Band 6 Senior Staff Nurse - ITU Critical Care Harefield Hospital

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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. 

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. 

To  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. 

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 
clinical 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.  

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.  

Contribute to Directorate / Site bleep cover arrangements as required. 

Policy development 
Lead on delegated projects relating to local policy development. 

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

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

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 their manager at least annually.  

Service development 
To participate in staff education and development, including orientation and supervision and act as a mentor and 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.  

 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. 

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. 

Information management 
Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support.  

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

To have an active intranet account and act as role model for others. 

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 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.