Department Leader - Dementia Services

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be a visible, accessible, and assertive figure to whom colleagues, patients and relatives can turn for assistance, advice, and support.

In the absence of the Lead Nurse and Matron lead the dementia services and build successful links between nursing and other professions to support and  promote effective multi-disciplinary team working.

To lead and support teams through a process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive, professional integrity, balance and perspective.

To develop the role of other team members, supporting them in gaining the appropriate competencies to achieve the required standards of care.

To motivate all team members and lead innovation and expertise in clinical practice by example.

Through effective communication, disseminate information across the healthcare teams.

To resolve conflict and ensure feedback and planning for the future occurs.

To practice clinically at an expert level in high quality dementia care to ensure that all patients have their needs holistically assessed and that care plans are developed to meet those needs and are delivered in accordance with the unit philosophy.

To act as a specialist for dementia care with responsibility for interpreting clinical information and having freedom to act while discussing findings and plans of care with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.

 Advise other members of the multi-disciplinary team on clinical issues, determining how the clinical aspects of the care is delivered by others on the shift (within care protocols)

Act as a resource and advisor, responsible for the allocation of patients to staff and the co-ordination of care delivery to patients.

Maintain efficient and effective communication with Ward Sister/Charge Nurse peers and Matrons on issues relating to their clinical areas and patient care.

Monitor the quality of patient care and participate in the regular evaluation of patient satisfaction. Identify areas of poor performance, developing and implementing strategies to improve performance.

Build working relationships with other departments, referring services and wards.

Facilitate communication regarding shared care and meeting the needs of patients and carers.

Undertake expanded clinical responsibilities that utilise advanced knowledge and skills, and work autonomously within the Scope of Professional Practice, following education and/or update of skills, in relation to extended clinical tasks/roles required for this post.

Facilitate change, act as a role model and identify and lead the implementation of appropriate new practices.

To proactively identify opportunities to expand roles, working in conjunction with Professional Development Nurses to devise protocols accordingly.

Together with the Matron, Lead Nurse develop auditable standards of care, supporting the national benchmarking scheme.

To act at all times with the NMC or HCPC Code of Professional Conduct, rules and code of practice.

Demonstrate a high level of commitment to and enthusiasm for research, audit and education in the clinical area.

Assist the Matron in ensuring that theoretical and practical instruction on all aspects of care is provided for colleagues working with patients living with dementia.

To encourage all staff to take advantage of learning opportunities as they present to aid the obtaining of practical placement objectives.

Undertake continuing personal and professional development in line with statutory requirements.

Teach and assist other multi-disciplinary staff to develop professionally and to reach their full potential. Encourage professional accountability in others.

Participate and assist the Matron and Lead Nurse in risk management, clinical incident reporting and management of complaints.

Undertake clinical audit as appropriate for the given area.

Ensure staff receive an annual appraisal and have an effective professional development plan.

Follow Trust policies and procedures with regard to identifying and managing poor performance.

Undertake research activity on a regular basis and implement research-based practice within area of work. Disseminate the research to other colleagues within the speciality.

Undertake audit activity in addition to the above.

Working closely with the Matron and Lead Nurse, proactively seek feedback on patient and public experiences in order to address concerns in a timely manner and build on success.

In conjunction with ward/unit ward sisters/Charge Nurses and Matrons ensuring the environment is safe, clean, comfortable and well maintained in line with patient and public expectations. Liaise with professional leads in Facilities and infection control to ensure action is undertaken.

To accept delegated responsibility to be involved in and lead patient-focused groups/citizen councils and act on recommendations as required.

To develop and nurture professional advocacy.

 To supervise the allocation and prioritisation of specialist services providing support to patients living with dementia. To actively engage in recruitment and retention strategies including selection processes.

To contribute to planned reconfiguration projects, service developments and directorate business planning as required.

Attend and participate in Unit/Trust-wide committees as required/directed by the Matron/Lead Nurse.