Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse, Aspen Ward

Job overview

The post-holder responsibility:

• To promote and help to manage delivery of a quality nursing service, setting and monitoring clinical standards.
• To be responsible for the assessment of patient care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care.
• To 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.
• To take lead responsibility for co-ordinating and facilitating the training, educational and development needs of staff

To take lead responsibility for an area of clinical practice appropriate to the ward environment.

Internally the post holder will develop effective working relationships with:

• Aspen Ward Manager, Clinical Nurse Leader , CSNP team, Discharge Team, Social Services and the Emergency Department

Externally this includes

Mental Health Institution and other NHS and private organisation

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work closely with the Ward Manager & their Band 6 Sister / Charge Nurse Colleagues. They will work in close conjunction with the Stroke Consultants, Matron, Senior ward team, Practice Educator, Therapists and Learning & Development Teams.

The post holder will act as a role model and resource, providing information and promoting high standards of patient care, whilst working closely with other professionals of the wider Multidisciplinary team.

The Sister / Charge nurse role compliments the Ward Manager role and responsibilities in providing leadership and support to the team in the delivery of patient care, monitoring and maintaining acceptable standards of care in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team.

The post holder will work closely with the ward manager and services aligned to the ward which in addition to the nursing and clerical staff which will include physiotherapy team, nutrition, Matron, and the Divisional Chief Nurse.  The post holder will assist the ward manager and support the wards key priorities which will include finance and risk.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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 Code of Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures.
• Assist 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 taking into account 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.

• Assist with the clinical and housekeeping practice and compliance with policy and procedures to prevent hospital acquired infection.

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 Sister/Charge Nurse, 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 are 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.

• Deputise for the Ward Manager in their absence.

Education

In conjunction with the Ward Manager, maintain a suitable learning environment for all staff working in the ward.

Ensure that registered nurses understand the educational objectives of all staff and students, acting as a mentor assessing performance as appropriate.

On a day to day basis, manage the education of all staff, promoting competency via work based education.

Be conversant with the relevant current curricular from the local and further education providers

Devise and implement teaching programmes, recognising that teaching is an integral part of the

Nurse’s role. Ensure ward development programmes compliment the wider Trust programmes provided to enhance staff development.

Ensure staff undertake professional and/or other development, ensuring attendance at mandatory updating, as laid down by the Trust.

Promote and provide health education for patients and their carers.

Maintain and enhance own knowledge through continuing education and training activities.

Work with the Ward Manager to ensure a programme of performance review is in

place for all staff. Take part in an individual performance review, reviewing personal development

and performance in consultation with line manager.

Participate in approved research projects.

Clinical Governance Responsibilities

In conjunction with the Ward Manager  participate in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets.

In conjunction with the Ward Manager  actively develop and maintain evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited, and initiate appropriate changes in practice.

In conjunction with the Ward Manager  participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking.

Conduct and lead appraisal for all staff, identifying development needs.

Support ward staff to acquire the appropriate clinical competencies to deliver safe and  effective patient care.

Provide guidance and support to staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being and their own professional development.

In conjunction with the Ward Manager , assist in the supervision and performance management of bank staff within the medical unit.

Identify and action own development needs and establish personal clinical supervision/mentorship.

In conjunction with the Ward Manager, assist to  develop and implement a programme for clinical supervision for staff.

Assist the Ward Manager  to ensure that all new staff undergo orientation and induction specific and relevant to the clinical area.

Ensure that all staff are aware of when and how to report untoward incidents and how to deal effectively with patients’ or relatives’ complaints.