Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

To maintain awareness of, and comply with, the NMC Code of Professional Conduct/Scope of Professional Practice, trust Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.
To be aware of current research, to be actively involved if necessary, and apply it with changes in practice when appropriate.
Identify personal needs and career development of self via the Trust Development Review Process and the Knowledge and Skills Framework and to actively participate in the Endoscopy and Trust development opportunities, keeping up to date with nursing and Endoscopy issues, using this knowledge to further skills within role.
Promote good working relationships and collaborative working with the multidisciplinary team within the Endoscopy Unit and the rest of the Trust.

COMMUNICATION
Ensure all records and documentation are compiled and maintained accurately and in accordance with the NMC Standards for Record Keeping.
Participate in the promotion and maintenance of effective communication with the patient and their carer(s) 
Provide information which enables patients to make choices about adopting a healthier lifestyle
Develop communication skills in order to convey complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming any barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing or emotional events. This includes expanded role responsibilities, following appropriate training

PERSONAL AND PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
Under supervision gain experience and skills in Clinical practice, facilitation, teaching and management (as appropriate)
Educate patients and their carer as required where a need has been identified 
Participate in annual staff appraisal, staff development and in-service training activities in line with the Knowledge and Skills Framework 
Attend Trust/local orientation programmes, mandatory training sessions and annual updates
Be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness in accordance with CPD requirements and maintain a professional profile
Help maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and act as a facilitator in the supervision and teaching of nursing students and others to develop their competence
Develop own teaching skills and participate in staff/student education programmes that develop competence and performance
Assist in the training and development of Health Care assistants and complete assessors training as required
Act as a preceptor/facilitator/mentor for junior staff nurses and students

HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY
Develop an awareness of personal responsibility with regard to maintenance of a clean environment that is conducive to safe, therapeutic and ethical practice
Be accountable for and ensure own competence in practice, e.g. use of specialised equipment
Be aware of own personal/professional limitations and seek help of others to maintain safe practice.
Assist in promoting nursing practice and care delivery in line with relevant research and evidence base and with reference to trust policies and guidelines
Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and adhere to relevant incident reporting procedures
Assist with the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with local and Trust policy and legal requirements
Maintaining a safe and clean environment within the clinical area in accordance with the Trust Health and Safety, Clinical Risk and Infection Control policies.
To meet any legal and stated requirements, e.g. Health and Safety Legislation, COSHH Regulations, Manual Handling and control of drugs, Infection control.

SPECIALTY - Area specific job requirements
To ensure the provision of a high standard of nursing care to patients attending the Endoscopy Unit working within agreed policies and procedures.
To provide technical assistance during diagnostic and therapeutic Endoscopic procedures, ensuring safe working practice by following agreed guidelines. 
Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care, utilising research findings as appropriate.
To provide leadership for the Endoscopy team to ensure a high and safe standard of patient care providing supervision and support where appropriate.
Ensuring that nursing procedures are carried out in accordance with the Trust’s policy taking appropriate action in emergency situations.
Setting, monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of nursing care working alongside other members of the multidisciplinary team.
Maintaining personal contact with patients, relatives and carers, being sensitive to their needs for courtesy, dignity and privacy and ensuring a friendly environment at all times.
To work with minimal supervision in all areas within the speciality including all GI endoscopic procedures, ERCP’s, bronchoscopies, admission and recovery of patients and other related procedures.
To participate in the care and maintenance of endoscopes and other specialised equipment, ensuring an agreed standard of decontamination at all times including accurate records of traceability of all endoscopes and associated equipment.
    Maintain the accurate collection of data in relation to patient activity and stock control in order that statistics may be accurately compiled.
Demonstrate a personal duty of care in keeping yourself up to date in the use of new equipment and procedures in the relevant areas of care.     
               Ensure all equipment and instrumentation is maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s          guidelines and report immediately to senior staff any faults found.
Ensure the safe delivery and documentation of histopathology and other specimens to the    Laboratory.
Participation in safe disinfection of endoscopes and accessories to comply with BSG guidelines, COSHH, Infection Control and Trust Policies.
Participate in Emergency out of hours rota

ORGANISATIONAL
Co-ordinating the admission of outpatients and inpatients working alongside the Nurse in Charge.
Ensuring the safe discharge of all patients from the Endoscopy unit, including transfer to wards, theatres, other hospitals and discharge home.
Communicating and co-operating with other wards and departments providing accurate information as required on Endoscopy bookings, preparation and medications as appropriate, and particularly the notification of incidents and accidents to staff, patients and visitors.
Representing the ward /department at meetings, participating in audit, research, and projects and being willing to take on the role of a Link Nurse for areas of clinical expertise.
Assist in the effective and efficient running of Endoscopy lists including the prioritisation and booking of inpatient requests for Endoscopy, collating accurate information about patients and notifying the senior nurse, Endoscopy Administrator and relevant Medical teams of list changes and patient progress.
Maintaining and monitoring levels of stock and ensuring there are adequate supplies and that resources are used effectively.
Report any complaints, accidents, untoward incidents or unusual occurrences to the Head of Nursing and ensure that, where possible, remedial action is taken to prevent the occurrence/reoccurrence of such incidents, to complete and incident form where appropriate.
Participate with the shared responsibility to achieve financial savings by continually examining department procedures and products used.
Report staff sickness/absence to the Unit Sister, and prompt action to cover shortfalls if necessary.
To assist with the responsibility of providing cover for the Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse during periods of absence.      
Attend and participate in unit meetings regularly.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
Assist the Manager and Senior Practitioners in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets, including CNST, CHI and Controls Assurance, COSHH and BSG Guidelines.
Participate in the development and maintenance of evidence- based quality standards/policies and procedures which are regularly audited.
Act in accordance with Department and Trust wide policies at all times