The post holder will work without direct supervision and may be required to take charge of the unit for a span of duty in the absence of the manager, who holds continuing responsibility.

Key responsibilities will include the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care, effective leadership and staff management/development

The post holder will always work within the NMC’s Code of Professional Conduct.

 Key responsibilities

Clinical responsibilities

• Co-ordination of the unit in the absence of the manager including planning, allocation and evaluation of work carried out by teams or individuals and self.
• Provide specialist knowledge to all Nursing staff on the Unit
• Will promote a critical, analytical approach to the delivery of nursing care ensuring that the ward environment is responsive to current issues.
• In support of the unit manager will assist in the review and update of procedures and protocols relating to the care of patients.

·         Develop methods for identifying, maintaining and improving the quality of patient care through facilitation of best practice and clinical benchmarking.

·         Ensure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients/clients.

• Responsible for the safe custody, checking and administration of drugs, including inotropes

·         Posses the clinical knowledge and skills to care for, unsupervised, a level 2 and 3 critically ill patient which will include the management of patients in multi organ failure and complex nursing needs.

·         Explore and undertake expanded practice to optimise patient care as required, in accordance with unit and Trust policies (to include respiratory support, haemodynamic monitoring and manipulation)

Management/Leadership responsibilities

• Exercise effective leadership acting as an exemplary role model for the unit team.
• Support the manager in maintaining adequate staff cover and skill mix on the ward through effective use of staffing rotas

·         Ensure effective communication with patients and their carers.

·         Liaise with nursing, medical and allied health professional colleagues to ensure that all facets of the patients` care are covered.

• Ensure that the ward participates in maintaining standards relating to clinical governance.

·         Support the implementation of risk management policies within the unit, including the development of action plans to address identified risks.

• Ensure effective communication with relatives, Trust staff and other hospitals to facilitate the smooth transfer and after-care of patients/clients
• In support of the unit manager ensures outcomes and action plans from patient complaints are implemented and monitored.
• Ensure own and other staffs compliance with mandatory training and help maintain current records.
• In conjunction with the unit manager will ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures.

·         Assist in monitoring and managing staff sickness/absence following the Trust guidelines, and liaise with the manager or ADM as necessary.

·         Participate in recruitment and selection of staff within the nursing team ensuring appropriate policies are adhered to.

·         Support the unit manager in the implementation of the Trusts Human Resources Strategy including the principles of Improving Working Lives and Investors in People.

• Monitor performance of staff that are identified by the unit manager, ensuring that learning needs are identified through personal development plans, appraisal systems and supervised practice
• In conjunction with the unit manager contribute to planning, monitoring and control of resources.
• Contribute to nursing developments within the ward/department via appropriate forums as required

·         Ensure that all equipment is checked and maintained in safe working order.

Education responsibilities

• Support the unit manager in identifying staff training and development needs via personal development plans
• Contributes to the dissemination of information from individuals undertaking professional development to the ward team, patients and carers; inclusive of the link nurse network
• Collaborate with the clinical practice facilitators to develop and promote an effective and responsive clinical learning environment

·         Ensure that nursing care is wherever possible is evidence based. Encourage and initiate nursing audit and research, assisting with the implementation of findings where appropriate.

• Contribute to the development of competency based training packages for use within the unit; inclusive of preceptorship, pre and post registration nurses
• Ensure appropriate nurse/patient allocation to facilitate the learning needs of staff

·         Act as a mentor for all pre and post registration nurses and health care assistants.

• The nurse will utilise Clinical Supervision and Peer Group support.

Professional Responsibilities

• Act at all times in a manner that upholds the reputation of the Trust and safeguards the wellbeing and dignity of patients and their relatives.

·         Act always in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and Guidance documents and maintain active status on NMC Register.

• Take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge.
• Identify objectives within a PDP that support the delivery of high standards of clinical care

* The post holder shall as necessary provide cover for and undertake duties of absent colleagues.

* The post holder shall follow all the policies and procedures of the organisation.