Ward Manager

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Supporting Clinical Excellence

Participates as an active member of the nursing team, accountable for your practice and role modelling the highest standards of care to all members of the team

Communicates proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate clinic nursing records are maintained by all staff

Leads the team in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients in accordance with Trust and directorate pathway

Actively involves others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders to ensure excellent communication.

Has in-depth knowledge of infection control policies, with practical experience and principles in relation to the clinical environment, patient care, the prevention of cross infection, good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning within the department

Contributes to and oversees the safe and effective management of the patient pathway

Leadership

Lead by example with drive and enthusiasm, responding appropriately to the needs of patients, families and carers

Responsible for the management and leadership of the ward; maintaining an appropriate management style that maintains good morale/ team approach to work and a culture which fosters innovation and change

Sets high standards of nursing care for the department, including cleanliness, and infection prevention and ensures this is maintained so that the patients experience is excellent

Represents the team and organisation at professional meetings and feeds back information appropriately. Ensures there is a method of communication that reaches all staff within the team considering different working patterns

With due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures. Uses local data to ensure the environment is safe for patients, relatives, carers’ and staff

To be a visible, accessible and assertive figure to whom staff, patients and relatives can turn for assistance and guidance

To be a pivotal team member, drawing together the multi-disciplinary team towards their shared goal of excellence in patient care

Influence people and events through successful communication, negotiation and persuasion skills

Develop and use local and national networks to identify and introduce to the directorate best practice in the management and care of patients

Constructively challenge practices as necessary, which impact on patients care and or staff wellbeing

To be clinically base

Work in partnership with the Senior Nursing Team and other Sisters/Charge Nurses and Specialist Nurses to ensure the nursing strategy objectives are achieved.

Supporting Patient Excellence

To maintain a visible presence and act as a contact point for patients, relatives and staff to address concerns and complaints

To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users to the trust

To act as a positive role model to the team

Proactively seeks patients', carers' and families' feedback on the service provided by the team

To reinforce the culture that patients’, relatives and carers participate and understand treatment plans

To monitor department activity escalating any concerns to the Matron/ Directorate Manager /Divisional Associate Director of Nursing

Consider new ways of working, which enhance and improve patient care

Adopt an open learning culture from clinical incidents and patient/staff feedback and implement improvements as necessary

Be responsible for the safe and secure storage and handling of medication in line with Trust policy

Ensures that the ward is clean in line with the hygiene code; by monitoring as appropriate in partnership with the housekeeping services and estates manager as required to maintain required standards.

People/Management Excellence

To promote effective communication channels both within the ward /Division and Trust

To keep abreast of any national and regional initiatives relevant to the specialty that will influence future service developments

Keep the team informed of all relevant issues affecting patient care e.g. risk, staffing levels and equipment needs

To participate with the skill mix reviews based on patient dependency, case mix, activity data and professional judgement

Promote staff wellbeing and resilience, considering flexible rostering and working pattern

To be involved in the recruitment and selection of all staff, both clinical and non-clinical, who work in the clinical areas

Monitor and manage sickness and absence (patterns and trends) and ensure action plans are implemented as per policy

To be involved in the investigation of complaints and/or adverse incidents, ensuring lessons are learnt and action plans implemented

Utilise and implement the Performance Management/Probationary Period policies as necessary

Maintains competent computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems.

Supporting Financial Excellence

To be involved in managing the department budget, participating in cost improvement programmes where opportunities arise

Exerts influence and control of the overall department expenditure

Responsible for publishing effective and efficient staff rosters and sign off for payment.

Professional Responsibilities

To be responsible for your own professional development, maintain a professional portfolio and keep up to date on current nursing and health service issues

To take full responsibility for your own actions and to abide by NMC Code of Conduct

Maintain own knowledge and clinical skills demonstrating competence in delivering a high standard of care

To be conversant with Nursing Policies and procedure

Takes part in education and training programmes appropriately and feedback knowledge gained to their team

Maintain a current knowledge of professional issues, ensuring continued professional development is maintained

Quality Assurance and Monitoring

Ensures own practice is conducted within the Trust /unit and ward policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety in addition to monitoring staff adherence to them

To ensure that all department management documentation is produced as requested

To ensure that all staff undertake Trust and professional mandatory training and development as required, or outlined in PDP

Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area

Lead on audit initiatives

Lead on and be responsible for setting and reviewing standards for practice and evaluating outcomes as part of the clinical governance agenda

Promote and maintain evidence-based practice and lead on its implementation

Lead on and be responsible for setting and reviewing standards for practice and evaluating outcomes as part of the clinical governance agenda

Responsible for the teams achievement within the Trusts Assessment and Accreditation process