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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To deputise for the Ward Manager and liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently.
• Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff

• To lead and support others in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures written and verbal advice is available to patient’s relatives and carers.

• Actively involve others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders and ensures excellent communication.

• Ensure work with the Trust /unit and ward policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.

• Have the in-depth knowledge with practical experience of good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning in conjunction with Luton & Dunstable University Hospital Trust policies and procedures.

• Apply the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment.

• Plan duty rotas to meet the requirements of the clinical area and the needs of the patients and takes into account skill mix requirements in relation to acuity and dependency.

• Initiates emergency treatment where necessary and co-ordinates other staff in this process.

• Ensures that all staff including temporary staff and pre-registration students are aware of emergency procedures to follow.

• Leads in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients admitted to the Ward / department in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols.

• Ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and reviews and regularly updates these standards.

• Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages others to enable individuals to assist in their own recovery.

• Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration, the ordering and maintenance of stock.

Education, Training & Development

• Has a well development clinical understanding and practice with effective assessment skills.

• Provides clinical advice as required to staff, carers and junior colleagues which promotes clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.

• Participate in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the ward environment

• Supports the education and development of all staff including students.

Take part in education and training programmes appropriately and feeds back knowledge gained.

• To identify own clinical competency deficits, education and development needs, through participation in the Trust appraisal process.

• Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the ward manager for development planning.

• Advise patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection.

• Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.

Management Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading and co-ordinating the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Department Manager.

• To assist with the management of the nursing team, under the direction of the ward Manager/ Matron.

• Actively assists the Ward Manager in workforce planning, by supporting and participating in the recruitment and retention of staff.

• Ensures the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients, relatives and colleagues is respected at all times.

• Communicates sensitive/difficult information and subsequent support of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues as appropriate.

• Ensures that all medical equipment is kept in a safe condition and is ready for use when required, and that faulty equipment is reported and/or replaced as necessary.

• Ensure all staff have necessary mandatory training in relation to all equipment used.

• Orientates new staff to the ward and helps to plan the ward/departmental orientation programme ensuring that all staff (including temporary/bank/agency staff) are inducted into the ward and given the appropriate information.

• In conjunction with the Ward /Department Manager, ensures that an annual Training Needs Analysis is undertaken, which is communicated to the manager for Education

• Represents team and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feeds back information appropriately.

• Under direction of the Ward /Department Manager, assists with undertaking performance reviews and return to work interviews.

• Participates and leads in Nursing and Clinical Audit on the ward.

• Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team

• To contribute to the discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.

• To be actively involved in the interview and recruitment process for ward staff

• With due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures, is actively involved in maintaining a safe environment for patients, relatives, carers’ and staff.

• To work with the ward Manager/Matron to ensure the most effective use of resources with in a defined budget.

• To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers and colleagues

• Have basic computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems

• Actively assists in the investigation of complaints and draft responses as required. Supports the ward manager in implementing change as a result of investigations.

• Assisting in preparation for external audits or inspections, e.g. Care quality commission visits.

• Liaises with senior /managerial staff to bring to their attention any problems identified.

Professional and Legal Responsibilities

• To be conversant with policies and procedures relating to Fire and Health and Safety.

• To report all accidents and complaints in accordance with agreed policies and assist in investigations of complaints and accidents as required.

• Ensures own and others professional/educational/training needs are identified and maintains own and others mandatory and professional updating in order to maintain clinical and professional credibility.

• Maintain professional portfolio.

• Maintain clinical study to fulfil professional registration and show evidence of continuing professional development.

• Ensures own and others practice is in line with NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.

• To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.

• To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.