Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse, Heron Ward

Job overview

We are looking for experienced Registered Nurses, who regularly shift lead, to join our friendly team on Heron Ward. Heron is a 16 bedded surgical ward. As a Deputy Sister you will be a shift leader both on night and day shifts. We always put our patients at the heart of everything we do and take pride in our unified team working ethos. We want to employ staff, who have a passion for excellence, caring for patients as they would a family member; if you think that’s you please apply. Our aim is to provide excellence in clinical care, in a safe environment and we strive to continuously develop the service we provide. We ensure that care is provided in an evidence-based manner and we are strongly committed to clinical governance and quality improvement. We are passionate about developing our staff. In return we offer opportunities for training and development, access to the NHS Pension Scheme, work perks, NHS discounts, and opportunities for flexible working and access to onsite childcare provisions.

Main duties of the job

Clinical & Professional Responsibilities

• Support the Ward Manager in leading and supervising a safe, high standard of nursing practice and the delivery of evidenced based patient care in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures.
• Assist the Ward Manager in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that said practices are in accordance with department and hospital policy.
• Assist in the establishment, monitoring and evaluation of agreed standards of patient care and quality service.
• Determine nursing care priorities, planning the delivery of patient care considering the skill mix of staff.
• Interpret the significance of the patient’s clinical observations and records, making decisions and planning in areas affecting patient care; reports promptly to medical or appropriate staff any matters which fall outside his/her responsibility.
• Investigate and reports on all aspects of patient management, including accidents and complaints, in line with hospital policy.
• Monitor clerical and legal documents completed by ward staff, ensuring they are accurate and legible.
• Establish an effective communication system with patients, their carers, and all staff working in the multidisciplinary team.
• Assist with any appropriate evaluation projects and in the assessment of new equipment and technology.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Ward Manager, is responsible for effective organisation of the ward/department.
• Be aware of and adhere to the ‘Shift Leader Responsibilities’ as per the Trust’s Standards for Practice and Care.
• Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with established procedure and the law.
• Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order. Keep a training log complying with Trust and CNST requirements detailing staff trainers and the equipment which individual staff have been trained in and are competent to use.
• Understand the implications of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff according to the hospital’s Health and Safety Policy.
• Report and record accidents/incidents and complaints to the Ward Manager, according to the Trust policy and undertake further investigations as directed.
• Be competent in current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theory and practice.
• Have a working knowledge of the fire regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate action is taken in response to an emergency.
• In conjunction with the Ward Manager, maintain budgetary control through an efficient and effective use of resources.
• Attend meetings and participate in working parties when required, developing effective links with colleagues for obtaining and giving information.
• Undertake projects and initiate improvements in nursing care and management of the ward/department.
• Take lead responsibility for an area of clinical practice appropriate to the ward environment.
• Work as a Team Leader and Deputise for the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse within the framework of team nursing based on internal night rotation and in accordance with the nursing philosophy of Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.