AREA OF WORK: / In-Patient Unit
JOB TITLE: /
Staff Nurse (RGN)
GRADE: / Hospice Band 11 (Higher Band 5)REPORTS TO:- /
Ward Manager
RESPONSIBILITY TO: /Clinical Services Manager
HOURS OF WORK: /37.5 hours per week over 7 days
SALARY RANGE: /£25,021 - £28,224
JOB SUMMARY:The post holder will work as a senior team member assuming responsibility for the assessment of nursing needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of effective programmes of care, maintaining and promoting standards. They will provide supervision to junior colleagues and pre-registration students and will support the multidisciplinary and management teams. To be responsible for the continuous education of other clinical staff. This post will involve taking charge of the unit in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility, directly assisting in the provision of a high quality clinical and organisational service. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in emergency and unforeseen circumstances. This role will also involve taking responsibility for answering and dealing with Out of Hours queries via the Hospice Advice Line within their competencies, regional and local guidelines and policies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Knowledge and skills framework Core Dimensions
Communication-Core Dimension Level 3
Develop and maintain communication with people on complex matters, issues and ideas/in complex situations.
1. Communication is a fundamental process to ensure continuity and high standards of care. It involves sharing information, ideas and feedback in order to empower patients and members of the multi-disciplinary team
2. Has the skill in communication with a range of people on a daily basis and some who may have communication barriers
3. To assist in providing feedback to other members on their communication at appropriate times
4. Takes a proactive role in producing accurate and complete records of activities, communicate consistently with Hospice policies, procedures and legislation.
5. Assist in the performance appraisal process of others as part of their individual development
Health, safety and security –Core dimension level 2/3
Promote, monitor and maintain best practice in health, safety and security.
1. The post holder is required to familiarise him/herself with and comply with the Hospice policies and procedures
2. The post holder must at all times respect patient confidentiality and most importantly the confidentiality of electronically stored personal data in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act
3. Creates and takes responsibility for a healthy and safe working environment.
4. The post holder must be aware of individual responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and identify and report as necessary any untoward incident, accident or potentially hazardous environment
5. Identifies how to manage risks and helps others to manage risk
6. Take the necessary action in relation to risk
7. Ensuring that all departmental resources, including drugs, are stored safely and used effectively and economically
8. Work closely with the Ward Manager, Clinical Services Manager and Medical team in order to promote safe and effective care for patients throughout their stay
Service Improvement core dimension Level 2/3
Contribute to the improvement of services
1. Bring own unique clinical experience to the Hospice, to support the team in providing the best possible quality to a diverse group of patients.
2. Work in accordance with the Hospice Nursing and Clinical Services Strategy in order to meet the Hospices business objectives.
3. Develop strategies for the management and delivery of care for Specialist Palliative Care Patients.
4. Participate in the unit philosophy of Nursing and shared governance structure of the Hospice.
5. Maintain an interest in current trends of nursing and specialist palliative care
6. Act as a clinical resource to other nurses and clinicians and support all members for the multi-disciplinary team.
7. Be aware of the importance to facilitate, initiate, manage and evaluate change in order to improve quality of patient care as required in the unit
8. Is aware of financial considerations within the unit in budget and control, use of staffing levels and bank staff and equipment that may be used to ensure appropriate measures are taken to maximise cost effectiveness and efficiency
9. Demonstrate knowledge of, and participates in the “Essence of care” Benchmarking process and implementation of action plans, including:
Audits
Ø Patient/staff satisfaction
Ø Risk assessments
Ø Research and development programmes
Ø Achieving best practice
Equality and Diversity Core Dimension Level 3
Support equality and value diversity
1. The post holder must at all times carry out duties and responsibilities with regard to the Hospice Equal Opportunities Policy and Dignity at Work Policy
2. Identifies and takes action when own or others behaviour undermines equality and diversity.
3. Enables others to promote equality and diversity and a non-discriminatory culture
4. Able to assist people who need assistance in exercising their rights
5. The post holder must respect patient confidentiality and in particular, the confidentiality of electronically stored data in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998, the Caldicott report and the Freedom of Information Act.
Assessment and care planning to meet health and well being needs – specific dimension Level 2/3
Assess complex health and wellbeing needs and develop, monitor and review care to meet those needs/plan deliver and evaluate care to address people’s complex health and well being.
