Job summary
Are you a nurse working in haematology or oncology who is passionate about cancer care? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and aspire to deliver high quality, patient-centred care within a team of innovative professionals? If so, we would value you in our team!
The Combined Haematology Oncology Centre (CHOC) at Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust comprises of 3 wards designed to accommodate the needs of our patients. We specialise in providing outstanding care to patients facing cancer diagnoses and haematology disorders. We are proficient in provision and administration of various anti-cancer treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, bispecific treatment and radiotherapy. Whether our patients are newly diagnosed, receiving active treatment or reaching the end of their life, we are committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care at every stage of their journey. We aim to provide optimal comfort and dignity for each individual under our care.
As a Band 6 Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, you will contribute to the development of the ward team and support the Ward Manager in the delivery of a consistently high quality and cost-effective service and will be expected to deputise for the Ward Manager as required. You will have excellent communication skills and high clinical standards with a passion to make a difference for patients and staff alike. We have in house training courses, taught by our senior nurses/ACPs and practice development team.
Main duties of the job
- In the absence of the senior ward sister, lead and coordinate the nursing team, taking responsibility for the management and organisation of the clinical area.
- Through effective leadership, ensure the clinical team deliver a safe, effective, responsive, caring and well-led service where compassion is embedded and a positive patient experience is achieved.
- Provide professional clinical and managerial leadership to nursing and act as a professional role model.
- A highly skilled clinical expert with specialised knowledge in caring for patients and their carers.
- A highly skilled haematology/oncology nurse who has all the requirements necessary to give chemotherapy (practical and theoretical) and has their chemotherapy competence signed off by the Lead Chemotherapy Nurse.
- Has an annual reaccreditation of chemotherapy competence.
About us
Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.
Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical/Professional
-
Promote
and set high standards of professional nursing care and maintain the delivery
of quality care within the trust policies, protocols and guidelines. Implement the trust values and beliefs
ensuring they are embedded into everyday practice and evaluate their impact on
the patients experience.
- Provide
professional nursing leadership to staff within sphere of clinical
responsibility. Lead and motivate staff by giving clear direction and setting
achievable objectives through APDR process.
- Responsible
for the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and
evaluation of programmes of care on a day to day basis.
- Maintain
a high visible presence within the clinical area ensuring that patients,
visitors, healthcare staff and the multidisciplinary team, have access to
senior staff at all times. Act as an
effective professional role model and
expert clinician.
- With
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse contribute to the ward/department philosophy and
models of care to ensure that all policies and procedures are implemented. Ensure that all staff understand the
significance of this philosophy to practice, monitoring its impact on the
patient experience.
- Ensure
that all nursing issues relating to the implementation of patient quality and
safety are addressed on the ward/department. This includes monitoring and
evaluating standards of care by the clinical team and providing regular
feedback to the ward team on the standards of nursing care.
- Implement
evidence based practice, initiate, manage and evaluate changes that lead to
improved and high standards of care and in particular any service changes
following feedback from patients.
- Communicating,
influencing and working with the multidisciplinary team in different ways to
improve quality of care, and informed clinical decisions. Promote innovation
and participate in benchmarking and quality audits to measure effectiveness of
current practices.
- In
collaboration with other areas and the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, improve and
maintain standards of fundamental nursing care, using tools such as the
Portsmouth Bundle.
- In
collaboration with members of the multidisciplinary team, ensure that the users
of the service and their families have a positive experience and using feedback
(Elephant Surveys, Family and Friends Test, concerns and complaints) evaluate
patient processes and pathways of care are redesigned as required.
- Create
a culture for learning and development that will sustain person-centred safe
and effective care.
- Support
junior colleagues in the provision of direct care; facilitate learning in and
from practice at the same time as working alongside; or undertaking a care plan
review if an when a serious incident or complaint has occurred.
- Ensure
concerns raised by patients and their families are dealt with in an open,
honest and transparent way, quickly and effectively, in line with trust
policies, procedures and Duty of Candour legislation.
- Ensuring
that accurate and timely nursing records are maintained, monitoring standards
and taking corrective action as required.
- Ensure
all staff in the clinical area are competent in the use of medical
devices/equipment and have access to training and monitoring compliance.
Management/Leadership
-
Responsible
for the organisation and management of the ward/department when on duty.
- Have an
overall view of the intensity of the workload and the experience of the staff
and act to utilise the nursing skill mix on duty to ensure the nursing cover
achieves a high standard of nursing care.
