Band 5 Staff Nurse Critical Care Harefield Hospital

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect

• Seeking advice/guidance as necessary:
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the needs of the patients.
• 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 and discharge planning
• Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift
• Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.
• Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.
• 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.
• Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard  (including electronic records)   
• Participate in conducting nursing audit to achieve the agreed standards.
• In conjunction with the staff team contribute to developing and maintaining a ward /department ethos and provide a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care.
• To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs and the Trust Nursing strategy.
• To be aware of the Trust’s framework of clinical governance and patient safety walk rounds within the ward or department area, seeking advice or guidance where necessary.
• Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/departmental Sister/Charge nurse, Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.
• To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical, psychological and spiritual well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers, seeking guidance or advice where necessary.
• Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.
• Collaborating with other members of the ward team to ensure the patients needs are met to a consistently high standard.
• To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff in line with national strategy requirements.

Communication

• To demonstrate politeness, courtesy respect and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.
• Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Departments.
• To adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding e.g. language.
• Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust wide.
• To promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.
• To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.

People management

• Take active responsibility for own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.
• Participate in the Trust’s appraisal and personal development plan schemes by meeting with the team leader/appraiser at least, to include feedback from a selection of internal staff and team members.
• Participate in the programme for preceptorship and to be a support to new and junior staff as required.
• Maintain a personal, professional profile, identifying role and skill developments in line with the Scope of Professional Practice.

Information management

• Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required.
• Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care.
• To have an active Trust and email account and adhere to the Trusts Information Services and Information Governance Policies.
• 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 electronic databases

Resource management

• To work together with the ward team to ensure effective use and maintenance of resources and adequate stock levels.
• To actively engage with rostering in clinical ward or departments and adopt a flexible approach to personal rostering to ensure the needs of the service are met.

Service development

• To contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors.
• To participate in staff education and development, including utilising appropriate learning opportunities and to act as a resource for learners and the nursing team as/ when required.

Policy development

• Under the supervision of the ward / department Sister/Charge Nurse to work on delegated projects relating to local policy development.
• To be actively involved in the implementation of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level, reinforcing their use.

Further sections

• To work towards a senior staff nurse level the staff nurse will be expected to complete relevant clinical competencies, and would need to be at least one year post qualification.
• To ensure all team members have a real voice in the development of the clinical service to patients/customers.
• To ensure a safe and attractive working environment within available resources.