Job summary
St Lukes Hospice is seeking an experienced and compassionate Senior Registered Staff Nurse to provide clinical leadership within our Inpatient Unit, supporting the Ward Manager to deliver outstanding, patient-centered palliative and end-of-life care.
As Senior Staff Nurse, youll lead shifts within the Inpatient Unit, ensuring safe, effective and responsive care while acting as a visible clinical role model. Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, youll support patients and families through complex care journeys, promote best practice, and help ensure each shift runs smoothly and safely.
Youll also play a key role in supporting, developing and supervising staff, contributing to quality improvement, clinical governance and workforce wellbeing.
Note:This job description reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and is subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.
Main duties of the job
The Senior Staff Nurse (SSN) is accountable and responsible for the leadership and
operational management of the Inpatient Unit working under the direction of the
Ward Manager. She/he will be responsible for delivering high quality, evidence-based
patient centered care, ensuring each shift runs efficiently and safely
She / He will be responsible for, working closely with colleagues to achieve excellent
outcomes for our patients, families and service users.
About us
St Lukes Hospice cares for people approaching the end of their life in Harrow and Brent. We aim to give the people we care for the best possible quality of life, every day. Supporting local people and their families is at the heart of what we do focusing on what matters the most to them is at the centre of our care.
Founded by local communities in 1987, we have been providing free expert end of life care and support to local people both in the community and from our beautiful Kenton Grange building, surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Two thirds of our care is provided in the comfort of peoples homes, as we respect that this is where most people would like to be looked after. Our specialist community team of nurses helps people to manage more complex needs whilst our Hospice at Home team supports people to remain in their own homes by providing practical care and support.
Our inpatient unit (IPU) at Kenton Grange cares for people in their final days, providing intensive care to help get symptoms under control or give respite care. Many of the people who are cared for in our IPU go home again.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY:
Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality patient care within the Inpatient Unit through
effective leadership and team management
Identify through 1;1 and performance assessment of staff their skills/training needs
to meet the required practice standards and role competencies.
Act as a role model and expert clinical practitioner
Monitor quality of care through audit/spot checks and quality projects.
Work collaboratively with other patient services teams to influence care. To work
externally with external partners to support transition of care on discharge.
Ensure safe working practices are upheld in regards to training and adherence to SLH
policies, guidelines and operational procedures
To support the Ward Manager to help implement and deliver upon the agreed IPU annual work
plan and support the wider organisational vision, values and business objectives.
To maintain an understanding of the wider palliative care agenda; keep abreast on advances
in clinical symptom management, and professional nursing standards and practice.
Actively support the IPU workforce, ensuring their health and wellbeing is sustained.
Job Description
Promoting opportunities for their continual learning and professional development.
Key Tasks; some tasks may be delegated but the post holder remains responsible for
ensuring that they are carried out satisfactorily.
Clinical 60%
To be responsible for the development and sustainability of a Safe, Effective,
Responsive, Caring and Well-led IPU which includes:
1 Work as a core member of the multidisciplinary team actively participating in the
coordination of the shift and delivery of direct patient care.
2 Leading the shift and allocating the right staff, with the right skill to the right patients.
Taking responsibility for staff/patient work load allocation, delegation of routine tasks
and duties, coordination of any volunteers, visitors/students/meetings whilst adapting
to the changing demands throughout the shift.
3 Supporting the Ward Manager to ensure the required CQC compliance standards,
hospice policies, guidelines and practice development initiatives are followed and
embedded into IPU practice by:
Regular monitoring to ensure that all IPU Patients and their carers holistic needs
and risk assessments are undertaken on admission and regularly reviewed and
evaluated throughout their stay.
Ensuring all patients have individualised care plans that are up to date and
accessible.
Demonstrating patient centred evidence-based care is documented and recorded
promptly and accurately on the patient electronic record system.
Reporting and escalating any patient concerns, changes of care, or outcomes
ensuring they are shared with the team.
4 To work closely with the ward manager to ensure the continuity of patient care
coordination processes are in place that clearly communicates agreed care plan
decisions from the weekly ward rounds, daily shift handovers and weekly MDTs. Care
of patients should include physical, social, psychological, spiritual and emotional
aspects of care.
5 Support the ward manager and Hospice Services Navigator in ensuring the IPU beds
are managed effectively and the agreed length of stay and bed occupancy standards
are met. This will require:
Proactive coordination and planning with the Hospice Navigator and the Medical
Team to ensure appropriate IPU patient referrals needs are met whenever possible.
Through Advance Care Planning discussions, ensure all IPU patient preferences
and wishes are considered and shared if appropriate.
