Job responsibilities
Responsibility for Patient/Service User Care
1. To undertake the assessment of patients/service users with complex needs including
individuals with unconfirmed diagnosis.
2. To develop, implement and evaluate specialised programmes of care utilising
evidence and research.
3. To work autonomously, recognising changes in patients'/service users' presentation
which require intervention, knowing when to escalate as appropriate.
4. To guide, advise and direct other staff in the assessment, planning, implementation
and evaluation of specialised patient/service user care.
5. To promote patient/service user involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation
of care, respecting their beliefs and dignity.
6. To utilise data and information from a range of sources to identify patient/service user
condition to guide decision making.
7. Within field of expertise and policy, request specific clinical tests to establish a
diagnosis.
8. To undertake the role of health promoter and educator for patients/service users and
their support networks.
9. To ensure that professional standards are upheld by the staff members working within
the postholders sphere of responsibility.
10. To report all accidents and incidents as per policy and participate in risk management
and Quality and Safety processes e.g. SWARM.
11. To be accountable for ensuring that safeguards are in place for patients/service users
and escalate any safety, safeguarding or risk concerns following the appropriate
processes.
Communication
1. To build a therapeutic relationship with patients/service users and their support
network, 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 needs
of complex and challenging situations.
3. To manage conflict between individuals including staff, patients/service users and
their support network.
4. To establish effective working relations with all members of the multi-disciplinary
team and outside agencies, clearly relaying condition related information in a timely
and effective manner.
5. Communicates to patients/service users and support networks compassionately, in
a confidential and sensitive professional manner.
6. To provide clear, concise, and accurate electronic and paper records of the care given
in accordance with agreed policy and standards.
Leadership
1. To act as a professional role model for junior staff, promoting high standards of
practice 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 others
constructively, upholding HSCs CARE Values.
5. To ensure team members are aware of organisational objectives, policies and
procedures and implications that they have for their practice.
6. To undertake Values Based Appraisals for staff as required and support such staff with
performance issues, developing action plans to address developmental needs.
7. To contribute to the recruitment of team members and ensure a positive and
supportive 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 available
support networks.
Planning and Organisation
1. To organise own workload and tasks and that of others, demonstrating the ability to
recognise changing priorities and adjusting plans accordingly.
2. To assist with shift planning/work scheduling for the service area including the
appropriate allocation of staff to ensure safe levels of care.
3. To coordinate and delegate activities to junior colleagues where applicable within
agreed systems of working, considering required skill mix and staffing levels, in
accordance with patient/service user need.
Policy and Service Development
1. To contribute to service developments and propose changes to policies and
procedures.
2. To ensure that junior staff members are aware of relevant policies, procedures and
guidelines.
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 of
professionals from other service areas who may be participating in the care of a
patient/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 of
additional staff.
3. To have an awareness of cost implications and assist in the management of resources
within 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 revalidation
requirements, 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 organisational
objectives.
3. To continually develop new knowledge and skills, applying this to practice and sharing
with colleagues as appropriate.
4. To develop programmes of learning to meet the educational needs of staff working
within the department or service.
5. To participate in the induction, orientation and development of new staff, agency
workers, students and any voluntary workers.
6. To actively contribute to an effective learning environment and to supervise and
assess pre and post registration students in accordance with University and HSC
requirements.
Research Development and Audit
1. To use data from clinical incidents to inform areas of audit activity and service
development.
2. To participate in HSC quality improvement initiatives and audits to improve patient
and service user safety and care.
3. To keep up to date with evidence-based practice and current trends.
Analysis and Data Management
1. To understand Key Performance Indicators and trends within own service area and
contribute to service development.
2. To utilise a variety of data sources to contribute to the analysis and investigation of
incidents.