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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Royal Free World Class Values

The post holder will offer World Class Care to service users, staff, colleagues, clients, and patients alike so that everyone at the Royal Free can feel:

• all of the time · Confident because we are clearly
• and cared for ·  that they are always in safe hands.

1.    CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To be responsible for the assessment of patient care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of plans of care, ensuring high standards of evidence based care using a defined model of care in conjunction with senior staff.
• With the supervision of senior staff competently manage critical care therapies i.e. Endotracheal tubes, tracheostomies, artificial ventilation, invasive cardiac monitoring, cardiac output monitoring tools, inotropic therapy, paralysing agents and sedation.
• To develop skills in analysing and interpreting complex data derived from patient monitoring and plan appropriate care with supervision of senior staff.
• To undertake all nursing procedures in accordance with Trust policies and ensure that these procedures and policies are adhered to.
• To communicate with patients and significant others with empathy and reassurance regarding, assessment, care and treatment.
• To maintain accurate and comprehensive nursing records using appropriate documentation.
• Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and the Critical Care Outreach team to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for patients being discharged to wards/referring hospitals.
•  Ensure safe custody and administration of drugs according to The Royal Free NHS Trust Barnet’s policy and procedures, including intra-venous medication and epidural analgesia.
• To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to promote good communication and a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.
• To participate in the audit of the principles of the Essence of Care benchmarking process and implement the action plans as required.
• To participate in team projects/audits as needed.

2.    Management responsibilities

• To act as a buddy and assist new staff new members of the ward team.
• To liaise with other hospital staff and departments to promote and maintain effective working relationships, ensuring high standards of care and service.
• Maintain a safe environment for all staff, patients and visitors and ensure that all equipment is safe and in working order.
• Shows awareness of budget implications and maximises cost effectiveness.
• To be responsible for reporting incidents and potential risks to the senior sister/charge nurse.
• Participate in the development and implementation of new initiatives.
• To be responsible for ensuring confidentiality and safekeeping of patient records.

3.    Leadership

• To act as an appropriate and effective visible role model at all times. With support from the ward sister/charge nurse
• To act as an effective co- mentor and preceptor of HCAs, pre-registration students, supervised practice and return to practice staff as required.

4.    Educational Responsibilities

• Attend mandatory training and participate in continuing development and appropriate education.
• To assist with the education of preregistration students and health care assistants in collaboration with the ward team.
• Participate in local teaching programmes.
• Provide relevant health education and information about patient’s treatment in hospital.

5.    RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

• To be aware of the research process and current trends.
• Under supervision of the Sister /Charge Nurse participate in the review, development and audit of research-based policies and procedures relating to Intensive Care

6.    PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To always behave in a manner that is professional, positive and polite.
• The post holder is required to act in accordance with NMC ‘Code of Professional Conduct’ with particular reference to limitations of competence and conduct.
• Participate in personal development planning.
• To keep abreast of updated clinical practices, guidelines and policies

7.    GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To safeguard at all times, confidentiality of information relating to patients and staff.
• To avoid behaviour which discriminates against service users and fellow employees / potential employees on the grounds of sex, sexuality, marital status, race, age, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or disability.
• Be aware of the responsibilities under the Health & Safety at work act (1974), and to ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, service users and visitors.
• To demonstrate an understanding of and adhere to the trust’s child protection policies.
• Will be based at Barnet ICU however may be required occasionally to work cross site with Royal Free ICU. May be expected to work in other areas within Barnet Hospital occasionally according to service needs utilising critical care skills.

Infection Control

Infection control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are required to adhere to the Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures and the Health Act (2006) Code of Practice for the prevention and control healthcare associated infections and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the risk of Healthcare Associated infections.

It is the duty of every member of staff to take personal responsibility for the prevention and control of infection, as laid down in the Trust’s polices and procedures which reflect the statutory requirements of the Hygiene Code.

• To work in close collaboration with the Infection Control Team.
• To ensure that the ward environments are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards; ensuring that shortfalls are rectified or escalate as necessary.
• To ensure that all relevant monitoring data and issues are provided to the Directorate’s Governance structures.
• To ensure that all staff are released to attend infection control-related educational sessions and staff with specialist roles, e.g. link practitioners, are released to undertake their duties.

 Health and Safety at Work

The post holder is required to:

• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself /herself and other persons who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work.
• Co-operate with the employer in ensuring that all statutory and other requirements are complied with.

Confidentiality & Data Protection

The post holder has a responsibility to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and maintain confidentiality of staff, patients and Trust business.

You should disclose information only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed. Breaches of confidentiality in relation to information will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal. Employees are expected to comply with all Trust policies and procedures and to work in accordance of the Data Protection Act 1998. For those posts where there is management or supervision of other staff it is the responsibility of that employee to ensure that their staff receive appropriate training (e.g. HISS induction, organising refresher sessions for staff when necessary.)

 Conflict of Interest

The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the services for patients in its care meet the highest standards. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position, to gain or benefit themselves, their family or friends.

Equality and Diversity

The Trust values equality and diversity in employment and in the services we provide. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity in employment and will keep under review our policies and procedures to ensure that the job related needs of all staff working in the Trust are recognised. The Trust aims to ensure that all job applicants, employees or clients are treated fairly and valued equally regardless of sex, marital status, domestic circumstances, age, race, colour, disablement, ethnic or national origin, social background or employment status, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, HIV status, gender reassignment, political affiliation or trade union membership. 

Vulnerable Groups

• To carry out responsibilities in such a away as to minimise risk of harm to children, young people and vulnerable adults and to promote their welfare in accordance with the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2006) and No Secrets guidance (DH 2000).
• To demonstrate an understanding of and adhere to the trust’s child protection policies.

No Smoking

The Trust implemented a No Smoking Policy, which applies to all staff. Staff contravening this policy will be subject to disciplinary procedures.

Standards of dress

All staff are expected to abide by the Trust’s guidance on standards of dress.

This job description outlines the current main responsibilities of the post. However the duties of the post may change and develop over time and may therefore be amended in consultation with the post holder,