Job responsibilities
Responsibility for Patient/Service User Care
1. To undertake the assessment of patients/service users with complex needs includingindividuals with unconfirmed diagnosis.
2. To develop, implement and evaluate specialised programmes of care utilisingevidence and research.
3. To work autonomously, recognising changes in patients'/service users' presentationwhich require intervention, knowing when to escalate as appropriate.
4. To guide, advise and direct other staff in the assessment, planning, implementationand evaluation of specialised patient/service user care.
5. To promote patient/service user involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluationof care, respecting their beliefs and dignity.
6. To utilise data and information from a range of sources to identify patient/service usercondition to guide decision making.
7. Within field of expertise and policy, request specific clinical tests to establish adiagnosis.
8. To undertake the role of health promoter and educator for patients/service users andtheir support networks.
9. To ensure that professional standards are upheld by the staff members working withinthe postholders sphere of responsibility.
10. To report all accidents and incidents as per policy and participate in risk managementand Quality and Safety processes e.g SWARM.
11. To be accountable for ensuring that safeguards are in place for patients/service usersand escalate any safety, safeguarding or risk concerns following the appropriateprocesses.
Communication
1. To build a therapeutic relationship with patients/service users and their supportnetwork, communicating with them in a way that respects their views, language,cultural differences and cognitive function.
2. To use a wide range of communication skills that can be adapted to meet the needsof complex and challenging situations.
3. To manage conflict between individuals including staff, patients/service users andtheir support network.
4. To establish effective working relations with all members of the multi-disciplinaryteam and outside agencies, clearly relaying condition related information in a timelyand effective manner.
5. Communicates to patients/service users and support networks compassionately, ina confidential and sensitive professional manner.
6. To provide clear, concise, and accurate electronic and paper records of the care givenin accordance with agreed policy and standards.
Leadership
1. To act as a professional role model for junior staff, promoting high standards ofpractice and strong professional values.
2. To take charge of the department or service as required.
3. To co-ordinate nurse led and multi-agency activities within area of specialist practice.
4. To contribute to team success and excellent standards of care by challenging othersconstructively, upholding HSCs CARE Values.
5. To ensure team members are aware of organisational objectives, policies andprocedures and implications that they have for their practice.
6. To undertake Values Based Appraisals for staff as required and support such staff withperformance issues, developing action plans to address developmental needs.
7. To contribute to the recruitment of team members and ensure a positive andsupportive working environment for all staff.
8. To advocate on behalf of patients and service users.
9. To take accountability and reflect on own decisions and actions using availablesupport networks.
Planning and Organisation
1. To organise own workload and tasks and that of others, demonstrating the ability torecognise changing priorities and adjusting plans accordingly.
2. To assist with shift planning/work scheduling for the service area including theappropriate allocation of staff to ensure safe levels of care.
3. To coordinate and delegate activities to junior colleagues where applicable withinagreed systems of working, considering required skill mix and staffing levels, inaccordance with patient/service user need.
Policy and Service Development
1. To contribute to service developments and propose changes to policies andprocedures.
2. To ensure that junior staff members are aware of relevant policies, procedures andguidelines.
Partnership Working
1. To demonstrate an understanding of and apply the principles of the CARE Values.
2. To actively work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team with a range ofprofessionals from other service areas who may be participating in the care of apatient/service user.
3. To lead effective team working, communicating with others in a constructive way,which enables colleagues to make suggestions for the improvement of care delivery.
4. To lead and participate in team meetings.
Responsibility for Physical and Financial Resources
1. To ensure that public funds are used responsibly and appropriately.
2. To authorise expenditure, e.g. the signing of timesheets and authorising the use ofadditional staff.
3. To have an awareness of cost implications and assist in the management of resourceswithin the service area e.g equipment and supplies.
4. To ensure the safe and responsible use of equipment.
5. To handle valuables in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
Professional Development
1. To take responsibility for maintaining own professional development and revalidationrequirements, ensuring completion of training in accordance with the Statutory,Mandatory and Essential to Role Training Policy.
2. To participate in supervisory one-to-one meetings and undertake HSC Values Based
Appraisals where appropriate, developing plans to meet personal and organisationalobjectives.
3. To continually develop new knowledge and skills, applying this to practice and sharingwith colleagues as appropriate.
4. To develop programmes of learning to meet the educational needs of staff workingwithin the department or service.
5. To participate in the induction, orientation and development of new staff, agencyworkers, students and any voluntary workers.
6. To actively contribute to an effective learning environment and to supervise andassess pre and post registration students in accordance with University and HSCrequirements.