- With
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse use the Trust Ward Accreditation Programme, an
essential part of the organisations Safe and Effective Care Framework to
strive towards achieving excellence for the clinical area. Key quality indicators embedded in the
framework, alongside trust peer reviews and focused CQC style reviews will be
tools to measure the ward/department performance and identify key areas for
improvement.
- Manage
the discharge and transfer of patients by using the SAFER discharge bundle and
other discharge policies to ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home
or other community care services.
- Actively
contribute to achieving the clinical governance goals/targets set by the trust
and department and comply with reporting schedules for monitoring and reporting
on clinical outcomes.
- Implement
the Nursing Strategy by setting clear achievable objectives for staff who the
post holder manages into annual performance and development reviews and
evaluate performance.
- Robust
roster management taking into consideration the skill mix and inform senior
sister/charge nurse of any issues as they arise. Working with the Senior
Sister/Charge Nurse contribute to the recruitment, selection and retention of
the nursing workforce.
- With
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse look a succession plan for any hard to recruit
posts and use Talent Management skills to identify key staff for further
development.
- Be
proactive in the prevention and management of complaints (formal and those via
Patient Advice and Liaison Service) and when they occur investigate and respond
in a timely manner. Use any learning to share widely with the multidisciplinary
team and to improve care delivery.
- Responsible
for the management of staff performance and attendance in line with trust
policies.
- Promote
the health and well-being of staff, patients and their carers.
- Comply
and promote compliance with Trust policies and guidelines e.g. Health and
Safety, Clinical Risk and Infection Control.
- Take
appropriate action to address unexpected changes and situations, informing the
Senior Sister/Charge Nurse or other if unable to resolve.
- Contribute
to the ward/department pay and non-pay budgets to ensuring good housekeeping
and economic use of resources.
- Delegate
duties and tasks as appropriate to team members and evaluate the outcomes.
Ensure efficient bed management.
- Work
closely with partners i.e. Engie, resolving any issues regarding cleanliness,
provision of food and maintenance of the environment. Ensure staff are aware
how to escalate when issues cannot be resolved.
Research and Education
Research
-
Contribute
to a research culture within the nursing team to identify current knowledge and
deliver evidence based care.
- Support
local research teams, actively contribute to local department multidisciplinary
audits, represent the clinical area at governance meetings and highlight areas
for change.
- Liaise
with the relevant research nurse to ensure patients are identified to take part
in clinical research studies and research is delivered safely on the ward.
- Report
research activity as standard practice and as part of the ward accreditation
process.
- Embed
in the team culture the concept of recruitment to clinical trials which is a
national performance indicator.
Education
-
Ensure
staff under the post holder leadership has an annual personal development
review and set achievable objectives. Feed agreed development opportunities
into the department training plan.
- Create
an environment that is conducive to learning and encourage team open-ness so
that an evidence based approach is utilised and applied to nursing care.
- Act as a mentor and coach for student
nurses, support staff and junior team members
- Commit
to and encourage a culture where students receive quality placements supported
by mentorship and teaching from the multi-professional team.
- With
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse ensure student mentors and sign off mentors
within the clinical area are up-to-date with NMC standards, including annual
updates and undertaking triennial reviews.
- Responsible
for ensuring that ward/department staff undertake essential training.
- Ensure
there are processes in place for the orientation of new/temp staff and
preceptorship for junior nurses.
Communication
and Working Relations
-
Communicate
highly sensitive and complex information with empathy ensuring that information
is understood.
- Communicating
and co-operating with other wards and departments, promoting and maintaining
good working relationships within own clinical area and across the
organisation, giving accurate information as required and keeping everyone
informed of any untoward incidents.
- Develop
expertise in dealing with interpersonal conflict and be responsible for the
resolution of any adverse situation/incidents. Comply and promote compliance to
Trust policies e.g. Harassment and Bullying.
- An
active member of the clinical nursing team contributing to relevant Trust wide
nursing groups and meetings.
-
Represent
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in their absence at ward level.
Working Conditions and Effort
-
Frequent moderate effort for several short
periods. Moves, manoeuvres
patients from bed to chair, wheelchair patients and transferring patients from
ward to ward.
- May be
frequently exposed to distressing circumstances e.g. if working with patients
who are terminally ill and their families and/or exposed to other conditions.
- Frequent
exposure to unpleasant or highly unpleasant working conditions e.g. bodily
fluids, smell, etc.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical/Professional
-
Promote
and set high standards of professional nursing care and maintain the delivery
of quality care within the trust policies, protocols and guidelines. Implement the trust values and beliefs
ensuring they are embedded into everyday practice and evaluate their impact on
the patients experience.
