Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Manage, direct and evaluate the nursing care for a defined caseload of patients.
• Develop skills to provide senior nurse cover for the ward in the absence of the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse and Team Leaders.
• Contribute towards the continuing development of professional nursing practice on the ward.
• Maintain and develop high standards of nursing care, reflecting the beliefs about professional nursing practice and patient care outlined in the ward philosophy
• Develop and maintain specialist knowledge of nursing practice relevant to the clinical area.
• Involve and encourage the patients family and friends to be actively involved in the caring process
• Communicate effectively information to Patient/relatives/carers/ and all members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Work towards acting as a mentor and role model to others, reflecting the beliefs about professional nursing practice and patient care outlined in the ward philosophy.
• To conduct him/herself in a professional manner and act as a role model to junior staff at all times.
• Is proactive in the timely discharge planning of the patients

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Clinical Practice:

The post holder will:

Demonstrate and promote a patient centred style of clinical practice. Be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care from admission to discharge.

Respond calmly to emergency situations, maintaining patient safety and seeking immediate support, and supporting the patient, family and other staff as required.

With supervision and assistance, take on increased responsibility within the ward structure, acting as a named nurse recognising own limitations and seeking help appropriately. 

As negotiated with Team Leader/ Ward Sister set and maintain standards of practice, conduct and decision making.

Accurately document and report to other members of the nursing team and multi-disciplinary team information regarding the care given to patients, communicating changes as they occur.

Identify and discuss nursing /patient needs with team/ ward staff, patients, carers and the multi-disciplinary team. Be able to plan own workload.

Adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct at all times and practice within the NMC Scope of Professional practice, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times. Adhere to the data protection act.

Demonstrate a problem solving approach to effectively execute planning, implementation and evaluation of individualised plans of care based on a holistic model of care.

Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of Accountability, Responsibility and Duty of Care and work towards the provision of support and education for junior staff on the implications for practice.

Effectively communicate with all patients, visitors and colleagues in order to promote their comfort and wellbeing, demonstrating awareness of barriers to communication and understanding, i.e. deafness and different languages.

Maintain patient dignity and confidentiality at all times.

Leadership and Management:

Develop skills to act as Ward Team Co-ordinator in rotation with other staff, participating in the allocation of workload and ensuring efficient bed management and effective patient care.

Contribute toward ward projects and audits as directed by Ward Manager or deputies.

Be accountable for some specific responsibilities that contribute toward the organisational and administrative work of the ward, as link nurses.

Ensure equipment supplies, disposables and staffing resources are used appropriately when prescribing and implementing care and treatments.

Report untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, injury or drug administration errors as detailed in ward and Trust protocols and procedures, aid the ward manager in investigating incidents as required.

Demonstrate an awareness of health and safety regulations that apply to staff and patients in the clinical area and compliance with the procedures.

Maintain and contribute to the development of standards of practice, conduct or decision making in conjunction with team leaders/ward manager/unit co-ordinator.

Discuss personal and professional development needs during an annual appraisal with Team Leader and developing, agreeing and documenting action points in personal development plan.

Ensure that staff present a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff

Education and Training:

To demonstrate a commitment to professional development and maintain registration in line with NMC requirements

Be actively involved in, and support the ward education programme and clinical resource groups.

Complete or be working towards agreed local and Trust competency frameworks within a time frame agreed with the Ward Sister and with the support of a named mentor.

Develop skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate junior nurses in the clinical practice setting

Attend mandatory study days, and others, relevant to their clinical area. Demonstrate a commitment to research based practice and clinical excellence and play an active part in the introduction of research-based change to improve patient centred care.

Develop knowledge and competence in the speciality, using all available resources, e.g. local study sessions, competency frameworks, educational packages etc.

Act as mentor to students and colleagues participating in orientation programmes, guiding practice, assessing competence, enabling and supporting their learning.

Improving Quality and Developing Practice:

Demonstrate a commitment to evidence based practice and clinical excellence.  Using these skills works collegiately to promote innovation and work within the nursing team in the provision of an excellent standard of patient care in line with Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) values.

Develop and share own clinical knowledge with other members of the multi-disciplinary team and as relevant with practitioners both locally and nationally.

Act as a role model for the nursing team promoting consistent professional and clinical excellence.

Provide support to more junior and/or less experienced staff.

Participate and develop an understanding of the importance of Clinical Supervision and how this affects practice.

Identify own development needs in line with service requirements and personal development plan.  Proactively develop and improve own practice using available resources.

Understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies/protocols/guidelines relevant to the specialist area in conjunction with nursing team.

Participate in a culture of audit and research in practice

Keep up to date with professional issues that influence nursing practice relating to the area of clinical practice, management education and research.

Promote and practice, evidence based nursing care, embracing new ideas and changes for the benefit of patient care.

Openly question and challenge nursing practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved.

Accept responsibility for own personal and professional growth and for maintaining a record of evidence of professional development experiences within a Personal Professional Portfolio.

Negotiate an area of clinical interest with Team Leader and be proactive in developing own expertise and learning resources for all staff.