Senior Staff Nurse

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.

Experience

Essential

• Relevant Palliative Care post registration experience or other relevant experience as a Senior Staff Nurse .
• Experience of leading a team of nurses.
• Experience of mentorship for junior staff.

Particular Skills and Aptitudes

Desirable

• Great communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to articulate in a clear, sensitive manner.
• Great interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in an emotionally demanding environment.
• Computer literate.
• Willingness to develop teaching and assessing skills.
• Evidence of developing leadership skills within a multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse with the NMC.
• Palliative care qualification (such as ECEPC).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in specialist palliative care.
• Assessors training.
• Evidence of post-registration courses undertaken.
• Diploma or Degree level study.

Personal Qualities and other requirements

Desirable

• Understanding of Hospice philosophy and the structure and nature of specialist palliative care services.
• Awareness of the concept of clinical supervision and reflective practice.
• Ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Willing to undertake internal rotation.
• Flexibility of shifts.
• Awareness of, and commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of the Hospice.

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).