- Provide
professional nursing leadership to staff within sphere of clinical
responsibility. Lead and motivate staff by giving clear direction and setting
achievable objectives through APDR process.
- Responsible
for the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and
evaluation of programmes of care on a day to day basis.
- Maintain
a high visible presence within the clinical area ensuring that patients,
visitors, healthcare staff and the multidisciplinary team, have access to
senior staff at all times. Act as an
effective professional role model and
expert clinician.
- With
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse contribute to the ward/department philosophy and
models of care to ensure that all policies and procedures are implemented. Ensure that all staff understand the
significance of this philosophy to practice, monitoring its impact on the
patient experience.
- Ensure
that all nursing issues relating to the implementation of patient quality and
safety are addressed on the ward/department. This includes monitoring and
evaluating standards of care by the clinical team and providing regular
feedback to the ward team on the standards of nursing care.
- Implement
evidence based practice, initiate, manage and evaluate changes that lead to
improved and high standards of care and in particular any service changes
following feedback from patients.
- Communicating,
influencing and working with the multidisciplinary team in different ways to
improve quality of care, and informed clinical decisions. Promote innovation
and participate in benchmarking and quality audits to measure effectiveness of
current practices.
- In
collaboration with other areas and the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, improve and
maintain standards of fundamental nursing care, using tools such as the
Portsmouth Bundle.
- In
collaboration with members of the multidisciplinary team, ensure that the users
of the service and their families have a positive experience and using feedback
(Elephant Surveys, Family and Friends Test, concerns and complaints) evaluate
patient processes and pathways of care are redesigned as required.
- Create
a culture for learning and development that will sustain person-centred safe
and effective care.
- Support
junior colleagues in the provision of direct care; facilitate learning in and
from practice at the same time as working alongside; or undertaking a care plan
review if an when a serious incident or complaint has occurred.
- Ensure
concerns raised by patients and their families are dealt with in an open,
honest and transparent way, quickly and effectively, in line with trust
policies, procedures and Duty of Candour legislation.
- Ensuring
that accurate and timely nursing records are maintained, monitoring standards
and taking corrective action as required.
- Ensure
all staff in the clinical area are competent in the use of medical
devices/equipment and have access to training and monitoring compliance.
Management/Leadership
-
Responsible
for the organisation and management of the ward/department when on duty.
- Have an
overall view of the intensity of the workload and the experience of the staff
and act to utilise the nursing skill mix on duty to ensure the nursing cover
achieves a high standard of nursing care.
- With
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse use the Trust Ward Accreditation Programme, an
essential part of the organisations Safe and Effective Care Framework to
strive towards achieving excellence for the clinical area. Key quality indicators embedded in the
framework, alongside trust peer reviews and focused CQC style reviews will be
tools to measure the ward/department performance and identify key areas for
improvement.
- Manage
the discharge and transfer of patients by using the SAFER discharge bundle and
other discharge policies to ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home
or other community care services.
- Actively
contribute to achieving the clinical governance goals/targets set by the trust
and department and comply with reporting schedules for monitoring and reporting
on clinical outcomes.
- Implement
the Nursing Strategy by setting clear achievable objectives for staff who the
post holder manages into annual performance and development reviews and
evaluate performance.
- Robust
roster management taking into consideration the skill mix and inform senior
sister/charge nurse of any issues as they arise. Working with the Senior
Sister/Charge Nurse contribute to the recruitment, selection and retention of
the nursing workforce.
- With
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse look a succession plan for any hard to recruit
posts and use Talent Management skills to identify key staff for further
development.
- Be
proactive in the prevention and management of complaints (formal and those via
Patient Advice and Liaison Service) and when they occur investigate and respond
in a timely manner. Use any learning to share widely with the multidisciplinary
team and to improve care delivery.
- Responsible
for the management of staff performance and attendance in line with trust
policies.
- Promote
the health and well-being of staff, patients and their carers.
- Comply
and promote compliance with Trust policies and guidelines e.g. Health and
Safety, Clinical Risk and Infection Control.
- Take
appropriate action to address unexpected changes and situations, informing the
Senior Sister/Charge Nurse or other if unable to resolve.
- Contribute
to the ward/department pay and non-pay budgets to ensuring good housekeeping
and economic use of resources.
- Delegate
duties and tasks as appropriate to team members and evaluate the outcomes.
Ensure efficient bed management.
- Work
closely with partners i.e. Engie, resolving any issues regarding cleanliness,
provision of food and maintenance of the environment. Ensure staff are aware
how to escalate when issues cannot be resolved.
