Band 6 HDU Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse Harefield Hospital

Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl

Main tasks & responsibilities:

Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect)

• To lead the provision of care in accordance with the Trust Policies reflecting current trends and developments in nursing and the NHS.

• In conjunction with the staff team, to assist in developing and maintaining of the Ward/Department ethos and to the delivery of a standard approach to excellent nursing care.

• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meet the needs of the patient. 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.

• Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways. Planning for care pathways for discharge.

• To act as patient advocate in line with the NHS plan and to actively apply knowledge of holistic/socio-economic and cultural aspects of the care to clients within your specific speciality.

• Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care.   Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the Ward/Department.

• To comply with and participate in the Trust’s framework for Clinical Governance within the Ward or Department area, incorporating the trust core behaviours and the 6C’s and to work with the trust nursing strategy.

• To regularly take charge of the clinical area, utilising resources effectively and to ensure that safe staffing levels are maintained for their shifts. 

• In conjunction with the Ward / Department Manager provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical and psychological well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers.  

• Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is implemented in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.

• Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with the Trust policies and lead in any investigations where required to do so by the sister/charge nurse.

• Take charge of the clinical area in the absence of the sister/charge nurse.

• In the absence or as delegated by the sister/charge nurse initiate investigations of untoward incidents, accidents, complaints and other relevant information.

• Monitor the quality of nursing care and action audit information to achieve agreed standards under the direction of the Ward / Department Manager.

• Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records)

• Ensure through good practice that customer care initiatives are improved and sustained. Act as a resource for advice to patients, relatives/carers and staff.

• To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients & staff in line with national strategy requirements.

Communication

• Provide support mechanisms for sharing good practice within the Ward/Department and Trust wide.   Assist in the programme and provide preceptorship and supervision as required, for all registered nurses working in the Ward / Department.

• Delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members and evaluate outcomes in conjunction with the Ward / Department Manager.

• Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and other Wards / Departments, including developing your formal presentation skills.

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

• Promote the corporate image of the Trust to all individuals, groups and organisations both within the Trust and to the community at large.

• Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues, including support staff to promote a cohesive ward team and the achievement of team objectives

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

• To ensure self development through own completion of Trust and specialist competencies as per the Trust educational policies, update through reading and contributing to update policies, procedures, guidelines and seeking advancement of clinical and knowledge.

Policy development

• Lead on delegated projects relating to local policy development.

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

People management

• Assist in the management of staff attendance, poor performance, disciplinary and grievance issues in the clinical area.

• The post holder will work alongside the Senior Sister, Modern Matron and Management team to provide a high standard of clinical leadership to staff within the trust. You will ensure that all staff provide high quality services, patient centred care maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.

• To work closely with the Practice Educator and/or Facilitator to educate staff and undertake both formal and informal staff training as required.

• Actively manage own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure and as delegated help others to do the same.

• Assist in the recruitment, retention and selection of staff.

• Participate in the Trust Appraisal and Personal Development Plan schemes by: meeting with the manager at least annually which includes feedback from a selection of internal staff and team members; and also undertaking staff appraisals.

• Actively deputise for the Ward Manager i.e. at meetings, workshops, visits etc. 

Service development

• To participate in staff education and development, including orientation and supervision and act as a resource for learners and the nursing team and the multi-professional teams.

• Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, using the Trust’s Performance Review System, enabling standards of patient care to be constantly monitored and improved.

• To participate in the business planning process, helping to identify areas for service development.

• Design and undertake audit and implement research and quality audit cycles specific to the area.

Resource management 

• Assist the ward / department manager in the effective and efficient use of resources by adhering to the procedures for the use of supplies. Ensure appropriate activation of Bank and Agency staff when permanent staff are unavailable. Have an awareness of budget management and budget setting. 

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix are scheduled to reflect the workload and meet the needs of the patient.

• To be a role model to other staff in adopting a flexible approach to personal duty rostering to ensure the needs of the service are met.

Information management

• Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support ensuring CQUIN targets are met.

• Arranges for the collection and analysis of audit and research data as required.

• To have an active and intranet and email account and adhere to the Trust’s Information Service and Information Governance Policies.

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

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

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

• Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place and under development.   

• Following Trust/local guidelines to access results from the PAS system.

Further sections

• To ensure all team members have a voice in the development of the (insert name) service to patients/customers.

• To maximise the potential of all team members.

• To ensure in conjunction with the ward/departmental managers that identified members have a meaningful appraisal/personal development plan that includes feedback to the individual from a selection of internal customers and team members.

• To provide a safe and attractive working environment for team members within available resources.

• To attend and play a major role in corporate groups as a representative of the directorate and team.

• To represent the clinical area on working groups as appropriate and at relevant conferences at regional and national level and on working groups as appropriate.