Sister / Charge Nurse

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

To assess patients appropriately, seeking intervention from other members of the multidisciplinary team as necessary.

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

Ensure accurate documentation of patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards.Maintain safe practice according to Hospital Policies and Standards.

Ensure all prescribed drugs and treatments are given in accordance with Hospital Policy.

Maintain a clean and safe environment for immuno-compromised patients.

Ensure that blood products are administered correctly and in accordance with Hospital Procedure and Policy.

Administer chemotherapy and bolus chemotherapy via established central lines and peripheral cannula in line with hospital policy.

Liaise with external multidisciplinary teams (eg: district nurses, Macmillan nursed, hospice staff)

Provide a supportive service to patients and carers/families from diagnosis through all stages of the disease.

Monitor results and bring to the notice of appropriate medical staff if abnormal to minimise risk to patient

Arrange patients follow up appointment or admission dates for next course of treatments in ambulatory care

Work closely with MDT and specialist nurses to facilitate seamless transition for patients from inpatient to outpatient status (and vice versa)

Establish and maintain close collaboration with consultant, medical staff to facilitate the best possible patient care.

Managerial:

To line manage members of the team and maintain personal files

Manage and monitor the performance of the team in the work place

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

When appropriate, take charge of the department in the absence of the Senior Sister, ensuring that standard of care and department management are maintained

To rotate through Ambulatory Care Unit (AC) and Withington ward area ensuring that standards of care are maintained.

Ensure skill mix is appropriate to clinical needs of the department. Maintain and update the off duty using the e-rostering system

Liaise with Senior Sister/ Charge Nurse, to ensure adequate staffing levels on each area of the department

Keep Senior Nurse Managers/Modern Matrons aware of pertinent issues in the clinical area.

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

Act as preceptor/mentor to Withington ward staff and Pre and Post registered Nurse.

Work with unit manger to ensure clinical standards of care are achieved and participate in audit of clinical care.

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.

Supporting the manager in initiating and implementing change, and in promoting an awareness of professional accountability.

Supporting the manager when appropriate, in the recruitment and selection of new staff to the clinical area.

Actively participate in Clinical Risk Assessments and ensure correct documentation of Clinical Incidents in accordance with Hospital Policy.

Lead a team of registered nurses and health care assistants.

Developing and updating protocols and patient information

Research:

1. Maintain a sound knowledge base of relevant research.

2. Assist in the application and evaluation of current research findings in order to ensure quality evidence based practice.

3. Develop research interests within the specialist field of practice.

4. Participate as required/requested in research and audit initiated by other members of the multidisciplinary team.

Education:

Maintain own awareness of current nursing practice. Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the highest standards and up to date care offered to patient with cancer.

Supervise clinical staff and disseminate knowledge and current developments. Develop oneself and others in areas of practice.

Participate in planned programmes of appraisal with the unit manager.

Highlight areas of improvement and development within the department

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

Participate and undertake research and audit which will influence practice

Ensure own learning and development needs are met.

Maintain own mandatory training requirements

Attend appropriate study days/conferences.

Professional Development:

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

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

Accept responsibility to develop managerial skills within the clinical setting.

Contribute to the improvement of services.

Contribute to improving quality.

Personal:

1. Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote a good working relationship

2. Show a professional and courteous manner

3. Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information both at work and outside of working hours

4. To be aware of and adhere to all policies including; sickness and absence, confidentiality, uniform and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work act

5. Report and record all accidents, incidents and complaints according to the agreed policy

6. To be aware of limitations and utilise the preceptor system for any issues that arise

7. To show respect for members of the team and endorse the units philosophy of giving mutual support

Qualifications

Essential

• RGN Level 1 or 2
• Degree or Diploma in nursing studies.

Desirable

• Management Course
• Post Registration Certificate in Cancer or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Experience in haematology I stem cell transplantation.

Desirable

• Experience in TYA oncology
• Leadership experience or similar

Skills

Essential

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

Desirable

• Cannulation
• Delivery of bolus chemotherapy

Knowledge

Essential

• Committed to own personal, professional development and that of Staff nurses and HCA's

Desirable

• Understanding of need for evidence based practice
• Computer literacy

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

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).