To assist in the coordination of the prompt and timely discharge planning.
Initiate and lead (on occasions) care planning meetings with the IPU social worker
ensuring the professionals, families/patients are well notified in advance of purpose
and that the agreed outcomes are documented and actioned.
6. Working collaboratively with the other multi-disciplinary professionals and volunteer
teams to ensure a cohesive approach to the delivery of the IPU patients care.
7. As a senior nurse act professionally at all times, demonstrating the hospice values and
relaying the vision with your team and in accordance to the NMC Code of Conduct.
Managerial 20%
To be responsible for the day to day efficiency and effective shift management of the
IPU which includes:
1. Having regular 1-1 sessions, as directed by the ward manager, with staff nurses, HCAs
and Admin staff as allocated. This includes quarterly performance reviews: ensuring
there are clear objectives, identified training needs, supporting the IPU work plan and
individual learning needs.
2. Taking responsibility for overseeing and supporting staff:
Ensure staff have their breaks and are encouraged to take regular annual leave,
plus enable staff to attend training/ internal supervision.
Ensure both staff and volunteers within the IPU are following safe working practice
guidance, including the ad-hoc working patterns of the IPU bank/ agency staff.
Assist (with the ward manager) in the selection and appointment of nurses and HCA
3. To be responsible for ensuring that the support facilities services are in place and
contribute to the smooth efficiency of day to day shift working
Pharmacy and blood collection by delegated drivers
Ordering of clinical stores and pharmacy requirements
Transport coordination for patients where required
Transfer and discharges
Equipment is available, clean and in good working order.
4. Assist in coordinating a 24-hour off-duty rota that is able to meet the changing demands
of the service and patient, as well as ensuring safe staffing standards are maintained.
Including:
Being responsible in managing staffing gaps by utilising bank / agency staff,
ensuring that bank and agency budget is appropriately utilised.
Escalating concerns and identified risks that could compromise patient safety.
5. Working with the relevant services to ensure support, induction and training needs of
new staff and allocated IPU patient facing volunteers, bank/agency and student
placements are in place.
6. Recognise the importance of establishing open and transparent communication
systems so the IPU team is kept updated and informed. Actively engage in IPU and
wider organisational developments, to feedback and relay ideas and concerns to the
Senior Team.
7. Maintain custody and storage of controlled and other drugs, checking and witnessing
administration procedures and strictly adhering to the Hospices Drugs policy, Care
Quality Commission regulations and the law.
Governance and Quality Assurance: 10%
To actively contribute to clinical governance and quality assurance processes by:
1. Under the guidance of the Ward Manager to assist/lead in quality/audit projects as
required.
2. To contribute to the clinical governance work, participating in working groups and
projects as relevant.
That staff are familiar with hospice policies and evidence-based practice.
3. To actively engage, encourage and contribute in the user feedback (Care Opinion)
and patient engagement processes that support service planning.
4. Support the ward manager, ensuring prompt identification and management of
clinical or service risks and incidents. Ensuring they are proactively reported and
supported with clear plans that demonstrate action taken and learning shared.
5. Be responsible for the accuracy and legibility of patient care records.
6. To assist in any performance management issues as required.
To assist in investigating, in conjunction with the Ward Manager and Director of
Patient Services, any complaints about aspects of patient care.
Learning and Development 10%
To actively contribute to the wider patient services workforce and learning and
development planning by:
1. Working with the Ward Manager, to ensure allocated student placements are
compliant to the highest education standards when in IPU.
2. Ensuring IPU staff and volunteers are confident and competent, by enabling staff
to undertake the hospice induction, orientation (including MAST) and clinical
training competencies programmes.
3. Supporting the induction all new IPU staff and volunteers, ensuring a mentorship
and support process is in place.
4. To be aware of own educational and development needs, and consider how these
can be met in liaison with the Ward Manager as part of own 1-1s and performance.
5 Support staff/volunteers personal development and well-being in ensuring their
regular attendance at training, supervision and learning sessions.
6. To act as an assessor for standards of healthcare. This will include NVQs, prenursing courses, Diploma and Degree pre and post registration students, Return
to Nursing and other professional students
7. Create an environment conducive to learning.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY:
Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality patient care within the Inpatient Unit through
effective leadership and team management
Identify through 1;1 and performance assessment of staff their skills/training needs
to meet the required practice standards and role competencies.
Act as a role model and expert clinical practitioner
Monitor quality of care through audit/spot checks and quality projects.
Work collaboratively with other patient services teams to influence care. To work
externally with external partners to support transition of care on discharge.
