Job responsibilities
1. Clinical
1.1 Undertakes assessment of the needs of the patient and
family/carers, and discusses these with other members of the multi-disciplinary
team as indicated.
1.2. Liaises and works closely with the senior IPU nursing
team and members of the multi-disciplinary team to provide specialist
palliative care nursing skills within individualised care pathways.
1.3. Implements care based on the initial assessment and ongoing
assessments, communicating changes in the patients condition to relevant
members of the multi-disciplinary team.
1.4. Demonstrates a positive, realistic and supportive
attitude to palliative care patients to ensure that physiological,
psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs of the patient and family are met.
1.5. Understands physiological and psycho-social processes
that indicate the need for therapeutic interventions and reacts appropriately
and safely to the potential outcomes of such interventions. 1.6. Communicates
with the patient, family/carers, and the multi-disciplinary team, to facilitate
continuity and consistency of effective care.
1.7. Completes documentation relating to patient care and
takes a role in developing and improving nursing documentation.
1.8. Assesses the information required by the patient and
family/carers. Produces and uses appropriate formats to ensure optimum
understanding of identified holistic care needs.
1.9. Enables the patient and family/carers to participate in
the planning of care, where appropriate. Assists with teaching and provides
support in preparation for all palliative care treatment needs.
2. Managerial
2.1. In the absence of members of the senior nursing team,
and in rotation with other Senior Staff Nurses, takes charge of the In-Patient
Unit.
2.2. In the absence of members of the senior nursing team,
maintains a skilled nursing presence so as to facilitate a team approach for
nursing interventions and multi-disciplinary team working.
2.3. Helps foster a supportive working environment and
maintenance of staff morale through mutual regard and respect.
2.4. Acts as a mentor / supervisor / assessor to provide
support and a positive learning environment to new and junior staff within the
IPU.
2.5. Is aware of all Hospice policies and procedures and
collaborates with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that
these are observed.
2.6. Works closely with members of the multi-disciplinary
team to ensure that clinical standards of care are achieved and participates in
the audit of clinical care.
2.7. Promotes a safe clinical environment for all patients,
visitors and staff.
3. Educational
3.1. Maintains awareness of current advances and research,
and uses educational opportunities, to maintain the highest standards of
specialist palliative care offered to patients and family/carers.
3.2. Educates and trains junior members of the team in the
development of specialist nursing skills. 3.3. Responds to the educational
needs of members of the multi-disciplinary team by imparting knowledge of the
treatment and nursing care for patients requiring palliative care.
3.4. Acts as mentor / supervisor / assessor to students and
junior staff and assists in the assessment of their competencies.
3.5. To carry out
review and annual staff appraisals
3.6 Develops an area of special interest and knowledge
related to a specific area of practice and acts as a resource to other nursing
staff with regards to this, teaching as necessary
4. Professional
4.1. Ensures own registration with the Nursing and Midwifery
Council (NMC), and is aware of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Scope
of Professional Practice
4.2. Fulfills
revalidation criteria in accordance with NMC recommendations.
4.3. Positively commits to staff appraisal, performance and
clinical supervision to ensure personal professional development.
4.4. Positively commits to creating a culture on the IPU
that reflects the organisational values
4.5 Participates in educational programmes and specifically
attends teaching identified to meet Senior Staff Nurse development aims and
objectives such as leadership/managerial courses.
5. Other
Responsibilities
5.1. 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.
5.2. Lead by example, exemplifying the Hospice values and
behaviours Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence.
