Paediatric Staff Nurse - PDAU/Childrens Outpatients

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1.1. Professional / Clinical responsibilities

1.2. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient care and make changes as necessary.

1.3. Identifies deteriorating patients and takes appropriate action.

1.4. Ensures documentation is accurate and up to date, utilising the electronic health record.

1.5. Demonstrates an enquiring approach to patient care.

1.6. Develop skills in accordance with the expanded role relevant to the post holder’s clinical area such as cannulation and phlebotomy and patient health promotion/education.

1.7. Educates patients and relatives about how to adopt healthy lifestyles, and look after their own health and wellbeing.

1.8. Identifies and helps patients, relatives and staff to reduce any risks associated with health and wellbeing.

1.9. Ensures patients’ views are taken into account in the decision making process.

1.10. Participates in collaborative decision making within the inter-disciplinary team.

1.11. Participates in meeting the health education and promotes the needs of patients and carers.

1.12. Communication is a fundamental process to ensure continuity and high standards of care. It includes sharing ideas, information and feedback in order to empower patients and members of the interdisciplinary team.

1.13. Skilled in communicating with a range of people on a daily basis some of who may have communication barriers.

1.14. A key responsibility will be to utilise a variety of strategies to communicate effectively with patients and those involved in their care.

1.15. The post holder must also communicate with other staff within the Trust, with external organisations and with the general public.

1.16. Keeps accurate and complete records of activities and communications consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.

1.17. The post holder must at all times work in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct (2015).

2. Management and Leadership

2.1. Co-ordinates the activities of the unit on a day to day basis.

2.2. To support members of the ward team to ensure that all patients receive appropriate care.

2.3. To 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.

2.4. To ensure quality care is given, by being familiar with agreed ward and Trust standards of care and to inform senior nursing staff, if the required standard couldn’t be reached.

2.5. To assist in ensuring that allocated resources are managed effectively and efficiently. This includes effective utilisation of time and equipment.

2.6. Participates in team meetings so fair and equal opportunities are given to share knowledge and ideas with colleagues.

2.7. Develops knowledge, understanding and application of their personal leadership skills.

2.8. Provides feedback to other workers on their communication at appropriate times.

2.9. To be responsible for disseminating Trust policies and information as required.

2.10. Take account of own behaviour and its effect on others.

2.11.  To assist in ensuring the safety of the ward, actively participating in clinical audit, clinical risk and quality issues, including reporting of critical incidents.

3.Financial responsibilities

3.1. Uses and maintains resources efficiently and effectively and encourages others to do so.

4. Information management

4.1. Demonstrates an understanding of research and development and how this influences nursing practice.

4.2. Input patient data in the correct form and manner whether this be primary or secondary information onto the supporting computer system.

4.3. Analyze and report information provided through appropriate clinical equipment and act upon this gathered information (e.g. blood pressure monitoring).

4.4. Maintain the integrity of information using agreed methods and procedures.

4.5. Reports the data/ information clearly in the required format and at the time agreed.

4.6. The post holder is expected to develop their IT skills to a satisfactory standard suitable with the Staff Nurse role.

5.Education & Professional Development

5.1. Develops an awareness of clinical supervision/action learning.

5.2. Improves clinical practice through reflection with self or others.

5.3. With the support of sister/charge nurse through the Trust’s appraisal process and development of personal development plan identifies their educational and professional needs.

5.4. Influence the development of knowledge, ideas and work practice.

5.5. Demonstrate a professional approach to work, and act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.

5.6.  To actively assist in the education and practical training of learners and junior staff at every opportunity.

5.7.  To have knowledge of and adhere to ward and Trust policy and professional standards. To assist in ensuring that team members do likewise.

5.8. To maintain confidentiality surrounding the child’s admission and treatment at all times.

5.9.  To ensure documentation is complete and up to date, in line with NMC and Trust guidelines.

5.10.  To work in co-operation with both Middlesex and City University in order to provide uniformity and promotion of professional standards.

5.11.  To participate in informal bedside teaching.

5.12.  To supervise and orientate learners and new staff, when requested.