Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities:
PROFESSIONAL/CLINICAL
To complete relevant competencies for the paediatric unit and specific competencies to each clinical area to enable and support job role through appraisal thus ensuring high standards of clinical care.
To assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care using research/ evidence as appropriate. Leading more junior staff in the same, performing specialist procedures following completion of competencies/ courses.
To provide leadership, motivating the ward /department team to ensure excellent nursing care, provide support and the supervision of more junior staff to ensure a high and safe standard of care.
To ensure that all nursing procedures are carried out in accordance with St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust policies taking appropriate action in emergency situations.
Set, monitor and maintain excellent standards of care in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team, particularly for patients with multiple needs who require complex packages of care.
Support and deal with patients, parents, relatives and staff in stressful situations and recognising the need for counselling and refer on as appropriate.
Maintaining personal contact with patients, relatives and carers being sensitive to their need for courtesy, dignity and privacy ensuring a friendly environment at all times, including documentation of nutritional status and discussion around single sex accommodation.
Manage the ward/department in the absence of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse. Coordinate safe staffing levels and inform the Matron/Head of Nursing of any problems or incidents that might arise.
Ensure that accurate and timely nursing records are maintained, monitoring standards and taking appropriate corrective action as necessary.
Store, check and administer drugs in accordance with Trust policy and NMC standards having completed the units specialist drug administration test. Assisting others in this procedure.
To work in an unsupervised capacity throughout all areas of the speciality including wards and outpatients.
To prioritise own work and that of others to ensure the ward/department is managed effectively.
Provide and receive complex and sensitive information using developed interpersonal and verbal and non-verbal communication skills with patients, their families and friends.
Daily checking of the emergency trolley.
To contribute to the local resolution, investigation and follow up action of any informal or formal complaints, taking the lead in the absence of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron.
Recognise verbal and non-verbal cues at childs various developmental stages in order to provide basic and specialist care acting as the childs advocate.
Participating in and supporting junior staff to represent the ward/department at meetings, in audit, research, projects and being willing to take on and supervise the roles of a Link Nurse for areas of clinical expertise.
ORGANISATIONAL
Co-ordinate the admission/reception of new patients in conjunction with the Bed Management Team.
Deputise for Sister/Charge Nurse in their absence when required.
Arrange, in consultation with the multidisciplinary team and the Bed Manager, the discharge/transfer of patients and initiating appropriate community care services.
Communicate and co-operate with other wards and departments giving accurate information as required, particularly with regard to notification of incidents and accidents to staff, patients and visitors.
Maintain and monitor a safe and clean environment within the clinical area in accordance with the Trust Health and Safety, Clinical Risk, Infection Control Policies and PEAT requirement.
Represent the ward/department at meetings participating in audit, research, projects and co-ordinating the appointment of link nurses for areas of clinical expertise. Attend Unit/Ward meetings.
Maintain and monitor levels of stock and ensure that there are adequate supplies and that resources are used effectively.
On a daily basis assist in ensuring that there are adequate staffing levels and skill mix to meet patient care needs in the present and for the following 36 hours.
Undertake the completion of the ward/department staffing rota as a delegated Duty, ensuring that there are appropriate staffing levels and skill mix to meet patient care needs.
To take appropriate action to address unexpected changes and situations, informing the on call Senior Nurse or Manager as necessary.
To be familiar with and use the ICLIP, Transport Request and Agresso system and any other computerised system integral to the running of the service.
To actively contribute to Clinical Governance and achieving the goals of the Care Group and the Nursing Strategy.
To demonstrate a willingness to lead and motivate a team, providing clear direction and consistent leadership at all times.
In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron to assist in the recruitment selection and retention of nursing staff.
Handle, check and store patients cash and valuables in accordance with Trust policies.
Give management and clinical paediatric advice when holding the paediatric senior nurse/ bed managers bleep (6448) ensuring the effective admission and discharge of children to meet Government targets. Attend and support any paediatric emergencies within St Georges.
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
In consultation with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron/Nurse Consultants/ Practice Educator take a lead role in the education and assessment of all pre and post registration students in accordance with the University and Trust requirements.
Undertake the regular performance review of staff, setting clear and achievable objectives appropriate to the grade and role.
Ensure that all nursing staff attend/complete mandatory training and that attendance is accurately recorded at ward/department level.
To be responsible for personal and professional development and practice, recognising own limitations and the need for continuing education, including medical devices training.
Take a lead in initiating, implementing and evaluating new ideas and changes in clinical practice.
In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse and Practice Educator plan and participate in the orientation of new staff and the development of junior staff.
Promote health education and provide appropriate written and verbal information and advice to patients and their carer s.
Participate in and lead quality initiatives to promote and ensure that nursing care is evidence and research based.
GENERAL
To act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors and to be accountable for own clinical practice and professional actions at all times.
Ensure continued and effective registration with the NMC.
To have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of self and others and to comply at all times with the requirements of the Health and Safety Policy.
To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity.
To promote equal opportunities for staff and patients in accordance with St Georges Healthcare and University policies to ensure that no person receives less favourable treatment than another on grounds of sex, race, marital status, religion, colour, creed, nationality, ethnic or national origin or sexual orientation.
Be aware of and work within the policies of St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust carrying out such duties as may be required and are consistent with the responsibility of the grade.
This job description is not an exhaustive document but is a reflection of the current position. Details and emphasis may change in line with service needs after consultation with the post holder.
St Georges NHS Foundation Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and operates a No Smoking Policy.
May 2023
