/ JOB DESCRIPTION
Job title /

Staff Nurse

Reports to / Sister or Matron in the assigned Service
Responsible for / No direct reports
Scope & Role Purpose / The delivery of high quality nursing care to any patients with a terminal illnessincluding Dementia, Cancer, Organ Failure (end stages) and Neurological conditions who are referred/refer themselves to Hospice in the Weald.
The Nursing service acts as a practical and advisory resource to other professions on Hospice palliative care issues, including physical, psychological, social, spiritual support and bereavement care.
Key responsibilities /
  1. Deliverables/outcomes
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate pathways of care for patients in a way that reflects the hospice philosophy. Responsible for reviewing, delivering and updating nursing care plans and documentation and escalating all concerns to the appropriate individual. Recognise, react to and manage palliative care emergencies appropriately.
  • Agree individualised patient centred care plans to deliver a high standard of evidence based palliative care working in partnership with external agencies where necessary.
  • Liaise appropriately, making referrals when required to the multi-disciplinary team within the Hospice in supporting patients, carers and families in difficult circumstances.
  • Work within the multidisciplinary team to maintain a high level of risk awareness with regard to self and patient safety.
  • Safely and be competent in administering all medications Including intravenous administration, blood products, management of lines and epidural as applicable to the Service and patients’ needs.
  • Be involved in the safe storage, management and use of controlled drugs and clinical sundries.
  • Be aware of all local policies and participate in the development of policies and protocols
  • Attend team meetings and support colleagues through a process of reflection, advice and guidance and participate in clinical supervision.
  • Be able to work without direct supervision and in the absence of a more experienced nurse, co-ordinate the care to be delivered by the team.
  • Depending on service, take on the role of shift co-ordinator as needed.

  1. Management & Leadership
  • Support and act as a mentor for junior staff, students, nursing assistants and volunteers. With line manager develop own areas of special interest.
  • Liaise with the Multidisciplinary team and volunteers of the wider hospice to ensure high quality of care.

  1. Communications and Teamwork
  • Provide a high standard of sensitive communication with patients, families and carers, which maintains an individual’s privacy and dignity.
  • Contribute to the on-going development of the nursing service across all areas of the Hospice.

  1. Audit and Research
  • Understand the need for evidenced based practice and contribute to the promotion of this.
  • Participate in audit and research data collection and programmes as directed.

  1. Training and Development
  • Attend mandatory training and contribute to we: train as requested.
  • Attend training and study days as identified by the manager in line with organisational needs, aims and objectives.

  1. General
  • Maintain professionalism through adherence to recognized Codes (e.g. NMC, GMC, HPC ) and work within the boundaries of Hospice in the Weald policies.
  • Maintain personal development through the Hospice Personal Development Plan. Continuously updating and improving knowledge and competencies.
  • Engage in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the area you are working and achieve the required level of competence.
  • Any other duties that may be reasonably requested.
  • Recognise the growing need for 24/7 working patterns and flexibility.
  • Strive for excellence at all times

Person Specification
Essential / Desirable
Qualifications / Essential
  • Registered Nurse Level 1
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development (where appropriate)
/ Desirable
  • Teaching/Mentoring qualification
  • Post registration qualification in Palliative Care

Experience /
  • Experience of working in a multi-professional team (including as a student) and the ability to work under pressure and organise workload effectively
/
  • Experience of working with patients across a range of settings.
  • Experience in palliative/end of life care and a good understanding of the specific needs of patients in the terminal phase

Essential Skills /
  • Able to communicate effectively with patients, carers, families and careprofessionals in difficult situations
  • Ability to problem solve and take action to address issues
  • Computer literacy
/
  • Experience of supporting learner nurses and junior colleagues
  • Proven clinical expertise and the ability to implement research based practice and willingness to participate in research and audit

Personal attributes /
  • Enthusiastic, motivated and flexible
  • Willingness to travel to varying work locations
  • Sense of humour
  • Forward thinking

Fundraising and Commercial Activities
Hospice in the Weald is a registered charity and not part of the NHS. We rely on support from the community we serve, both through volunteering time and donating money, to enable us to continue our existing services. It costs over £7 million to run the Hospice every year – the majority of which comes from voluntary contributions from the general public. In addition, there are over 1000 volunteers giving their time to the Hospice helping in every Service and Department.
For this reason it is expected that all members of staff will support the fundraising activities of the Hospice. We encourage every staff member to help at, participate in, or support at least two fundraising activities every year. Opportunities to support fundraising activities are varied, and could include helping at fundraising and shop events, taking part in an event and raising sponsorship, attending a cheque presentation or giving a small talk about the work of the Hospice to an interested group in the community.
In order to support and enhance our activities and income we are becoming more commercial and business-like so that we do not waste money. Our training centre and we:train are part of Hospice in the Weald and are primarily commercial and intended to provide much needed income alongside fundraising. Without such enterprise the future growth of services to patients, families and carers would be at risk. Staff are therefore also expected to support the commercial activities of the Hospice. Staff will be asked as part of their Annual Review whichfundraising events and commercial activities they have supported.
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POST HOLDER AND ACCORDING TO FUTURE CHANGES/DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SERVICE.

Staff Nurse August 2015