice, assessing competence, enabling and supporting their learning.
8. Represent the clinical area/directorate on working groups as appropriate and at relevant conferences at regional/national level as appropriate.