NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical/Professional & Managerial Responsibilities:

1. Practice nursing and the delivery of patient care in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust/Unit Policies and procedures.
2. Be responsible and accountable for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care needs for patients in the emergency department, ensuring safe practice and maintaining high standards of care.
3. Establish and maintain effective communication links with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, patients and carers.
4. Maintain up to date, comprehensive and accurate records of clinical care, the patients’ condition and other relevant information.
5. With the sister/charge nurse and their deputies ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies and procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection.
6. To have an understanding of the Safeguarding policies and procedures and have an understanding and recognition of those at risk.
7. Support the implementation of quality assurance initiatives which will improve patient care and the patients’ environment.
8. Work, effectively and efficiently as part of the Paediatric ED Team, based on internal rotation, and in accordance with the hospital and departments nursing philosophy.
9. Be conversant with current emergency resuscitation techniques, major incident and fire regulations and procedures both in theory and practice.
10. Ensure safe storage and administration of medicines in accordance with the trust policy and practice.
11. Understand the need for effective ward budgetary control and be aware of the current cost of medical supplies and equipment.
12. Be proficient in the use of information technology utilised within the department.
13. To undertake link nurse responsibilities as required.

Education & Development:

1. Participate in maintaining a suitable learning environment in the department.
2. Act as support for junior staff and students.
3. Use available opportunities to maintain and extend professional knowledge and expertise keeping up to date with current nursing practice, including competencies required that are specific to the emergency department.
4. Participate in the programme of standard setting and audit.
5. Maintain good communication internal education with support staff and tutors from local higher and further education providers.
6. Maintain own professional development.
7. Participate in change programmes in area of work.
8. Maintain at all times a professional attitude, including appropriate appearance in accordance with the trust uniform and dress code policies.

Clinical Governance:

1. In conjunction with the sister/charge nurse and practice development team, participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking.
2. Support and supervise junior staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being.
3. Assist the Clinical Practice Educator/sister/charge nurse and their deputies in the orientation and induction of new staff.
4. Understand and be aware of when and how to report untoward incidents, accidents, concerns or near misses and how to deal effectively with patients’ or relatives’ complaints.

Health, Safety & Security:

• Work with team members to ensure maintenance of a clean and safe environment that is conducive to therapeutic and ethical practice
• Be accountable for and ensure own competence in practice
• Promote 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, take action as required and adhere to relevant incident reporting procedures
• Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with local and Trust policy and legal requirements
• Handle and dispose of all body fluids in accordance with universal precautions

Provision of Care to Meet Health and Wellbeing Needs:

• Act as an advocate for the patient and their families, providing them with information and directing them to the relevant support services where appropriate
• Respect people’s dignity, wishes and beliefs; involve them in shared decision-making and obtain their consent before undertaking nursing procedures
• Ensure that treatments prescribed by the medical staff are carried out, and that multidisciplinary team members are informed of changes in the patient’s condition
• Ensure safe and timely transfer of patients in accordance with ASPH policy

Ensure safe discharge of patients in accordance with ASPH Discharge Policy