Registered Nurses (Inpatient Wards)

Job responsibilities

Management and Leadership

To support the Ward Manager and Ward Sisters in the delivery of patient care and developments within Hospice Services.

To work flexibly across the organisation including rotation to all shifts and through all departments as required to support the delivery of nursing care within the Hospice.

To organise the team in the absence of a more senior member of the team deploying staff appropriately according to their skills and experience.

To work collaboratively alongside volunteers on a day-to-day basis giving guidance and instruction to the volunteer team members as required.

Support the Ward Manager and Ward Sisters in implementing and reviewing clinical practices to ensure that they are cost effective.

To support the Ward Manager and Ward Sisters promoting new ways of working which support and contribute towards service and corporate objectives and improvement programmes

To contribute to and influence the total patient experience and journey through collaborative working and effective communications with all members of the multi-disciplinary team throughout the hospice.

To ensure agreed polices within area of responsibility are adhered to.

In the absence of the Ward Manager and Ward Sisters be a point of contact by ensuring that they are a visible, accessible to patients, relatives for assistance, advice and support.

To act as a role model for other staff.

To ensure that high standards of cleanliness, tidiness and decor are maintained in their designated area. To ensure environmental standards are adhered to.

To work with external agencies and community services.

To support the Ward Manager / Community Services Manager / Ward Sister/ Community Lead Nurses in the process of change demonstrating professionalism and integrity.

Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain

Patient Care

To be a competent practitioner demonstrating clinical expertise.

To deliver all aspect of care relative to their patient group.

To ensure the use of approved manual handling techniques in delivery patient care, including the safe use of mechanical and non-mechanical manual handling aids.

Communication and Relationships

To report changes in patient progress effectively, both verbally and in written form. Ensure that accurate, legible and holistic nursing records according to NMC guidelines and unit guidance are maintained.

Where appropriate interpret and present clinical information to patients and their relatives, demonstrating highest levels of interpersonal and communication skills ensure that patients and their carers have sufficient relevant verbal and written information during the patients stay.

To demonstrate sensitivity in dealing with complex and confidential information from patients, families and colleagues, giving advice and support when necessary. Respond appropriately to the information given.

Actively contribute to departmental meetings.

Ensure good working relationships and effective communications between all members of the multidisciplinary team ensuring a high standard of co-ordinated patient care.

Education, Professional Development and Training

To take every reasonable opportunity for maintaining, developing and acquiring competencies and skills for self-development.

To participate in the supervision, training and effective mentorship of other staff.

Research and Audit

To participate in, promote and disseminate relevant research findings to support clinical practice and education within the department.

Use of information

Maintain and update Hospice information systems to support patient care.

To be conversant in the use of electronic communication systems, personal computer systems, normal office equipment and systmone.

Health and Safety

Be aware of and follow policies and procedures around incident reporting and the identification of risks.

To contribute to the departments implementation of a Health and Safety management monitoring structure and as far as is reasonably practical within the designated area of responsibility maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and relatives.

The post holder will work in a safe and responsible manner by demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of all Health and Safety policies and the implementation of safety measures

The postholder will, be fully conversant in the Hospice Infection Control polices and ensure that infection control polices; protocols and procedures are adhered to.

Although the Hospice has a Zero Tolerance position in relation to violence and aggression the post holder may on occasions be exposed to verbal / physical abuse and should be fully conversant with the Hospice Policy for dealing with these situations.

Decisions. Judgement and freedom to act

To work to ensure high standard of services are delivered.

To work independently to ensure delivery of quality services within area of responsibility. Works within polices, protocols and professional standards. Seeks further advice and support for actions that effect areas outside their area of responsibility.

To be accountable for decisions affecting their sphere of responsibility.

Professional Conduct

To adhere at all times to uniform policy.

To adhere NMC guidelines and Hospice policies and procedures.

To report appropriately any observed lapses in professional conduct to the Matron in line with Hospice policy and NMC guidelines.

At all times to act as ambassador for Severn Hospice to patients, relatives, to colleagues and members of the public.

Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain

This job description is a summary of the main responsibilities of the postholder, and not an exhaustive list of duties to be undertaken. The duties may be redefined in accordance with the demands of the service. Any redefinition will be subject to discussion between yourself and your manager and be within your level of competence.

Supplementary Information and Requirements

All new Hospice employees are on a 6 month probationary period (excluding bank staff)

A DBS Disclosure will be requested in the event of an individual being offered the post.

Health and Safety

In accordance with the Hospices Health & Safety Policy all employed persons while at work are required by Section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Appraisal

Employees are required to participate in the Hospices appraisal process as required.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to prioritise tasks according to changing needs and service capacity
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent nursing skills
• Good understanding of palliative care philosophy
• Team Player
• Knowledge and understanding of the work of volunteers

Desirable

• Awareness of wider palliative care issues
• Awareness of NICE guidelines
• Awareness of issues around long-term conditions and co-morbidities

Aptitudes and Attributes

Essential

• Calm and reassuring
• Able to take instruction and document events during shift
• Sensitive
• Emotionally strong
• Able to solve problems
• Able to work on own initiative
• Good sense of humour
• To be positive and enthusiastic

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse
• Exposure to workshops/study days re palliative care

Desirable

• Post registration module in palliative care
• Essential Elements in palliative care course

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within an MDT
• Supervisory experience
• Experience in palliative care

Desirable

• Post-registration experience
• Experience of mentoring and assessing junior staff as appropriate

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).