Staff Nurse -Dermatology

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Supporting Clinical Excellence:

Assisting and contributing to the management and organisation of the dermatology department.

Once competent in team management skills, takes charge of the clinical area on a regular basis in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility or his/her deputy.

Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality nursing care.

Work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of patients and their families.

Be responsible for the assessment of care needs and the development of programmes of care ensuring that these are evaluated and amended as appropriate.

Undertake nursing procedures and techniques in accordance with agreed policies and guidelines.

Co-ordinate the patients’ discharge arrangements in accordance with NGH discharge policy and processes.

Plan, develop and implement approaches to promote health and wellbeing of patients and improve their health status and have an awareness of the holistic care involved when treating patients with dermatological conditions.

Document the condition and progress of patients and report to medical staff and/or senior nursing staff any areas of concern.

Maintain contemporary detailed nursing documentation.

Actively maintain a safe department environment.

Comply with all Trust policies and risk assessments with particular regard to the policies and procedures carried out in the event of maintaining staff and patient safety.

Responsible for safe supply, storage, administration, checking and disposal of medications including controlled drugs in line with Trust Policy and Nursing Midwifery Council standards.

Maintain an awareness of the developments in the care and treatment of patients in order to be able to carry out duties competently and efficiently.

Communication:

Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team in order to promote efficient patient care and maintain effective channels of communication.

Report all accidents and untoward incidents to the nurse in charge of the area and complete an incident form in accordance with Trust policy.

Maintain complete and accurate patient records ensuring that they provide a detailed account of all care provided whilst the patient is under the care of the dermatology department.

Communicate with and provide support for patients’ relatives and carers.

Be aware of the need for confidentiality both within the written and spoken word and ensure correct storage of patients’ records at all times, to comply with the Information Governance Code.

Liaise with other clinical areas as necessary for the coordination of patient care and the smooth running of the department.

Policy and Service Development Responsibilities:

 Undertake the Trust Corporate and Directorate specific Induction and competency Programmes.

Contribute to annual appraisal and be responsible for own personal performance and development plan.

Able to identify learning needs in self, negotiating a Personal Development Plan recognising own limitations.

Contribute to the education and training of others, gaining an understanding of clinical supervision.

Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area and contribute to audit initiatives.

Adhere to all Trust Policies and Health & Safety, as applicable.

 Professional Responsibilities:

 Act as a clinical and professional role model, assessing and supporting students and learners on placement within the clinical area.

To undertake any expanded roles deemed necessary for the role following the Trust policy ‘Expansion of Professional Practice for Registered Healthcare Practitioners’. 

Actively participate in the education, development and supervision of other staff members.

Maintain own professional competence through on going professional development to include clinical supervision, annual mandatory training, role specific, appraisal process and personal development planning.

Be accountable for own professional practice in accordance with NMC code of conduct 2015, including professional revalidation.

People/Management Excellence:

 Support a culture of teamwork within the clinical area.

Collaborate with all members of the clinical area to ensure efficient running of the department.

Assist the Dermatology Nurse Specialist in introducing new members of staff to their duties, act as a preceptor to newly qualified staff.

Supervise and assess registered and unregistered staff as appropriate.

Undertake a recognised mentoring/assessor course.

Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patients’ property in accordance with Trust policy.

Ensure where appropriate that the programmes of training for learners, both student nurses and health care assistants are completed.

Participate in Clinical Supervision.

Supporting Financial Excellence:

 Use resources effectively in order to provide quality patient care whist having an awareness of budgetary issues.

Responsible for the effective and efficient use of clinical, physical and financial resources.

 Research and Development Responsibilities:

 Maintain and promote an awareness of evidence-based practice and participate in its implementation.

Contribute to research and development programmes within the department.

 Specialist Role and Responsibilities:

 Actively participate in the assessment and management of patients with skin conditions, acute and chronic wounds and minor surgical wounds. Provide support for patients, parents and/or carers throughout their management.

Provide education and information to the patients and carers about their skin condition and treatments, promoting and encouraging self-care where appropriate.

Be aware of current nursing trends, particularly in dermatology and be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge and skills.

Undertake a recognised leg ulcer course/programme.

Able to travel and participate in clinics with the Dermatology Nurse Specialist, Consultants and GPwSI in a variety of settings, including hospital and community settings within the county.

Actively participate with paediatric clinics and able to deal with both children and their parents/carers.