Hospice Community Nurse Specialist

Job responsibilities

Responsible for the management of a palliative care caseload, working independently in the community. Provide specialist clinical advice and support to maintain a high standard of holistic care to those living with incurable disease. Liaise with other hospices, primary health care teams, hospital and volunteer staff.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To be conversant with the policies and procedures for Weston Hospicecare

To be responsible in identifying, prioritising and implementing initial and ongoing assessments of the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and practical needs of the patients and their families carers

To establish and maintain good professional relationships with members of the Primary Health Care Team providing knowledge and expertise in the care of patients with incurable disease. This includes advice on pain and symptom management, social, psychological care and communication

To build and maintain a continuing caring therapeutic relationship to enable the patient and their family carer opportunities to discuss problems, anxieties, fears, hopes and joys.

To offer advice and support to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families carers

To liaise with the hospice doctors on issues relating to patient care

To maintain accurate patient records in accordance with the NMC Code of Practice

To undertake administration and recording of drugs in accordance with Hospice policy

Report, record and deal with all accidents, incidents and complaints in line with Hospice policy

To evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions and treatments

To take responsibility for the management of own patient caseload & assist in the planning, implementing, evaluation and documentation of direct patient care to meet agreed clinical objectives and standards of care

To be a resource to patients, carers and staff and provide support as required

To support bereaved relatives

To ensure Health and safety, Risk Management, and legislation are adhered to

To promote health education with patients and their carers

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To keep HNCS Team Manager informed of caseload, particularly any problems arising from its management

To be involved in Clinical Governance programmes and risk management

To participate in any accreditation or inspection process required by the Health Authority or other legislation

Ensure current regulations are adhered to

To support and supervise clinical practice of Hospice Community Nurse

To promote an environment responsive to inividualised patient carers needs

To develop and participate in effective induction programmes and staff development

EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To facilitate and train in teaching programmes run by Weston Hospicecare

To participate in formal and informal education and training; and disseminate of professional and clinical knowledge to others GPS, District Nurses, Student Nurses, Medical Students and Volunteers

To provide formal and informal education and training as required, both internal and external

To take personal responsibility for own professional development, remain updated with changes in practice and legislation, and where possible, to make full use of training and education facilities available

To actively participate in experiential and academic learning in line with the position of Hospice Community Nurse Specialist

To participate in the orientation and development of new staff members and volunteers

To keep up to date with current practice and legislation

Maintain and extend persona knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the role and to share information

Attend all statutory and mandatory training as required

LIAISES WITH

All members of the Hospice Community Nursing team (HCNS)

Hospice Doctors

All other health and social care professionals

Other voluntary services

Any other services caring for patients and their family carers

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To be a safe practitioner & work within the Nursing, Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct (NMC)

Maintain & develop own knowledge & skills ensuring compliance with NMC Revalidation requirements

Undertake Clinical Supervision

Participate in the Performance Review Process

Will, at times, receive confidential and sensitive information and will deal with it according to policy

Work within the policies and guidelines of Weston Hospicecare

Be familiar with fire, emergency and safety regulations, ensuring attendance at statutory updates

Maintain good working relationships with all members of the hospice staff and volunteers

Maintain a smart, professional appearance at all times in line with hospice policy

Maintain a responsible attitude towards economy and care of equipment and other resources

REPRESENTATIONAL ROLE

Represent the Hospice at external meetings and events

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Take an active part in audit, monitoring and research programmes

Identify areas for research and or audit and present to Audit Group

STRATEGY - POLICY - PROTOCAOL DEVELOPMENT

As part of the Multi-disciplinary Team, be involved in developing standards of care

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Under the provision of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is the duty of every employee:

To take reasonable care of themselves and others at work

To co-operate with the hospice as far as is necessary to enable them to carry out their legal duty

Not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with anything provided, including personal, protective equipment for health and safety or welfare at work

Weston Hospicecare operates an In-house NO SMOKING policy for staff.

DATA PROTECTION

You are required to obtain process and or use information held on computer. This must be undertaken in a lawful way. Data held must not be disclosed in a way that is incompatible with such a purpose. Breaches of confidentiality in relation to data will result in disciplinary action, which may result in dismissal.

SCOPE OF JOB DESCRIPTION

This job description reflects the immediate requirements and objectives of this post. It is not an exhaustive list of the duties, but gives a general indication of work undertaken which may vary in detail in the light of changing demands and priorities. Substantive changes will be carried out in consultation with the post holder.

This job description is subject to periodic review and amendment

Special Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding complex symptom management in specialist palliative care
• Data Protection/GDPR/Information Governance
• Manual Handling

Qualifications

Essential

• First level RGN with minimum 5 years experience
• Relevant degree or working towards
• Current NMC registration
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Teaching qualification communication skills module
• BSc in Palliative Care or relevant social science

Other Requirements

Essential

• Reflective practitioner
• Self motivated
• Able to transport self within community catchment area

Communication and people skills

Essential

• Good communication skills including verbal, non-verbal, written, electronic and presentation. Communication will be mostly in a clinical environment with other professionals, patients, cares & public, including out of hours advice line
• Communication includes clinical, confidential, sensitive & complex issues, often of an emotional nature
• Basic PC skills including email and use of patient software system

Experience

Essential

• At least 5 years at senior nurse level, at least 2 in specialist palliative care or community
• Management skills

Desirable

• Formal teaching experience
• Community experience

Organisational Skills

Essential

• Own time management and prioritising work of other staff in an unpredictable environment
• On-going day to day management of patient caseload
• Management of resources to ensure smooth running of caseload

Organisational Skills

Essential

• Own time management and prioritising work of other staff in an unpredictable environment
• On-going day to day management of patient caseload
• Management of resources to ensure smooth running of caseload

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).