Ensure safe working practices are upheld in regards to training and adherence to SLH
policies, guidelines and operational procedures
To support the Ward Manager to help implement and deliver upon the agreed IPU annual work
plan and support the wider organisational vision, values and business objectives.
To maintain an understanding of the wider palliative care agenda; keep abreast on advances
in clinical symptom management, and professional nursing standards and practice.
Actively support the IPU workforce, ensuring their health and wellbeing is sustained.
Job Description
Promoting opportunities for their continual learning and professional development.
Key Tasks; some tasks may be delegated but the post holder remains responsible for
ensuring that they are carried out satisfactorily.
Clinical 60%
To be responsible for the development and sustainability of a Safe, Effective,
Responsive, Caring and Well-led IPU which includes:
1 Work as a core member of the multidisciplinary team actively participating in the
coordination of the shift and delivery of direct patient care.
2 Leading the shift and allocating the right staff, with the right skill to the right patients.
Taking responsibility for staff/patient work load allocation, delegation of routine tasks
and duties, coordination of any volunteers, visitors/students/meetings whilst adapting
to the changing demands throughout the shift.
3 Supporting the Ward Manager to ensure the required CQC compliance standards,
hospice policies, guidelines and practice development initiatives are followed and
embedded into IPU practice by:
Regular monitoring to ensure that all IPU Patients and their carers holistic needs
and risk assessments are undertaken on admission and regularly reviewed and
evaluated throughout their stay.
Ensuring all patients have individualised care plans that are up to date and
accessible.
Demonstrating patient centred evidence-based care is documented and recorded
promptly and accurately on the patient electronic record system.
Reporting and escalating any patient concerns, changes of care, or outcomes
ensuring they are shared with the team.
4 To work closely with the ward manager to ensure the continuity of patient care
coordination processes are in place that clearly communicates agreed care plan
decisions from the weekly ward rounds, daily shift handovers and weekly MDTs. Care
of patients should include physical, social, psychological, spiritual and emotional
aspects of care.
5 Support the ward manager and Hospice Services Navigator in ensuring the IPU beds
are managed effectively and the agreed length of stay and bed occupancy standards
are met. This will require:
Proactive coordination and planning with the Hospice Navigator and the Medical
Team to ensure appropriate IPU patient referrals needs are met whenever possible.
Through Advance Care Planning discussions, ensure all IPU patient preferences
and wishes are considered and shared if appropriate.
To assist in the coordination of the prompt and timely discharge planning.
Initiate and lead (on occasions) care planning meetings with the IPU social worker
ensuring the professionals, families/patients are well notified in advance of purpose
and that the agreed outcomes are documented and actioned.
6. Working collaboratively with the other multi-disciplinary professionals and volunteer
teams to ensure a cohesive approach to the delivery of the IPU patients care.
7. As a senior nurse act professionally at all times, demonstrating the hospice values and
relaying the vision with your team and in accordance to the NMC Code of Conduct.
Managerial 20%
To be responsible for the day to day efficiency and effective shift management of the
IPU which includes:
1. Having regular 1-1 sessions, as directed by the ward manager, with staff nurses, HCAs
and Admin staff as allocated. This includes quarterly performance reviews: ensuring
there are clear objectives, identified training needs, supporting the IPU work plan and
individual learning needs.
2. Taking responsibility for overseeing and supporting staff:
Ensure staff have their breaks and are encouraged to take regular annual leave,
plus enable staff to attend training/ internal supervision.
Ensure both staff and volunteers within the IPU are following safe working practice
guidance, including the ad-hoc working patterns of the IPU bank/ agency staff.
Assist (with the ward manager) in the selection and appointment of nurses and HCA
3. To be responsible for ensuring that the support facilities services are in place and
contribute to the smooth efficiency of day to day shift working
Pharmacy and blood collection by delegated drivers
Ordering of clinical stores and pharmacy requirements
Transport coordination for patients where required
Transfer and discharges
Equipment is available, clean and in good working order.
4. Assist in coordinating a 24-hour off-duty rota that is able to meet the changing demands
of the service and patient, as well as ensuring safe staffing standards are maintained.
Including:
Being responsible in managing staffing gaps by utilising bank / agency staff,
ensuring that bank and agency budget is appropriately utilised.
Escalating concerns and identified risks that could compromise patient safety.
5. Working with the relevant services to ensure support, induction and training needs of
new staff and allocated IPU patient facing volunteers, bank/agency and student
placements are in place.
