Job responsibilities
1. Accountability
1.1 To perform all functions of the post complying
with the Hospice values, aims, policies and guidelines. When working as a
member of the ward team the post-holder will be guided by the IPU Clinical Lead
Nurses and Social Workers.
2. Clinical
2.1 Attend and participate in the daily MDT admissions meeting; gather
information to ensure seamless transition to the IPU by establishing care and
support needs. Identify any complex care needs and liaise with internal and
external staff as needed.
2.2Coordinate with the medical team in relation
to patient clerking to ensure a joined-up approach is taken. Oversee the admission documentation process,
including; paperwork that is transferred with the patient. Take an active role
in reviewing the required paperwork is completed on admission.
2.3Support with the management, including
recording, of patients own drugs (PODs) as well as the ongoing development of the
POD project.
2.4Participate
in ward rounds and multi-disciplinary meetings proactively identifying patients
who may be suitable for discharge and contributing information regarding the
needs of patients who may be discharged.
2.5Working
in conjunction with the IPU Social Workers, meet with patients and
patientsrepresentatives with
the aim of enabling a shared understanding of their likely needs on discharge.
Keep patients and their chosen representative informed of discharge care
planning in accordance with patients wishes.
2.6Liaise closely with relevant members of the multi-disciplinary team to
ensure that all aspects of the discharge, e.g. equipment, transport, paperwork,
medicines etc. have been considered and that discharge plans progress in a
timely fashion, maximising chances that the patient will be discharged on the
planned date to home or alternative care setting as appropriate.
2.7Liaise closely with external professionals e.g. District Nurses,
Continuing Healthcare, other specialist teams to ensure they have a
comprehensive handover of the patients ongoing care and support needs. Develop
positive relationships with external providers through effective communication
to build good working relationships.
2.8Support with making applications for ongoing care e.g. Continuing
Healthcare assessments. Prepare other care plans and reports that may be needed
to support with this process.
2.9Organise and facilitate meetings with nursing
homes and care agencies to provide information regarding a patient needs to
ensure a smooth transition to an onward place of care takes place.
2.10Liaise with the medical team and the external
pharmacy to ensure TTOs/discharge medication are prepared accurately and in a
timely way. Be pro-active in troubleshooting issues that arise and have a good
working knowledge of the medicine management policies/ procedures.
2.11Maintain
excellent communication with members of the multidisciplinary team.
2.12Maintain accurate,
concise and up to date records providing the multi-disciplinary team with all
necessary information in terms of discharge planning.
3.
Professional
3.1 Ensures own registration with relevant
professional body e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
3.2 Positively commits to staff appraisal,
performance and clinical supervision to ensure personalprofessional
development.
3.3 Participates in educational programmes
offered to staff.
3.4 Is able to demonstrate commitment to the
values and behaviours of the organisation.
3.5Identify areas of practice where patient
care can be improved and proactively aim to take forward any changes identified
in relevant area overcoming barriers to change.
4. Educational
4.1To
continue personal professional development, to ensure clinical effectiveness of
self and to have a positive commitment to both providing and receiving clinical
supervision.
4.2To
participate in the development and delivery of formal educational programs for
professionals within Princess Alice Hospice, the community and educational
establishments.
4.3To provide
training and support to the wider team around patient discharge, includingsupporting members of staff to
complete discharge competencies.
5. Audit and research
5.1To develop
mechanisms for auditing care and in conjunction with senior medical and nursing
staff, participate in the development of multi-disciplinary audit.
5.2
To
participate in and support nursing and collaborative clinical research in
palliative care.
5.3
To
critique current research into best practice
6.
Other
responsibilities
6.1
To act as an
ambassador for Princess Alice Hospice at all times, including representing the
Hospice in fundraising and PR activities as requested.
6.2
To support with inducting new members of the
MDT onto the IPU ensuring they have a good understanding of the discharge
process.
6.3
To receive and
disseminate information through attendance at appropriate meetings and liaison
with other hospices and palliative care teams.
6.4
To undertake any
other such duties or general tasks and hours of work as may reasonably be required
and to work in other locations within the hospice organisation.
6.5
This job
description covers the major responsibilities to be carried out and may be
amended in the light of changing needs of the organisation. Consultation will
occur before any such changes take place.
