Sister/Charge Nurse

Job responsibilities

CLINICAL LEADERSHIP

The Senior Registered Nurse will maintain a nursing culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovations.

The Senior Registered Nurse will:

• Strive for continuous improvements in the delivery of high quality patient focused care.

• Participate within the ward team including the delegation of work on a day to day basis for junior staff.

• Act as clinical expert providing specialist knowledge and advice to both nurses and medical staff working within the unit.

• Be the named clinical expert responsible for on shift for the continuing care of patients within the unit.

• Organise own workload and support junior staff to time manage and prioritise.

• Plan and manage skill mix to reflect the workload and meet the needs of the patients, including using the e-rostering system effectively.

• Actively participate in the department budget and with support from ward sister exercise care and economy in the ordering and use of supplies/ equipment.

• Participate in the development and delivery of a philosophy of care which involves/respects the rights of patients carers and staff.

• Lead by example, motivate and empower others.

• Promote effective communication when liaising with all members of the multidisciplinary team.

• Relate to all staff and patients in a confident manner, demonstrating good listening skills and work effectively as part of team.

• Acting as a positive ambassador for the Trust, always promoting the best clinical and professional practice.

• Create, maintain and enhance effective working relationships and collaborative working within the ward/ department and across professional boundaries with the Trust.

• Recognise areas of conflict and assist in the management of this to promote a healthy working environment.

• In the absence of the Ward Sister take responsibility for maintaining staff records e.g. sickness, annual leave, taking appropriate action where necessary.

• Assist in the orientation/ induction of new staff, nursing students, allied health professionals and medical staff.

• Mentor and supervise pre and post registered staff; demonstrate procedures to pre and post registered nursing staff without direct supervision, always promoting a high standard of best practice, quality nursing care.

• Ensure that nursing practices comply with Trust policies and procedures and are maintained at the highest standard.

• Within the frame of clinical governance assist the senior sister/ charge nurse to be proactive in responding to and investigating complaints, clinical and non-clinical incidents to ensure robust systems are in place for informing and improving evidence based practice.

• Respond to patient, relatives and carers concerns as they arise and take action as required.

• Assist in maintaining a safe clinical environment through participation in risk management processes, through audit, risk assessment, managing, reporting and investigating incidents.

• Maintain an awareness of national and regional initiatives.

• Participate in supporting individual performance review processes.

• Foster good relationships to achieve and maintain high morale and for both staff and patients.

• Provide feedback to the senior sister/ charge nurse on individual staff progression or identify any concerns and document.

Experience

Essential

• Post registered experience in Surgery
• Management and Leadership training

Desirable

• Post registered experience in Plastic Surgery

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse
• Current NMC registration
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Evidence of competency in teaching and assessing
• Supporting Learning in Practice

Desirable

• First level degree
• Significant post registration experience

Knowledge & Awareness

Essential

• Up to date knowledge of current nursing issues and practice
• Demonstrate innovation in practice
• Incorporate high quality patient centred care
• Demonstrate a high level of personal and professional accountability
• Awareness of professional responsibilities to self and others
• Awareness of current national changes in nursing / NHS

Desirable

• Evidence of commitment to research based practice or evidence of project work undertaken
• Experience as mentor/ preceptor

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to plan, asses, implement and evaluate patient care
• Prioritise tasks
• Excellent clinical skills
• Ability to lead a team
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships
• Motivate self and others
• Be able to provide high quality care in a highly charged environment
• Excellent organisational prioritisation, delegation and communication skills

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Good interpersonal skills
• Leadership and management skills
• Able to communicate clearly (verbally and written)
• Adaptable and flexible
• Ability to problem solve
• Willingness to gain knowledge and develop professionally
• Role models the Trust values and behaviours

Desirable

• Ability to work effectively under pressure

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).