Job summary
An
exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and compassionate Staff Nurse
(AFC Band 5) to join the Discharge Lounge team at UHND. This role offers the
chance to work within a dynamic and supportive environment focused on
facilitating safe, timely, and effective patient discharges. The successful
candidate will work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure
patients are prepared for discharge, receive appropriate education, and have
the necessary support in place for a smooth transition home. The post holder
will demonstrate excellent clinical skills, strong communication, and a
commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while maintaining
patient safety and dignity at all times.
Main duties of the job
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate safe and effective
patient care within the Discharge Lounge.
Monitor patients while they await transport, discharge
medications and documentation.
Administer medicines where trained and competent, and
provide medication education when required.
Complete relevant observations as needed.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation, both electronic
and paper.
Communication & Multidisciplinary Working
Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and carers,
providing reassurance and clear discharge information.
Liaise with ward staff, site teams, discharge coordinators,
pharmacy and transport services to facilitate flow and reduce delays.
Support community referral processes such as district nurse
referrals when needed.
Safe Practice & Environment
Maintain a safe, clean and organised clinical environment in
line with infection-control and health-and-safety standards.
Report and document any adverse events in line with Trust
policies.
Support Trust quality improvement and discharge initiatives
aimed at improving patient experience and flow.
Teamwork & Development
Work collaboratively as part of the Discharge
Lounge team, including par
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA Band 3 within the NHS for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide advice and support to patients to enhance and
enable patients to reach optimum health through knowledge, experience and
health promotion.
Depending upon experience, act as a mentor to supervise
students, newly appointed staff and unqualified staff. To utilise knowledge and have the skills to
deliver the best possible evidence based training.
Able to work well under pressure and the confidence to
challenge unwanted behaviours.
Possess the skills needed e.g. Team Leader Skills to
deputise and supervise the nursing team in the absence of the department
manager, referring to the to the department manager when necessary.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Trusts Health and
safety Policies.
The ability to supervise the nursing team,
referring and escalating to the department manager when necessary.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide advice and support to patients to enhance and
enable patients to reach optimum health through knowledge, experience and
health promotion.
Depending upon experience, act as a mentor to supervise
students, newly appointed staff and unqualified staff. To utilise knowledge and have the skills to
deliver the best possible evidence based training.
Able to work well under pressure and the confidence to
challenge unwanted behaviours.
Possess the skills needed e.g. Team Leader Skills to
deputise and supervise the nursing team in the absence of the department
manager, referring to the to the department manager when necessary.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Trusts Health and
safety Policies.
The ability to supervise the nursing team,
referring and escalating to the department manager when necessary.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered General Nurse with current NMC PIN
Desirable
- Familiarity with trust IT systems
Statutory Registration
Essential
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
Desirable
- Safeguarding Level 2 and 3
Experience
Essential
- Post Registration experience
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to organise oneself and the work of others whist under pressure.
- Patient Focused: Understands how their role impacts on the patient journey, and a willingness to place the patient at the centre of what they do
- Achieving Results: Experience of successfully working to deadlines and completing tasks.
- Inspirational Leadership: Keen to develop themselves and others, open to new ideas and willing to share their experience with others.
- Maximising Value: Takes ownership of problems and does not overly complicate matters or involve colleagues unnecessarily
- Working Together: Approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered General Nurse with current NMC PIN
Desirable
- Familiarity with trust IT systems
Statutory Registration
Essential
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
Desirable
- Safeguarding Level 2 and 3
Experience
Essential
- Post Registration experience
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to organise oneself and the work of others whist under pressure.
- Patient Focused: Understands how their role impacts on the patient journey, and a willingness to place the patient at the centre of what they do
- Achieving Results: Experience of successfully working to deadlines and completing tasks.
- Inspirational Leadership: Keen to develop themselves and others, open to new ideas and willing to share their experience with others.
- Maximising Value: Takes ownership of problems and does not overly complicate matters or involve colleagues unnecessarily
- Working Together: Approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues
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).
