STRATHCARRON HOSPICE

Bank Registered Nurses

Permanent

Hours: ‘As and when required’

Salary: £22,440 per annum pro rata

Ref No: 1709363

Applications are invited for the above post to work on an ‘as and when required basis’ within our nursing teams and to contribute to the delivery of specialist palliative care services within Strathcarron Hospice.

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals to enhance our dynamic nursing teams, working in a very demanding clinical care environment. It is expected that you have good understanding of the principles of specialist palliative care. Palliative care experience – including an awareness of communication and counselling approaches, and symptom management is preferred. Related clinical knowledge and skills – including that of communication, and continuing professional development should be evidenced within the application.

A competency in basic IT skills is essential. Strathcarron Hospice uses electronic patient care records – training in use of this system is provided.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates would be expected to work one six hour supernumerary, unpaid shift prior to consideration of an appointment. A subsequent induction programme is provided to all appointed applicants.

Of its Nursing Bank, Strathcarron Hospice expects its staff to offer flexibility and provide availability for ‘as and when required’.

Strathcarron Hospice offers a supportive work environment with access to a wide range of development opportunities.

This post is subject to a check by the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme.

Please ensure that the attached guidance notes are read prior to completing an application. For further information, please contact Susan Bateman, Ward Manager on 01324 826222, or email:

An application packis available from our website or by contacting Nicola Griffin, HR Co-ordinator on 01324 826222 or by email

An interview will occur within seven working days post supernumerary shift.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Thursday 28thSeptember 2017.

STRATHCARRON HOSPICE

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Staff Nurse Band 5

Responsible to: Ward Manager

Department(s): All

2.JOB PURPOSE

As part of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will have responsibility for assessment of care needs and the development of programmes of care, and /or the implementation and evaluation of these programmes ensuring the delivery of high quality specialist palliative care.

Support the Ward Manager and team leader, to ensure effective operation is maintained.

3.ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

4.ROLE OF DEPARTMENT

The in-patient unit at Strathcarron Hospice provides high quality, safe and supportive care to people with life threatening illness and specialist palliative care needs and to offer support to their families.

  1. DIMENSIONS
  • Supervise qualified and unqualified nursing staff in the delivery of patient care.
  • 24 bedded unit caring for patients with specialist palliative care needs including the need for advance pain and symptom management, spiritual and emotional support.
  • The post holder may be required to work in other departments e.g. day care.
  • Participate in out-of-hours specialist telephone advice service offered by the Hospice to professionals, patients and carers.

6.KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To be responsible for the provision and evaluation of safe care delivery for a defined group of patients with specialist palliative care needs.
  • To assess care needs and develop, implement evaluate and record appropriate programmes of care.
  • To carry out patient risk assessments as appropriate.
  • To communicate with highly anxious /emotional relatives on a daily basis.
  • To assist in the development and implementation of evidence based care.
  • To promote health education and provide information to patients and their carers.
  • To carry out relevant forms of care without direct supervision.
  • Work towards competency in extended roles within the scope of professional practice (e.g. single administration of controlled drugs) after appropriate education/supervision.
  • To co-ordinate the safe discharge of patients from Strathcarron Hospice.
  • To have a comprehensive knowledge of drugs used in specialist palliative care.
  • To be knowledgeable about different cultural/religious beliefs to ensure appropriate care.
  • To lead and supervise junior staff/students who are providing care to patients and act as a resource for clinical and professional learning.
  • To participate in multidisciplinary forums to ensure the provision of holistic patient care.
  • To offer appropriate advice to health professionals and anxious patients and relatives as part of 24hr telephone advisory service.
  • Ensure adequate ward supplies are available.
  • To be a mentor to qualified and unqualified nursing staff.
  • To participate in audit and research initiatives and promote research based nursing practice including standard setting.
  • To ensure ongoing professional/personal development.

7.SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

Systems:

  • IT systems
  • Telephone/communication system
  • Patient care records
  • Nurse call systems
  • Security System
  • Fire Alarm System.

Equipment:

  • Moving and handling equipment e.g. Hoists, patient slides, baths,

Pressure relieving mattresses, profile beds, wheelchairs.

  • Respiratory equipment e.g. nebulisers, suction, oxygen and humidification delivery systems.
  • Infusion devices e.g. Gemini, Syringe Pumps, Epidural Pumps.
  • Patient monitoring equipment e.g. Dynamap, Tympanic thermometers, ECG machine, Blood Glucose monitoring.
  • Feeding equipment for use with enteral support eg PEG feeding.
  • Be competent in the use, storage and maintenance of all equipment used within the clinical area of work.

8.ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK

The staff nurse will be responsible to the Team Leader/Ward Sister for clinical guidance and professional management, work review and formal appraisal of performance.

The nurse in charge of each team will assign daily workload. The post holder will have responsibility for managing a defined workload within professional guidelines. Workload will be prioritised on a daily basis.

The Staff Nurse will delegate/allocate work to the team in the absence of senior staff. Workload will be prioritised on a daily basis.

9.COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will be expected to:

  • Communicate and liaise with patients and relatives.
  • Communicate with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
  • Communicate patient care needs and work allocation to junior nursing staff.
  • Be aware of how to access other departments within the Hospice and NHSForthValley e.g. Estates, Laboratories, Infection Control..
  • Be aware of patient referral system to other professionals, internal and external to the organisation.
  • Be aware of the communication systems within the Hospice.
  • Maintain verbal and written communication systems within the

Ward and with other departments.

