Registered Nurse - Emergency Department - Band 5

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a full overview of the Job Description, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional document to this advert. 

Knowledge, Training Experience and Skills Required 

• Registered nurse with current NMC license to practice.  
• Evidence of continued professional development i.e. a professional portfolio and participation in appraisal and development review.  
• To have achieved a recognised teaching & assessing qualification.  
• Completion of training for additional clinical skills required in the ward/department i.e. IV drug administration/cannulation & venepuncture/male catheterisation/training to monitor and change syringes for epidural & PCA syringe drivers. ECG training.  
• Green card training for the use of pumps or machinery relevant to the ward or department.  
• Evidence of attendance at mandatory training appropriate to the role. 
• Competence in the use of computers and electronic communication systems or expectation to develop existing skills further as the needs of the service dictate. 
• Evidence of an ability to critically appraise and utilise research to maintain and improve patient care.  
• Sound knowledge of health promotion issues to ensure junior staff, patients and carers are provided with education, support and advice as required.  
• Evidence of experience and knowledge of the importance of resource management including protocols for staff utilisation, equipment and products for clinical care 

Main Duties and Responsibilities (In addition to the duties listed earlier in the advert):  

• Organise and participate in the delivery of high standards of evidence-based nursing care.  
• Take regular responsibility to carry out required planned, direct patient care to a high standard without direct supervision in accordance with established nursing procedures and policies. 
• To report to the appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team any significant changes in a patient’s condition or situation.  
• Responsible for taking charge of the ward/department on a regular basis in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility.  
• Take personal responsibility as a team leader for the delivery of care of patients in a defined area.  
• To contribute towards health promotion for all patients by providing education, support and advice, as necessary Ensure referral to appropriate professionals or agencies as required.  
• Ensure the safe ordering, administration and custody of patients’ medication according to Trust policies and procedures.  
• In the absence of senior staff be responsible for delegation and supervision of appropriate work to other qualified staff, health care assistants and students 
• Where relevant to be responsible for and assist in co-ordinating discharge planning in partnership with the multidisciplinary team 
• Where relevant, responsible for the admission, assessment and preparation of patients undergoing treatment or investigations.  
• Escort patients to other wards or departments as required.  
• To take personal responsibility for ensuring that patients are treated with courtesy at all times, the individual needs of patients are respected and confidentiality is maintained at all times.  
• Liase effectively with other disciplines or departments as appropriate.  
• To be able to act in emergency situations and to be familiar with emergency procedures including fire and resuscitation.  
• To be responsible for the support and direction of junior staff in such situations according to Trust policy.  
• To be responsible for ensuring provision of a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients, relatives, visitors and colleagues.  
• Ensure the readiness for use of special equipment and the availability of nursing supplies in conjunction with the senior ward nurses.  
• Ensure the safe custody of patients’ valuables and property according to Trust policies.  
• Report to nurse in charge/line manager all complaints, incidents or accidents involving self, staff, patients, visitors and complete relevant documentation according to Trust procedure.  
• Be responsible for reporting and documenting any broken or damaged equipment according to Trust policy.  
• To have detailed knowledge of Manual handling regulations particularly with regards to the moving and handling of patients.  
• To be responsible for ensuring that assessment of patients’ manual handling needs are carried out and ensure junior staff and students follow these requirements in the course of care delivery.  
• Ensure safe storage and disposal of substances hazardous to health in accordance with Trust policy. Ensure availability of facilities for disposal of sharps, toxic/cytoxic waste in accordance with trust policy.  
• In support of senior staff or ward manager assist with monitoring and report to ensure stock levels are maintained and that the correct quantities are in supply. 
• Monitor the use of supplies by junior staff to promote efficient use of all supplies.  
• To be aware of the directorate bleep holding function.  
• To have an awareness of the requirements for staffing the ward or department.  
• Undertake aspects of ward administration as agreed by the ward /department manage.  
• Report reliably any episodes of sickness for self or that are reported to you to the Registered nurse in charge to enable skill mix to be maintained. 

Working Conditions/Effort 

• Nursing staff may be required to work in any location owned, managed or attributed to the Trust sites depending on the demands of the service.  
• Workloads may be unpredictable on a day to day basis and variations in activity should be expected  
• Staff are required to walk or stand for the majority of the shift time.  
• Weekend and night working may be expected as part of the role, unless otherwise agreed with relevant managers.  
• Manual handling of loads and patients using the appropriate aids and assessments will be required on all shifts. 
• Pushing commodes, trolleys, beds and other furniture according to manual handling policies may be required on all shifts.  
• Contact with blood and bodily fluids on all shifts.  
• The staff nurse may be expected to deal with distressed, violent or aggressive (verbally or physically) patients and relatives on occasion.  
• The requirement to take responsibility for nursing acutely ill and vulnerable patients at times.  
• Due to the nature of the workload staff will be required to concentrate at a high level often during the shift in relation to carrying out instructions/documentation/communication. This will involve the use of computer screens for short periods of time.  
• The staff nurse will be required to be responsible for multiple tasks, delegation, other staff/carers and patients simultaneously frequently throughout a shift. 
• Staff maybe required to act quickly and immediately in the event of emergencies or other unexpected events within the ward area.