6. Recognise the importance of establishing open and transparent communication
systems so the IPU team is kept updated and informed. Actively engage in IPU and
wider organisational developments, to feedback and relay ideas and concerns to the
Senior Team.
7. Maintain custody and storage of controlled and other drugs, checking and witnessing
administration procedures and strictly adhering to the Hospices Drugs policy, Care
Quality Commission regulations and the law.
Governance and Quality Assurance: 10%
To actively contribute to clinical governance and quality assurance processes by:
1. Under the guidance of the Ward Manager to assist/lead in quality/audit projects as
required.
2. To contribute to the clinical governance work, participating in working groups and
projects as relevant.
That staff are familiar with hospice policies and evidence-based practice.
3. To actively engage, encourage and contribute in the user feedback (Care Opinion)
and patient engagement processes that support service planning.
4. Support the ward manager, ensuring prompt identification and management of
clinical or service risks and incidents. Ensuring they are proactively reported and
supported with clear plans that demonstrate action taken and learning shared.
5. Be responsible for the accuracy and legibility of patient care records.
6. To assist in any performance management issues as required.
To assist in investigating, in conjunction with the Ward Manager and Director of
Patient Services, any complaints about aspects of patient care.
Learning and Development 10%
To actively contribute to the wider patient services workforce and learning and
development planning by:
1. Working with the Ward Manager, to ensure allocated student placements are
compliant to the highest education standards when in IPU.
2. Ensuring IPU staff and volunteers are confident and competent, by enabling staff
to undertake the hospice induction, orientation (including MAST) and clinical
training competencies programmes.
3. Supporting the induction all new IPU staff and volunteers, ensuring a mentorship
and support process is in place.
4. To be aware of own educational and development needs, and consider how these
can be met in liaison with the Ward Manager as part of own 1-1s and performance.
5 Support staff/volunteers personal development and well-being in ensuring their
regular attendance at training, supervision and learning sessions.
6. To act as an assessor for standards of healthcare. This will include NVQs, prenursing courses, Diploma and Degree pre and post registration students, Return
to Nursing and other professional students
7. Create an environment conducive to learning.
Person Specification
Skills / Personal Attributes
Essential
- Demonstrate expertise in the clinical management of palliative care/EOLc in patients, and support for families.
- IT skills to maintain database and patient care records
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a broad range of people
- Ability to prioritise own work and caseload demands to deadlines
- Knowledge of clinical governance and guidance frameworks
- Ability to build, lead, organise and motivate a team successfully
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries
- Drive and enthusiasm
- Ability to work autonomously and as an effective member of a team, using initiative
- A commitment to the vision, values and objectives of St Lukes Hospice
- Understanding and commitment to the Hospices Equal Opportunities policy
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of health care systems and processes
Qualifications
Essential
- First level registered nurse
- Educated to degree level or willingness to undertake
- Recognised qualification in palliative care or relevant clinical practice
- Evidence of continuous personal and academic development
- Current NMC registration
Desirable
- Recognised teaching qualification or experience
Experience
Essential
- Experience in working in palliative care/end of life or with long term conditions
- Experience of managing/leading the work of a MDT
- Experience of auditing and monitoring the quality of care
- Experience of managing a staff rota/coordination of caseload/shift
Desirable
- Experience of working with and supporting volunteers
- Evidence of leadership and change management
- Experience of delivery of service
Person Specification
Skills / Personal Attributes
Essential
- Demonstrate expertise in the clinical management of palliative care/EOLc in patients, and support for families.
- IT skills to maintain database and patient care records
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a broad range of people
- Ability to prioritise own work and caseload demands to deadlines
- Knowledge of clinical governance and guidance frameworks
- Ability to build, lead, organise and motivate a team successfully
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries
- Drive and enthusiasm
- Ability to work autonomously and as an effective member of a team, using initiative
- A commitment to the vision, values and objectives of St Lukes Hospice
- Understanding and commitment to the Hospices Equal Opportunities policy
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of health care systems and processes
Qualifications
Essential
- First level registered nurse
- Educated to degree level or willingness to undertake
- Recognised qualification in palliative care or relevant clinical practice
- Evidence of continuous personal and academic development
- Current NMC registration
Desirable
- Recognised teaching qualification or experience
Experience
Essential
- Experience in working in palliative care/end of life or with long term conditions
- Experience of managing/leading the work of a MDT
- Experience of auditing and monitoring the quality of care
- Experience of managing a staff rota/coordination of caseload/shift
Desirable
- Experience of working with and supporting volunteers
- Evidence of leadership and change management
- Experience of delivery of service
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).
Additional information
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).