Staff Nurse Band 5 Coyle ward

MAIN DUTIES Plan the delivery of patient care and take responsibility for implementing and evaluating that care, using an appropriate nursing model. Be accountable for own nursing practice and work unsupervised and on own initiative, but to be responsible to the Ward Manager for all aspects of their work. Deliver a high standard of comprehensive skilled and evidence based nursing care to patients. Be able to prioritise their own workload and of those working with them, such as learners and Healthcare Assistants. When in charge of the ward, know how to delegate what staff to what duties and ensure the smooth running of the ward. Know how to impart news of a distressing nature to patients and relatives. This will include passing on news of a patients death or helping a patient/relative understand a diagnosis such as cancer. Assist patients, carers and their families to identify health and well-being goals. Support and empower patients, carers and their families to achieve their health and well being goals. Accurately record observations and changes in patients conditions and report back to the responsible nurse in charge. Assist in planning and implementing methods of rehabilitation for patients and their carers. Liaise with colleagues and other agencies, including Social Services, to ensure continuity of patient care. Contribute to the integration of Whittington Health and Social Services. Extend their nursing knowledge/skills by undertaking further professional training that may be required in addition to keeping up to date with professional developments. Attend staff meetings and other relevant meetings. Participate in research projects and/or innovations, including health promotion and chronic disease management activities. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous records are kept that ensure safety and continuity of patient care. Be computer literate. Utilise appropriate resources in the provision of total patient care. Be aware of, and act in, accordance with agreed policy procedures legislation and NMC standards. Participate in the orientation of new staff and nursing students, and act as a mentor to nursing students and healthcare assistants where appropriate. Demonstrate practice to nursing students and other staff. MANAGING RESOURCES Participate in managing and co-ordinating the work of the junior staff, offering support and development as appropriate. Assist in the recruitment and selection of staff for the team and participate in induction and orientation programmes as appropriate. Promote good communication, employment practices and relationships within the team. Participate in team meetings. Liaise with the bed manager and discharge co-ordinator to ensure effective bed management on the ward, including admission of patients, planning of bed usage and timely discharge planning. To ensure that all equipment is maintained and any faults immediately reported. Act as a link nurse to GPs, Social Services and other relevant professional areas as necessary. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Act at all times in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct. Adhere to Whittington Health policies and procedures at all times. Ensure that records are kept and maintained in line with NMC guidelines, Trust record keeping and information governance policies. Adhere to national and local infection control procedures and standards at all times. Be willing to expand nursing knowledge/skills by undertaking further professional training, to keep up to date with professional developments and maintain current professional portfolio. Set appropriate objectives and review them regularly with the Ward/Department Manager. Meet regularly with the Ward/Department Manager in order to review own performance. To know how to deal with people with challenging behaviour and to know when to call for assistance when needed. Take part in clinical supervision on a regular basis according to Whittington Health requirements. Participate in clinical audits in order to promote the development of patient centred evidence based practice. Apply a problem-solving approach to practice, seeking resolution to problems with an awareness of own personal limitations of knowledge and practice. Maintain high professional standards acting as a positive role model for the profession and service. Be courteous and respectful to patients and colleagues including adhering to a dress code appropriate to the work situation. Whittington Health is an integrated care organisation and there may be occasions where staff are required to rotate between clinical environments to meet service need. This could be on a long or short term basis.