  • Maintain a professional manner when dealing with patients, staff and relatives, ensuring patient confidentiality.
  • Be aware of the diversity of culture, religion/individual communication needs.
  • Maintain links with external agencies as appropriate.

9a. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

  • Stand/walk for the majority of the shift.
  • Moving patients, the majority who have a high level of dependency, complex needs and associated risk and ensuring Hospice moving and handling policies are adhered to.
  • Moving of beds/furniture/equipment as required.
  • Be able to respond speedily to emergency or unplanned situations.
  • Potential control and restraint of physically aggressive patients.
  • Exposure to body fluids, faeces, emptying bed pans/urinals, catheter bags (several times during a shift) on a daily basis and unpleasant smells.
  • Transport of bodies to Mortuary.

9b. MENTAL/EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

  • Supporting patients and relatives through their episode of care.
  • Breaking bad news to patients and relatives.
  • Supporting patients and relatives who receive bad news.
  • Acting as patients advocate when appropriate.
  • Care for the terminally ill and their family/friends on a daily basis, particularly those in the younger age group.
  • Providing pre-bereavement support to relatives.
  • Giving telephone advice to patients with concerns following treatment using clinical judgement as required to refer the patient appropriately.
  • Being prepared at all times to deal with verbal complaints or aggressive behaviour from patients and/or relatives.
  • Unpredictable workload.
  • Concentration required for majority of shift to calculate dose and safely administer medicines.
  • Supporting colleagues.
  • Verification of death.
  • Involvement with ethical and moral dilemmas on regular basis.

10. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

  • First Level Registered nurse.
  • Minimum of 2 year post registration experience.
  • Degree level study in relevant subject preferred.
  • In service training e.g. staff induction, annual updates.
  • Be familiar with Hospice policies.
  • Evidence of professional development.
  • Evidence of team working with ability to work using own initiative.
  • Time management skills.
  • Effective interpersonal skills.

STRATHCARRON HOSPICE

Terms and Conditions:The terms and conditions of service are those laid down in line with the Whitley Council terms and conditions.

Location: Strathcarron Hospice.

Salary Scale:£22,440per annum, pro rata.

Hours:As and when required.

Duration:As and when required.

Pension:This post is superannuable under The Falkirk Council Local Government Superannuation Scheme and your remuneration will be subject to deduction unless you choose to opt out of the scheme.

Right to work in the UK:

Strathcarron Hospice has an obligation to ensure it does not employ any worker who has not been granted the relevant permission to work in the UK. This permission is without exception granted by the UK Border Agency. We are required to check the entitlement to work in the UK for all prospective employees, regardless of nationality or job category

Pre-employment Health Assessment:

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment health declaration form, and where appropriate undergo a health assessment at the Occupational Health Service. The Occupational Health Nurse may deem it necessary to refer you to the Occupational Health Physician who may in turn obtain a report from your General Practitioner. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory health assessment.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme

(if applicable):From 28th February 2011 the Scottish Government introduced a new membership scheme to replace and improve upon current disclosure arrangements for people who work with vulnerable groups. If the duties of this post involve regulated work with children and young people and/or protected adults, the successful candidate will require to be a member of the PVG Scheme and consent to Strathcarron Hospice obtaining a Scheme Record or a Scheme Record Update, if they are already a member of the Scheme. More information of the PVG Scheme can be found at

Police Act Disclosure Check

(if applicable):If the duties of this post require the declaration and validation of criminal convictions, the successful candidate will be required to complete a standard or enhanced Police Act Disclosure Scotland check prior to any offer of appointment being made. In the event of employment, any failure to disclose such convictions could result in the withdrawal of any offer, disciplinary action or dismissal by Strathcarron Hospice.

Confidentiality:In the course of your duties you may have access to confidential information concerning patients or staff. Unauthorized disclosure or removal of information may lead to consideration of disciplinary action.

Equality in Employment:

Strathcarron Hospice fully supports the principle of equality in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful and / or unfair discrimination which cannot be shown to be justified. Strathcarron Hospice is committed to ensuring equality of treatment for both present and potential employees.

No Smoking Policy:In line with Strathcarron Hospice’s No Smoking policy, Strathcarron Hospice is a smoke free environment. This means that smoking will not be permitted by staff anywhere within the Hospice premises including residences and grounds

Health & Safety:All employees have a responsibility for their own health & safety and the health & safety of others who may be affected by what they do. Employees also have a duty to co-operate with their employer by following Strathcarron Hospice policies and procedures and safe systems of work; by using equipment safely and by bringing any shortcomings in health and safety arrangements to the attention of their employer. Where something is provided in the interests of health & safety employees must not interfere or misuse it. All employees have a legal responsibility to report any shortcomings in terms of this in their area. Managers and supervisors have a responsibility for monitoring health & safety arrangements and ensuring staff are following policies and procedures and safe systems of work.

Completed application forms should be returned to:

Nicola Griffin

HR Co-ordinator

Strathcarron Hospice

Randolph Hill

Denny

FK6 5HJ

Closing date:5pm on Thursday 28th September 2017

Ref No: 17093363