Staff Nurse- Cardio Thoracic Surgery

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

        Title: Band 5 Staff Nurse 

 Job summary:           

• The post holder will work under the guidance of the Sister/Charge nurse and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of nursing care and staff development, as part of the ward team.
• To assist in the continuing professional development and overall performance of learners and junior staff in the clinical area.
• The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care with the guidance and support of more senior staff.
• To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover according to experience for any area specified.
• The post holder will be accountable for their nursing practice, adhere to the policies and protocols of the Trust and the NMC. He/she will have a responsibility for their own personal and professional development.

            Main tasks & responsibilities: 

Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect

           Seeking advice/guidance as necessary:

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking

                    evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the   

          needs of the patients.

• 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 specialty.
• Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating

          assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways and discharge planning.

• Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift.

       Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.

• Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.
• 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.

• Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard

              Participate in conducting nursing audits to achieve the agreed standards.

• In conjunction with the staff team, contribute to developing and maintaining a ward/department ethos and provide a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care.
• To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs and the Trust Nursing strategy.
• To be aware of the Trust’s framework of clinical governance and patient safety walk rounds within the ward or department area, seeking advice or guidance where necessary.
• Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/departmental Sister/Charge nurse, Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.
• To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical, psychological and

    spiritual well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers, seeking guidance or advice where necessary.

• Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.
• Collaborating with other members of the ward team to ensure the patients needs are met to a consistently high standard.
• To delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to

patient care. (for example, when taking supervised charge or as a link nurse)

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

• To demonstrate politeness, courtesy, respect and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.
• Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Departments.
• To adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding e.g. language.
• Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust wide.
• To promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.
• To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.

People management

• Take active responsibility for own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.
• Participate in the Trust’s appraisal and personal development plan schemes by meeting with the team leader/appraiser and to include feedback from a selection of internal staff and team members.
• Participate in the programme for preceptorship and to be a support to new and junior staff as required.
• Maintain a personal and professional profile and maintain skill developments in line with the Scope of Professional Practice.
• To have an active Trust and email account and adhere to the Trusts Information Services and Information Governance Policies.
• 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 electronic databases

Resource management

• To work together with the ward team to ensure effective use and maintenance of resources and adequate stock levels.
• To actively engage with rostering in clinical ward or departments and adopt a flexible approach to personal rostering to ensure the needs of the service are met.

Service development

• To contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors.
• To participate in staff education and development, including utilising appropriate learning opportunities and to act as a resource for learners and the nursing team as/ when required.

Policy development

• Under the supervision of the ward / department Sister/Charge Nurse to work on delegated projects relating to local policy development.
• To be actively involved in the implementation of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level, reinforcing their use.