Temporary Wellbeing and Supportive Care Nurse

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

Aim

To provide the highest possible standards of care, deliver therapeutic interventions and symptom self-management sessions, enable individual to live well and ensure that these are carried out in accordance with the policies and procedures of Springhill Hospice and the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional Clinical

1. Manage enquiries, referrals and registration of people, family members and carers to Wellbeing and Supportive Care services and manage any waiting lists.

2. Assume responsibility for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care, supervising and co-ordinating the work of junior staff.

3. Ensure individual patients and, where appropriate, their relatives/carers are involved in the care planning process.

4. Assess and provide appropriate advice to patients/carers to assist in their understanding of their disease and management of symptoms.

5. Establish patients expectations, discuss and agree goals at the time of assessment in order to measure the effectiveness of their attendance. Evaluate these during their attendance and revise their management plan accordingly.

6. Ensure that the admission and discharge procedure is adhered to and that it is effectively communicated with patients and relatives/carers and other members of the multidisciplinary team

7. Undertake delegated nursing responsibility for individual patient care as required. Liaise and work alongside individual members of the multidisciplinary team in the delivery of care to patients. e.g. specialist nurses, doctors, spiritual & pastoral care coordinator, counsellors.

8. Facilitate and support other multidisciplinary team members with small group activities.

9. Deliver individualised patient programmes of symptom self-management and planning for the future within the Hospice and the community (eg community centres/groups, GP surgeries).

10. Attend and support with community engagement events to explain the Hospice services and referral criteria.

11. Within the scope of professional practice and Hospice policies, perform role expansion duties following appropriate training and assessment of competence.

12. Administer drugs and treatments as per Hospice policies and NMC standards for Drug Administration, ensuring appropriate documentation is completed.

13. Supervise and contribute to the continual training and development of junior staff, volunteers and act as mentor to students/nurses on clinical placements.

14. Assist with volunteer support via 1:1s and the Lets Take 10 for volunteers.

15. Undertake any additional duties or responsibilities deemed reasonable and appropriate by the Wellbeing & Supportive Care Manager.

16. Ensure accurate and relevant patient records as required by Springhill Hospice and in accordance with Hospice policy and the Data Protection Act 1998, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

17. Maintain a safe environment for patients, relatives, visitors and staff, in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act.

18. Ensure that the correct policy for the care and custody of patients property/valuables is adhered to.

19. Be accountable for your own clinical practice.

20. Maintain a working professional portfolio, providing evidence of self-development in line with NMC revalidation requirements.

Education and Development

1. Actively participate in individual annual appraisal.

2. Maintain own levels of professionalism and competence by attending training and development courses as required and as agreed with the Line Manager through the appraisal process.

3. Provide mentorship to new staff members, students or staff on placement.

4. Ensure completion of Hospice mandatory training courses.

5. Undertake continuing professional development in line with NMC requirements/Hospice requirements.

General

1. Read, understand and comply with all Hospice policies and procedures, applying the principles as appropriate to role.

2. To be aware of individual specific responsibilities in respect of the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, in relation to role.

3. Assist in induction and support of newly appointed staff to their duties.

4. Participate in Hospice meetings as required.

5. Ensure your continued support and encouragement to department colleagues and the wider Hospice team at all times.

6. To participate in audit to monitor quality of service to ensure standards are met.

7. Maintain NMC registration.

8. Act at all times in a professional and competent matter, so enhancing the profession of Nursing and the reputation of Springhill Hospice to the general public.

9. Ensure all donations received for the Hospice are recorded and passed to appropriate personnel and assist as required with Hospice fundraising events.

10. On occasions represent the Hospice and receive donations at outside meetings functions.

11. Contribute to and actively promote Springhill Hospice Mission, Vision, Values and Commitments.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate plans of care for patient goal.
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Desire to increase knowledge and skills within palliative care speciality.
• IT skills.
• Enthusiastic and motivated practitioner.

Desirable

• Interest in other therapies e.g. mindfulness, relaxation, nutrition, exercise.
• Teaching experience.
• Ability to deliver small discussion education groups with patients/ carers.
• Coordinate and train volunteers.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as a member of a multidisciplinary team within a health-care environment.
• Evidence of caring for patients with palliative care needs.
• Understanding of the difference between specialist and general palliative care.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the community.
• Experience of working within a hospice/ palliative care / oncology environment.

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant degree / diploma; Nursing (Registered Nurse, Level 1) .
• Registered with NMC.
• Minimum 2-year post registration experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development and willingness to undertake further study in palliative care and any skills that will benefit patient care.

Desirable

• Specialist Palliative Care qualification minimum 20 credit.
• Communication skills qualification.

Other

Essential

• Adaptable and able to work in a team environment.
• Innovative approach.
• Flexible working approach.
• Self-awareness.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.

Desirable

• Understanding of the impact of illness on family dynamics.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).