Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Duties

Responsible for carrying out clinical practice within designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality, current evidence-based midwifery assessment, care planning, implementation, interventions and evaluations for women and babies is provided from admission through to discharge.

Will be responsible for the application of knowledge across the range of work procedures and practices, underpinned by theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

To act as advocate for women within the area, to ensure a woman centred approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines.

To ensure that mothers and babies receive high quality clinical care and a good patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and doctrines.

Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the individuals.

 Will advise on the promotion of health and the prevention of illness.

 Recognise the significance of observations made, and use them to develop and initiate midwifery assessments and devise a plan of care.

Carry out those activities necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a mother and baby’s requirements.

Will ensure that all mothers will have a discharge plan that is safe and appropriate for their needs.

Carry out midwifery procedures and treatments, checking on and maintaining the highest possible standards.

 Work alongside the multi-disciplinary team.

Take a clear and concise history from women by assessing their health

and well being and complete documentation ensuring that all entries are

accurate and legible and that all information systems are maintained.

Utilise the basic skills of a registered midwife in the provision of care to a named caseload of women, including appropriate referral as required.

To be responsible for the correct administration of prescribed medication.

Professional Responsibilities

Is wholly accountable for his / her practice in line with the NMC code of professional conduct and takes every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve his / her knowledge and professional competence.

Will act in accordance with Local, Hospital and Statutory Guidelines & Policies including Health and Safety initiatives.

Will be familiar with the Health and Safety at Works Act, and be aware of

Its’ implications and ensure that local unit and departmental policies are followed.

Will work in accordance with Corporate Objectives

Will compile a personal & professional portfolio (in conjunction with the Performance management process and the compilation of a Personal Development Plan).

Will maintain a high standard of care and be courteous and polite at all times.

Provide total care to a caseload of women in liaison with the other staff and under the direction of the MPL or senior midwife.

Will adopt a woman centred approach to work

In liaison with the MPL ensure that midwifery practice is in keeping with current research findings and is appropriate for each individual woman for whom care is being provided.

Will practice in a cost effective and cost aware manner

Will ensure that the Hospital’s policy is understood and carried out with regard to the care and custody of drugs/medications, especially with regard to those covered by the Control of Drugs Act.

Will be familiar with the ward’s fire, manual handling and C.O.S.H.H policies.

Will be fully conversant with the trust major incident plan, and ensure that

all staff  on the ward understand the procedure.

Will establish a relationship with the Professional Midwifery Advocate team and be familiar with the A-EQUIP model.

Take all possible precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of staff, service users, visitors and the public, by implementing all policies related to health, safety, security and risk.

Report complaints, incidents and accidents to the MPL or midwifery manager.

Work with the MPL in the monitoring of standards of care

Communication

Will be responsible for the provision and receipt of complex, sensitive or contentious information related to patients, patient care, relatives, staff and other multidisciplinary colleagues.

Provides specialised advice concerning the care or treatment of identified groups or categories of women and babies

Communicate effectively and efficiently with all members of the multidisciplinary team regarding care.

Will communicate with women and relatives, making reports and liaising, as appropriate; with medical staff other members of the care team and management.

Will give and receive day/night reports.

Report to the Doctor/Midwifery Practice Leader and members of the multidisciplinary team on a mother or baby’s condition, both verbally and in writing as necessary.

 Liaise with inter-hospital departments/personnel

Attend and participate in ward meetings and help promote new ideas and methods and assist in their implementation.

Attend and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences to benefit patient care.

Education & Professional Development

Act as a role model, giving guidance, counselling and support to unqualified staff and students.

Assist with orientation programmes which familiarise new members of staff.        

Participate in the supervision and support of junior staff and students

Actively contribute to the teaching programme within the clinical area.

Take every opportunity to maintain and improve knowledge and competence, and take steps to keep up to date with clinical and midwifery developments.