1. Encourage patients to be involved in their care activities and make their own decisions wherever possible
2. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with complex needs and makes changes as appropriate and liaising with the multi-disciplinary team
3. Ensures documentation is accurate and up to date
4. Educates and supports more junior staff in the assessment process
5. Safely administers prescribed medication and monitors effects
6. Educates patients, relatives and staff as necessary
7. Ensure patients views are taken into account in the decision making process
8. Participates in collaborative decision making within the nursing team
9. Acts as a safe practitioner ensuring that evidence based care is delivered according to local clinical guidelines
10. Delegates work appropriately to team members taking into accounts individual knowledge base, skill mix, patient dependency, in meeting complex needs of patients
11. Demonstrates the ability to safely discharge patients in line with the hospice policy and pathway
12. Is responsible for dealing with calls, within their own competencies from Health Professionals via the Hospice Telephone Advice Service, ensuring Local/Regional Guidelines, Policies and Procedures are adhered to
13. Delivers care maintaining own accountability according to NMC Code of Conduct 2004.
Freedom to Act
· The post holder plans their workload and supervises others, using guidance, policies in accordance with their professional code of conduct, and in accordance to the needs of the patient group
· The post holder is required to use their own judgement, to define day to day work priorities and initiate treatments affecting patient care
Information collection and Analysis – specific dimension Level 2
Gather, analyse and report a limited range of data information.
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research and development and how this influences nursing practice
2. Record patient data in the correct form and manner, whether paper or electronically. Assist in the development of electronic records and system
3. Reports the data/information clearly in the required format and at the time agreed
Learning and Development – Specific Dimension Level 2
Assist with learning and development activities
1. Provides formal teaching sessions to staff within the Hospice as required
2. creates and sustains a teaching and conductive learning environment
3. Evaluates the effectiveness of learning activities and agrees how learning and development may be improved in the future
4. Demonstrates awareness of individuals learning needs and styles and how to develop education and training to meet these needs
Financial Management-Specific Dimension level 1
Monitor Expenditure
1. Is aware of the financial constraints on the organisation, and uses all resources efficiently
People Management Specific Dimension Level 1
Plan, allocate and supervise the work of a team.
1. Demonstrates effective management of all resources including staffing, supplies, budgets etc.
2. Objectively assess the work of the team and provide clear and constructive feedback to the team in a manner most likely to maintain and improve performance
3. Demonstrates effective delegation to areas of practice ensuring that delegation is accompanied by empowerment
Effort and Environment
Physical Effort· The post holder will have direct patient contact, delivering direct care within the in-patient unit, to meet the patient’s needs. There may be a requirement on occasions to work within day care to meet the needs of the organisation.
Mental Effort
· Responsible for producing accurate patient records
· Responsible for calculating drug dosages, and administering medicines
· Regularly takes charge of a shift
Emotional Effort
· The post holder is required to support a caseload of patients, through a range of treatments and experiences. Many of which can be highly distressing, challenging and complex. The post holder will also support junior staff in the process.
Working Conditions
· The post holder will work within the in-patient unit to deliver care, they are required to maintain close patient contact, which includes the handling of bodily fluids
Health and Safety
Be familiar with the Health and Safety Policy operated by the Hospice with regard to:-· The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
· Fire Safety Regulations
· Manual Handling
· Attend Statutory Fire training
· Assist other employees, visitors and volunteers in the normal course of duty to recognise safe practices and procedures where necessary.
Confidentiality and Security of Information
· Within your position you will be expected to adhere to the Security of Information Policy that concerns your job role within the Hospice.
· You will be expected to attend security and confidentiality training as and when required.
· Should you have any matters of concern you are encouraged to raise these with your line manager.
Diversity and Equality
All staff will be treated with respect by management, colleagues, patients and visitors and equally staff will treat management, colleagues, patients and visitors with the same level of respect.Staff will be supported to challenge any discriminatory behaviour that may be based on differences in race, disability, language, culture, religion, sexuality, age, gender or employment status.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties of the post and will be reviewed from time to time in conjunction with the postholder.
Staff Nurse Band 11 PERSON SPECIFICATION
FACTORS / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS/
EDUCATION / Ø Registered Nurse
Ø Willingness to study to degree level and further develop
Ø Evidenced current competency in various clinical skills / Ø Has a nursing degree
Ø Teaching qualification
Ø Evidence of ongoing professional development to Diploma level
SKILLS/ABILITIES / Ø Be familiar with the clinical governance framework
Ø Understand Risk management strategies, quality assurance issues and implications for practice.
Ø Understanding and commitment to specialist palliative care
Ø Good listening skills
Ø Good presentation and teaching skills
Ø Leadership qualities / Ø Management skills
Ø Phlebotomy and canulation
EXPERIENCE / Ø 2 years post Registration
Ø reflective skills / Ø experience in an acute or community setting
KNOWLEDGE / Ø IT proficient
Ø Excellent communication skills
Ø Ability to motivate others
Ø Facilitate learning of others
Ø Understanding of current issues within nursing / Ø Knowledge of evidence based practice change management
DISPOSITION / Ø Pleasant
Ø Approachable
Ø Outgoing
Ø Enthusiastic
Ø Good sense of humour
Ø Caring and can demonstrate empathy
Ø Team player is essential
OTHER REQUIREMENTS / Ø Punctual, good health and attendance record
Ø Keen to develop own skills in palliative care, bring current thinking and acute skills to the hospice, with the aim of returning to the NHS sector with a skills set in specialist palliative care
Job Description Band 11 (E Grade)
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