Job responsibilities
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Clinical
To liaise with families in person, by telephone, e-mail or in writing as appropriate in relation to paediatric sleep study referrals.
Following appropriate training and under the appropriate direct/indirect supervision of a Registered Nurse, work independently as a member of a team coordinating and organising the sleep study service for children and young people attending Nottingham Childrens Hospital.
To run a daily clinic, demonstrating how to use sleep study equipment to ward staff/patients/parents/carers, distributing equipment and answering/signposting any questions they may have.
To prioritise workload in particular any studies that may be urgent, providing the ward staff with equipment quickly and efficiently for inpatients.
To download patients sleep study recordings and return completed reports in a timely manner.
To refer any patient concerns to the paediatric respiratory team.
Have an up to date understanding of safeguarding children and young people.
Coordinate the use and maintenance of equipment. Ensure the servicing of all equipment used by the sleep study service and respiratory team is up to date. To ensure that replacements are available for children in the community, whilst equipment is being serviced.
Liaise with medical equipment services unit (MESU) to ensure quality assurance is maintained with equipment.
Consider, order and effectively deploy available resources to achieve safe care. This includes monitoring stock levels of equipment required for patients and contacting relevant company representatives.
2. Clerical
Competently use the hospital IT systems, such a CareFlow, Webhiss and DHR. Use IT skills to maintain Excel spreadsheets and create word documents.
To book appointments into daily sleep study clinics following time specified pathways to ensure waiting time targets are achieved.
Assist in the development and maintenance of the existing paediatric sleep studies database.
To maintain accurate records of all contacts made with the child and family which should be available to colleagues, senior nursing/medical staff.
To assist in the implementation of audit and patient satisfaction questionnaires that is identified by the paediatric respiratory team. Work in conjunction with the respiratory team to use the findings of these projects to make changes and improvements to the service.
To assist in the organisation and coordination of educational study days for the respiratory team as appropriate.
3. Communication
Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team in order to promote efficient patient care and maintain effective channels of communication. Attend meetings and take minutes as appropriate.
Report all accidents and untoward incidents to the nurse in charge of the area and complete incident forms in accordance with Trust policy.
Maintain accurate patient records written and electronic. Be aware of the need for confidentiality both within the written and spoken word and ensure correct storage of patients records at all times.
Liaise with other wards and departments as necessary for the coordination of patients care and the smooth running of the sleep studies service.
4. Personal Professional
To have appropriate knowledge and understanding of Trust policies and demonstrate a professional manner and confident approach at all times.
Take full responsibility for the completion and delivery of work to a high standard within the allocated timescales.
Undertake mandatory and job-specific training.
To participate in an annual individual performance review with the Paediatric Respiratory Nurse Specialist.
Use initiative in planning daily and weekly routines.
Carry out expected roles without the need for constant supervision and direction, recognising limitations and seeking supervision where necessary.
Undertake any other duties which may be reasonably required, in addition to those attached relating to your specific area.
Participate in educational programmes in the paediatric respiratory service at Nottingham Childrens Hospital and the wider trust as needed.
Ensure uniform policy is followed.
5. Management
Support a culture of teamwork within the department.
Use resources effectively in order to provide quality care whilst having an awareness of budgetary issues.
Comply with Health and Safety and Infection Control Polices and ensure that staff, patients and visitors are aware of the procedures.
Maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
Be aware of the principles of risk management and clinical governance in relation to Nottingham Childrens Hospital.
GENERAL DUTIES
In addition to the key job responsibilities detailed in this job description all employees at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust are expected to comply with the general duties detailed below:
Infection Control
To maintain a clean, safe environment, ensuring adherence to the Trusts standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control.
Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults
Nottingham University Hospitals is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are therefore expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment.
Information Governance
All staff have an individual responsibility for creating accurate records of their work and for making entries into and managing all NHS records effectively in line with the Health Record Keeping Policy and other Health Records and Corporate Records Management policies and procedures in order to meet the Trusts legal, regulatory and accountability requirements.
Health and Safety
To take reasonable care to prevent injury to themselves or others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
To co-operate fully in discharging the Trust policies and procedures with regard to health and safety matters.
To immediately report to their manager any shortcomings in health and safety procedures and practice.
To report any accidents or dangerous incidents to their immediate manager and safety representative as early as possible and submit a completed accident/incident form.
To use protective clothing and equipment where provided.
Whilst the aim of the Trust is to promote a co-operative and constructive view of health and safety concerns in the organisation, all staff must be aware that a wilful or irresponsible disregard for safety matters may give rise to disciplinary proceedings.
Governance
To actively participate in governance activities to ensure that the highest standards of care and business conduct are achieved.
Health and Wellbeing
Employees are expected to take all reasonable steps to look after both their physical health and mental health. To support employees to achieve this NUH offers a wide range of health and wellbeing activities and interventions. The full programme can be viewed at on the staff intranet.
Line managers are expected to encourage and support staff to look after their health and wellbeing, including the release of staff to attend health and wellbeing activities and interventions.
General Policies Procedures and Practices
To comply with all Trust policies, procedures and practices and to be responsible for keeping up to date with any changes to these.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Mental Effort
- Concentrate for frequent periods with a predictable work pattern i.e. clinics, assessments, report writing, etc.
Physical Effort
- Handle equipment as required.
- Work a minimum of three days a week (excluding weekends and bank holidays) with a requisite to work Friday to meet the needs of the service.
- Able to work in a host of clinical and office environments within the hospital setting.
Emotional Effort
- Works with families where there will be a need to engage with the following emotive situations:
Communication of complex needs.
Emotional and physical challenges.
Safeguarding issues.
Long-term and life-limiting medical conditions.