Children's Ward Sister

Job overview

Manage and lead the Children and Young Peoples inpatient ward and paediatric assessment unit,  in relation to nursing aspects providing clinical and professional leadership and direction for nursing staff. Responsible for providing high quality care for patients within the ward.  Managerially responsible to support and develop nursing staff, nursing budgets and other relevant resources, ensuring the optimal deployment of such resources.  To work alongside the Matron for the delivery of the National Agenda for CYP services on behalf of the Trust. Provide effective leadership to ensure the delivery of agreed objectives and plans across the unit with the aim of delivering the Trust’s vision and values.

The post holder will provide professional leadership, clinical excellence and managerial support. They will have responsibility and accountability for the service, staff and patients and their families. They will act as a role model for clinical leadership, setting and upholding agreed clinical standards to ensure that patients receive a high standard of evidence-based care. They will be a visible presence for patients, visitors and the multi professional team to ensure inter-professional working. They will be responsible for infection prevention and control, budget management, patient safety and experience, quality assurance and compliance with the Trust values, policies and providing the Best Possible Care.

Main duties of the job

Be a visible leader, accessible to staff, patients and relatives. Responsible for nursing standards, Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines, the Trust’s strategic objectives, Nursing and Midwifery Strategy, Care Quality Commission Standards within designated clinical area. Provide nursing knowledge and skills to undertake the operational management of the  nursing team . Promote a quality and safety culture within the service that promotes and values achievement in patient safety and quality.  Communicates professionally and proactively with all staff and departments on the clinical needs of the service, to ensure patients receive appropriate high-quality care.  Responsible for ensuring that excellent standards of care are achieved in the designated clinical areas as evidenced through Nursing dashboards and quality metrics. Participate in and support Peer Review and service inspections ensuring that concerns are escalated and actioned, and compliments are shared amongst the nursing team.   An in-depth knowledge of the responsibilities of infection control policies and practices within the clinical environment and be able to demonstrate to staff the expectations for the ward area.  Monitor performance on patient safety & take steps to address areas of concern. Encourages patients and their families to participate in decision making for care and treatments where appropriate. Support the Matron with nursing and quality of care aspects of clinical governance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Improve the patients’ experience within the Paediatric Ward and assessment unit by assuring the highest standards of clinical care through effective line management and professional leadership of the Nursing workforce. Ensure action is taken in relation to CQC/Friends and Family Test feedback related to patient experience. Represent the Directorate/Trust at local and regional meetings as required i.e., CYP Network lead nurse meetings, Network governance meetings and ICB meetings. Ensure that nursing complaints and incidents are promptly investigated and resolved, lessons learnt and fed back to staff, and remedial action implemented. Ensure that any complaints are dealt with at first point of contact wherever possible and written complaints relating to Nursing are responded to in a timely manner and escalated as necessary. Ensure that patient flow is effective, safe and efficient.  Support teams by positively contributing to the achievement of all Trust and local QIs. Ensure the resources and facilities are used flexibly to enable activity to be delivered within agreed demand and capacity plans. Including collaborative working with both Neonatal and Paediatric services.

Responsible for the management of the ward using an appropriate leadership style that maintains safety, quality, team morale, equity, and that fosters diversity, innovation and change. Represents the team and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feeds back information appropriately, acting where required. Responsible for Governance issues at ward level ensuring dissemination of learning, sharing changes in policies/guidelines, dealing with complaints, escalation of concerns affecting the service etc. Maintain a visible presence and act as the first contact point for patients, families and staff to address any concerns or complaints. Work in partnership with the Senior Nursing Team and other Ward Managers to ensure the nursing strategy objectives are achieved. Represent the Matron at meetings where required to do so.

To promote effective communication channels within the ward, Directorate, Division and Trust. Ensure staff engagement strategies and practices are embedded within the ward. Positively role model and monitor staff engagement and ensure steps are taken to improve staff engagement and satisfaction. Keep the Matron/Head of Nursing for CYPS informed of all relevant issues affecting patient care e.g., risk, staffing levels and equipment needs. Ensure effective and robust appraisals are undertaken for all staff, including the identification of CYPS objectives and targets, ensure the ward complies with appraisal targets. Support clinical supervision within the ward where required. Ensure that all personal issues are managed in accordance with HR and Trust policies and procedures. With the support of the Matron, plan, implement and manage change processes or peer reviews, paying particular attention to nursing practice and operational systems within the ward. Challenge inappropriate behaviour and recognise and value appropriate behaviour, consistent with Trust values and the Trust leadership model. Cultivate an open and honest culture where people feel able to raise concerns and share good practice – through role modelling and positive reinforcement. Ensure concerns are listened to, acted upon and feedback is given. Take ownership of problems, and/or influence if outside control. Keep the Matron/Head of Nursing for CYPS informed of all relevant issues affecting patient care e.g., risk, staffing levels and equipment needs. Regularly communicate Division, Directorate and Trust strategic objectives and key issues to all staff. Create opportunities to enhance staff involvement in the operational running of the ward, encouraging staff to get involved, put forward ideas, concerns & suggestions. Responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff within the ward ensuring the effective implementation of trust policy. Monitor and manage sickness and absence, keeping the Matron informed of patterns and trends and actions plans implemented. To assist the Matron/Head of Nursing for CYPS in the investigation of complaints and/or adverse incidents, ensuring lessons are learnt and action plans implemented. Utilise and implement the Performance Management/Probationary Period policies as necessary.

To be responsible for your own professional development, maintain your revalidation and keep up to date with current nursing and health service issues. Always work within the NMC Professional Code of Conduct, taking accountability for professional action and ensure that other nurses within the speciality do the same, liaising with the NMC wherever necessary. Maintain own knowledge and clinical skills demonstrating competence in delivering high standards of care. To act as the confirmer for staff revalidation where applicable, acting as a resource to empower staff to successfully complete the process. Provide assurance for the Matron regarding all Quality Metrics, implement and monitor performance management / performance improvement plans to improve patient care, standards of practice and enhance patient safety and experience. Act as a source of expert advice and support on clinical and professional issues within the ward.