Senior Sister

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To lead and manage a dynamic nursing team within the Palatine Ward and be responsible for both TYA and Haemato-oncology patients.
• To work alongside staff as a role model and mentor. To ensure that the caring culture expected of professional staff is being consistently maintained and upheld.
• To be identifiable as the leader of the areas, and provide the guidance and direction required to empower the team to deliver the best standards of care for patients.
• To be responsible for ensuring that the Palatine Ward nursing team works as an integrated group and as part of the wider Palatine Treatment Centre. 
• Working with the Medical team, CNS & other MDT members to optimise care planning for patients and ensure a consistent approach to high standard compassionate care.
• To support the staff in all aspects of their roles and in developing the specialist skills required for TYA and Haematology nursing, developing clinical competencies and leadership skills within the team.
• To ensure efficient use of available capacity and promote an integrated team approach across the ward.  
• To demonstrate initiative and vision to continue to move the TYA and Haematology services forward, and implement local and national service changes / developments.
• To demonstrate expert clinical knowledge and expertise at all times.
• As a core member of the senior nursing team in TYA and Haematology services, attendance is anticipated at all the quality, management meetings and grand ward rounds where possible.

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

1.               Provide clear leadership for nursing team of the integrated Palatine Ward.

2.               Be a key participant in promoting and facilitating excellent standards of compassionate care for patients.

3.               To establish and maintain agreed standards of patient care, utilising appropriate guidance from the Teenage Cancer Trust, JACIE, and peer reviews.

4.               To have dedicated time working in a supervisory capacity to support and develop staff, alongside working clinically, being visible and accessible to patients and families, and to medical and MDT colleagues.

5.               Work clinically within the area to provide expert clinical knowledge and expertise.

6.               Implement changes to the service to support ongoing improvements in clinical practice, reflecting capacity and demand issues.

7.               To liaise with the Service Manager and Lead Nurses across the department to ensure optimal capacity usage, and ensure all activity is recorded live on Medway.

8.               Liaise with the discharge team and allied health professionals to promote proactive discharge planning.

9.               Have a daily awareness of length of stay issues and follow the escalation guidelines. 

10.            Collaborate with other service providers to ensure that the highest standards of possible nutrition for patients are achieved.

11.            Collaborate with other service providers in ensuring the highest possible standards of cleanliness are achieved and be proactive in reducing hospital acquired infections and reduce the risk of cross infection. Ensure that maintenance issues within the Palatine Ward are reported/escalated as per local agreement.

12.            Be aware of Health and Safety issues and ensure relevant and timely risk assessments are undertaken. Be responsible for updating the nursing/unit based elements of the risk register.

13.            Report and record all incidents and complaints according to the agreed policy, investigating speedily and compassionately, and feeding back to the reporter on completion of investigation.

14.            To organise daily work schedule and off duty rotas ensuring appropriate and effective skill mix and deployment of staff for appropriate patient needs.

15.            To be aware and have a clear understanding in maintaining the staff and non-staff budget within agreed limits. 

16.            Ensure the requisition and procurement of stock and equipment is carried out with care and economy.

17.            Attend monthly review meetings and take a progressive approach to the management of short and long-term sickness/absence in collaboration with the Lead Nurse and Human Resources 

18.            Take appropriate action in relation to any disciplinary matter when the need arises and follow procedures as lay down by the Trust.

19.            Assist/lead in the recruitment process for the ward/division taking a pro-active approach to ensure adequate staffing levels and skill mix are maintained.

20.            Contribute to the development of the ward balance scorecard/dashboard and implement any actions needed to improve outcomes and be familiar with the relevant share points.

21.            Support unit senior staff acting as appraisers to ensure all staff have a meaningful and achievable appraisal.

22.            Ensure that all team members participate in a personal development plan and encourage personal and professional development of all staff.

23.            Act up as required in the absence of the Lead Nurse and attend any committees required, feeding back meaningful information.

24.            Take part in the Trust duty manager rota as required.

25.            Ensure that all team members adhere to Trust uniform policy and maintain a professional image for the ward, and that visitors to the department/MDT abide by Trust guidance on infection prevention and control measures.

TRAINING SUPPORT & EDUCATION

1.     Attend all mandatory study days and ensure attendance of all staff and have a consistent over-view of ward compliance.

2.     To be up to date in all IV training programs (level 1 and 2) including annual updates and competent in all areas of clinical practice.

3.     To be up to date and competent with other clinical skills: basic life support and intermediate life support, and others pertinent to the unit.

4.     Ensure all staff have an appropriate level of training and are offered relevant support. Encourage and support staff in developing skills and knowledge around TYA /Haematology nursing.

5.     Ensure each staff member participates in their personal development plan, to maximise their potential. 

6.     To be clinically credible maintaining established expertise in Haematology/TYA nursing as appropriate and lead by example, promoting high quality compassionate care.

7.     Be present and involved in training days and conferences about the unit specialties.

8.     Initiate, undertake and supervise research and audit which will influence practice. There will be regular monitoring and review of the projects through the quality meetings.

9.     To act as a preceptor to designated staff.

PROFESSIONAL

1.     Have expert knowledge and be able to advise and support nursing staff within the Trust and external agencies about the management of TYA and Haematology patients.

2.     Liaise closely with the medical team and other members of the MDT to provide a specialist TYA and Haematology services to patients.

3.     Represent the unit at the Band 7 Forum.

4.     Remain updated regarding issues influencing the Trust both internally and externally, and ensure the team have a good understanding of these.

5.     Participate in policy writing for the ward and Trust.

6.     Be fully aware of the divisional objectives and the Trust’s corporate plan.

7.     Ensure all trust policies and procedures are adhered to and new ones implemented as necessary.

8.     Attend service leads and other divisional/trust meetings as required to represent the ward/service.

9.     Provide expert leadership in the ongoing development of treatment regimes and treatment pathway development.

PERSONAL

1.     Work in a collaborative manner with the Directorate Lead Nurse and Clinical Service Manager.

2.     Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote good working relationships. 

3.     Show professional and courteous manner whilst practicing excellent communication skills at all levels.

4.     To show respect for members of the team and endorse the department’s philosophy of giving mutual support.

5.     Be aware of own limitations, maintain confidentiality and adherence to NMC Professional Code of Conduct.

6.     Cooperate in own performance review by indicating learning goals and support needs.

7.     Actively seek mentorship / supervision to enable reflection and development within the role.

8.     Exercise effective leadership using sound organisation skills and judgement, upholding equality and diversity of colleagues and patients.

9.     Be able to identify areas of required learning and development and seek advice and support when required.