Job summary
Are you looking to be part of something new and exciting? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for a registered professional to bring their experience and knowledge to the integrated Virtual Ward Team.
Virtual ward is a safe and efficient alternative to NHS bedded care. Virtual wards support patients who would otherwise be in hospital to receive the acute care and treatment they need in their own home. This includes either preventing avoidable admissions into hospital or supporting early discharge out of hospital.
The delivery of digitally enabled care (virtual care) including virtual wards is a national priority embedded within current health and social care policy. In the 2022-23 priorities and operational planning guidance, systems were asked to deliver virtual ward capacity equivalent to 40-50 virtual ward 'beds' per 100k population by December 2023. This post provides an opportunity to drive and transform the system by embedding the use of digital technology to release pressure on acute care and improve patient outcomes.
Please note, this role is based at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and is not a working from home opportunity.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
Many patients with chronic lung disease are prematurely frail with substantial comorbidities and therefore cross specialty working and appreciation of diagnostic and social complexity is necessary. The aim of Virtual Ward is to reduce hospital admissions and minimise hospital lengths of stay by providing intensive and advanced nursing input and by involving and working very closely with appropriate members of the multi-disciplinary team.
The postholder will need to be proactive and motivated to be able to be a identify patients who may be a candidate for early discharge from the front door units within the hospital, namely the emergency department, Medical SDEC Unit and the Frailty unit. Not only this but it would be expected that they could also coordinate phone calls from community facing healthcare professionals, undertaking clinical triage in line with agreed clinical pathways and NICE guidance. With the support of the Respiratory consultant of the Day this will involve formulating an appropriate care plan for that individual including investigative work-up, a safe management plan and an awareness of any complex care needs to enable the individual to remain in their own home. Experience with advance care planning discussions is beneficial but not compulsory.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will liaise with the referring clinician when arranging admission to the scheme and will take responsibility to effectively assess, develop, implement, monitor and evaluate patient care.
As part of role you will deputise in the absence of Team Manager and assist in the day to day management of the team, including the performance and development of staff and providing clinical support to other team members.
The post holder will have clinical line management and supervision responsibilities for team members.
The post holder will assess and triage the suitability of referred patient for admission to the services and arranges seamless transfers between care settings.
Participants throughout the day in patient flow by actively sourcing and supporting patients from the Emergency Department and Medical Assessment Unit.
The Teams work on a flexible rota shift system. The service may cover a 24 hours period seven days a week which may include an on-call system.
The geographical catchment area is anywhere where University Hospital Plymouth provides services.
The post holder is predominantly an autonomous senior nurse.
The post holder will provide shift leadership, manage the service in the absence of senior colleagues and act as first on call for the team (if required).
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will liaise with the referring clinician when arranging admission to the scheme and will take responsibility to effectively assess, develop, implement, monitor and evaluate patient care.
As part of role you will deputise in the absence of Team Manager and assist in the day to day management of the team, including the performance and development of staff and providing clinical support to other team members.
The post holder will have clinical line management and supervision responsibilities for team members.
The post holder will assess and triage the suitability of referred patient for admission to the services and arranges seamless transfers between care settings.
Participants throughout the day in patient flow by actively sourcing and supporting patients from the Emergency Department and Medical Assessment Unit.
The Teams work on a flexible rota shift system. The service may cover a 24 hours period seven days a week which may include an on-call system.
The geographical catchment area is anywhere where University Hospital Plymouth provides services.
The post holder is predominantly an autonomous senior nurse.
The post holder will provide shift leadership, manage the service in the absence of senior colleagues and act as first on call for the team (if required).
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- oProven background knowledge of Government policies relating to Virtual Ward
- oProven understanding of Clinical Governance.
- oOverview of Acute Discharge process
- oCurrent and up to date proven knowledge of Code of Conduct (NMC and or HCPC)
Desirable
- oProven knowledge of Secondary & Primary Care Sector
- oBasic proven knowledge of Long-Term Conditions
- oRespiratory background
Qualifications
Essential
- oNMC Registered Nurse (Adult) or HCPC Registered Paramedic
- oRecognised teaching or mentorship qualification at degree level or equivalent
- oManagement and leadership module or study days/evidence of
- oDegree (or working towards) in healthcare
Desirable
- oRecognised Acute Care Assessments module
- oRecognised Frailty modules
Aptitude and abilities
Essential
- oHave a 'can do' attitude.
- oHighly effective communication skills - verbally and written to staff, patients and relatives including in situations of conflict or distress.
- oInformation technology skills.
Desirable
- oPrevious recent demonstrable experience of managing change towards improvement in a clinical setting.
Disposition
Essential
- Non-judgemental
- Ability to motivate others
- Flexible/adaptable
- Ability to prioritise
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Organisational skills
- Ability to discuss complex patient care with senior clinicians
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- oProven background knowledge of Government policies relating to Virtual Ward
- oProven understanding of Clinical Governance.
- oOverview of Acute Discharge process
- oCurrent and up to date proven knowledge of Code of Conduct (NMC and or HCPC)
Desirable
- oProven knowledge of Secondary & Primary Care Sector
- oBasic proven knowledge of Long-Term Conditions
- oRespiratory background
Qualifications
Essential
- oNMC Registered Nurse (Adult) or HCPC Registered Paramedic
- oRecognised teaching or mentorship qualification at degree level or equivalent
- oManagement and leadership module or study days/evidence of
- oDegree (or working towards) in healthcare
Desirable
- oRecognised Acute Care Assessments module
- oRecognised Frailty modules
Aptitude and abilities
Essential
- oHave a 'can do' attitude.
- oHighly effective communication skills - verbally and written to staff, patients and relatives including in situations of conflict or distress.
- oInformation technology skills.
Desirable
- oPrevious recent demonstrable experience of managing change towards improvement in a clinical setting.
Disposition
Essential
- Non-judgemental
- Ability to motivate others
- Flexible/adaptable
- Ability to prioritise
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Organisational skills
- Ability to discuss complex patient care with senior clinicians
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).