Research and Education
Research
-
Contribute
to a research culture within the nursing team to identify current knowledge and
deliver evidence based care.
- Support
local research teams, actively contribute to local department multidisciplinary
audits, represent the clinical area at governance meetings and highlight areas
for change.
- Liaise
with the relevant research nurse to ensure patients are identified to take part
in clinical research studies and research is delivered safely on the ward.
- Report
research activity as standard practice and as part of the ward accreditation
process.
- Embed
in the team culture the concept of recruitment to clinical trials which is a
national performance indicator.
Education
-
Ensure
staff under the post holder leadership has an annual personal development
review and set achievable objectives. Feed agreed development opportunities
into the department training plan.
- Create
an environment that is conducive to learning and encourage team open-ness so
that an evidence based approach is utilised and applied to nursing care.
- Act as a mentor and coach for student
nurses, support staff and junior team members
- Commit
to and encourage a culture where students receive quality placements supported
by mentorship and teaching from the multi-professional team.
- With
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse ensure student mentors and sign off mentors
within the clinical area are up-to-date with NMC standards, including annual
updates and undertaking triennial reviews.
- Responsible
for ensuring that ward/department staff undertake essential training.
- Ensure
there are processes in place for the orientation of new/temp staff and
preceptorship for junior nurses.
Communication
and Working Relations
-
Communicate
highly sensitive and complex information with empathy ensuring that information
is understood.
- Communicating
and co-operating with other wards and departments, promoting and maintaining
good working relationships within own clinical area and across the
organisation, giving accurate information as required and keeping everyone
informed of any untoward incidents.
- Develop
expertise in dealing with interpersonal conflict and be responsible for the
resolution of any adverse situation/incidents. Comply and promote compliance to
Trust policies e.g. Harassment and Bullying.
- An
active member of the clinical nursing team contributing to relevant Trust wide
nursing groups and meetings.
-
Represent
the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in their absence at ward level.
Working Conditions and Effort
-
Frequent moderate effort for several short
periods. Moves, manoeuvres
patients from bed to chair, wheelchair patients and transferring patients from
ward to ward.
- May be
frequently exposed to distressing circumstances e.g. if working with patients
who are terminally ill and their families and/or exposed to other conditions.
- Frequent
exposure to unpleasant or highly unpleasant working conditions e.g. bodily
fluids, smell, etc.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current RN +/- RN, registration with NMC and any other relevant post registration qualifications
- BSc Degree in relevant field (Desirable - Masters degree and evidence of working towards)
- Post Reg. qualifications for specialty area
- Leadership development programme
- Teaching qualification /experience and accredited NMC before mentorship course
- Evidence of team leadership and change management with relevant management/leadership course
- Completion of SACT passport or equivalent qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Current RN +/- RN, registration with NMC and any other relevant post registration qualifications
- BSc Degree in relevant field (Desirable - Masters degree and evidence of working towards)
- Post Reg. qualifications for specialty area
- Leadership development programme
- Teaching qualification /experience and accredited NMC before mentorship course
- Evidence of team leadership and change management with relevant management/leadership course
- Completion of SACT passport or equivalent qualification.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Clinically competent in SACT administration.
- Clinical decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Effective leadership and team building skills
- Organisational skills and forward planning
- Flexibility
- Able to support development of others
- Coaching and mentoring skills
- Critical appraisal skills
- Strong customer service skills.
- IT literate
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current RN +/- RN, registration with NMC and any other relevant post registration qualifications
- BSc Degree in relevant field (Desirable - Masters degree and evidence of working towards)
- Post Reg. qualifications for specialty area
- Leadership development programme
- Teaching qualification /experience and accredited NMC before mentorship course
- Evidence of team leadership and change management with relevant management/leadership course
- Completion of SACT passport or equivalent qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Current RN +/- RN, registration with NMC and any other relevant post registration qualifications
- BSc Degree in relevant field (Desirable - Masters degree and evidence of working towards)
- Post Reg. qualifications for specialty area
- Leadership development programme
- Teaching qualification /experience and accredited NMC before mentorship course
- Evidence of team leadership and change management with relevant management/leadership course
- Completion of SACT passport or equivalent qualification.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Clinically competent in SACT administration.
- Clinical decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Effective leadership and team building skills
- Organisational skills and forward planning
- Flexibility
- Able to support development of others
- Coaching and mentoring skills
- Critical appraisal skills
- Strong customer service skills.
- IT literate
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
