Sister/Charge Nurse

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL:

1. Assessment of the needs of the patient and family, ensuring the provision of client centered care which focuses on the promotion of health as well as illness.

1. Ensure accurate documentation of patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards.

1. Administering specialised treatments of chemotherapy, transplants and blood products.

1. Assess educational and information needs of patient and family, providing up to date information enabling them to participate in the planning of care.

1. Enhance care within the clinical area by using relevant research outcomes when planning and delivering nursing care.

1. Evaluate nursing care. Inform Senior Sister and medical staff of patients changing health care needs.

1. To maintain and promote effective liaison and discussion with other wards and departments across the Trust, referring hospitals and community services.

1. To refer appropriately, both within and outside the Trust.

1. To be a positive role model for potential post holders by demonstrating competent skills, that have been determined in accordance with the needs of the Department.

1. Maintain safe practice according to Trust policies and standards.

1. Ensure all prescribed drugs and treatments are given in accordance with Trusts Medicine Management Policy.

MANAGERIAL:

1. To line manage members of the Palatine ward team.

1. When appropriate, take charge of the Department in the absence of the Senior Sister, ensuring that standards of care and department management responsibilities are maintained.

1. Ensure skill mix is appropriate to clinical needs and keep Senior Sister/Modern Matrons aware of pertinent issues in the clinical area. Maintain and update the off duty for Palatine ward using the e-rostering system.

1. Help to foster a supportive working environment and maintenance of staff morale, promoting a culture in which staff feel valued and able to reach their potential.

1. Act as a preceptor/mentor to new Department staff, registered nurses, student nurses, medical staff and TNAs in training

1. Work with Senior Sister to ensure clinical standards of care are achieved and participate in audit of clinical care.

1. Be aware of responsibilities with regard to Health and Safety at Work Act. Maintain and develop an environment and culture that improves health, safety and security.

1. Support the Senior Sister in initiating and implementing change, and in promoting an awareness of professional accountability.

1. Support the Senior Sister in the recruitment and retention of new staff to the clinical area.

1. Actively participate in risk assessments and ensure correct completion of Incident Report Forms in accordance with Trust policy. Actively participate in the completion and delivery of local standard operating procedures.

1. Deal promptly with complaints and incident reporting.

1. Lead a team of registered nurses and health care assistants.

1. Manage and monitor the performance of the team in the workplace.

1. Actively participate in the management of staff absence and attendance, completing all necessary documentation.

1. Maintain personal files for all staff in the department.

1. Developing and updating protocols and patient information.

1. Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult matters and/or in difficult situations.

EDUCATION:

1. Maintain own awareness of current nursing practice. Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the highest standards and up to date care offered to haematology patients and teenagers and young adults

1. Supervise nursing staff and disseminate knowledge and current developments. Develop oneself and others in area of practice.

1. Participate in planned programmes of appraisal with the Senior Sister.

1. Ensure own learning and development needs are met.

1. Highlight areas of improvement and development within the Department.

1. Assist in the implementation of new practices, undertaking project work to ensure that working practice is evidence based.

1. Ensure own Essential Training is kept up to date by completing appropriate training packages.

1. Participate and undertake research and audit which will influence practice

1. To be up to date in all IV training programs including annual updates and competent in all areas of clinical practice including assessment of critically ill patient and competent in performing ECGs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

1. In consultation with the Senior Sister agree learning objectives designed to meet the goals of personal and professional development and undergo appropriate programmes of study.

1. Gain teaching skills by undertaking a teaching and assessing course and applying the principles in the clinical setting.

1. At the request of the accept responsibility Senior Sister to develop managerial skills within the clinical setting.

1. To attend and take part in leading team meetings.

1. To actively seek mentorship/supervision to enable development and reflection within the role.

1. Contribute to improvement of services.

1. Contribute to improving quality through monitoring of incidents.

1. Promote equality and diversity.

1. Attending MDTs within the trust and at other trusts.

1. Attend conferences and study days.

Qualifications

Essential

• RGN/RSCN
• Degree or Diploma in Nursing Studies

Desirable

• Key Skills for Managers, eg; Management of Attendance
• Preparation for mentorship

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience as a band 5
• Interest in oncology/haematology

Desirable

• Experience in haematology or TYA

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to deliver a high quality of care
• Work as a team
• Highly motivated individual and forward thinking
• Demonstrate ability to solve complex and sensitive problems
• Ability to assess risk and initiate change
• Intermediate computer skills

Desirable

• Understanding of the need for evidence based practice
• Venepuncture
• Cannulation
• Experience of working with CVCs, PICCs and Ports

Knowledge

Essential

• Committed to own personal professional development and that of junior members of staff
• Evidence of relevant further study
• Knowledge of change management
• Knowledge of audit

Desirable

• Haematology and Oncology knowledge would be an advantage but not essential

OTHER

Essential

• Flexible working
• Be able to deliver and present information to individuals and groups

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).