Deputy Ward Manager (CAU)

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for permanent Deputy Ward Manager's position on Community Assessment Unit.

We are looking for a qualified nurse with substantial Band 5 NHS experience who wishes to further their career and to join our existing team. The successful candidate should be able to work as part of a team and be able to use their initiative. Excellent communication skills and flexibility is required to meet the needs of the service, which may include cover for the Frailty SDEC, which is part of CAU.

This is a part time post (36 hours) to be worked over day/night shifts. The unit operates 24/7/365.

This post is offered on a secondment basis and you should seek permission from current line manager before applying. Whilst this is a temporary position, it may become permanent in the future.

Main duties of the job

You will be working closely with the Unit Lead and deputising in their absence.

The candidate will be committed to providing high quality care to a range of patients with differing needs and be willing to embrace new role opportunities.

The post holder will support the Ward Manager in all aspects of ward management. He/she will have a key role in co-ordinating and developing the nursing team and ensuring that patients receive the required standard of care. He/ She will support the Ward Manager in ensuring all staff comply with Trust policies and professional and legal standards.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Planning and Organisational Duties

• Manage the unit in the absence of the Unit manager in co-ordinating the activities of the Unit team and deploying resources effectively. Implements best practice in patient flow, admission and discharge arrangements.
• Allocates staff according to patient needs, skill mix and individual learning needs of staff.
• Reviews and adjusts staff rosters in accordance with unit/organisational requirements.
• Ensure that effective communication is maintained both within the unit itself and with other relevant external agencies or individuals to ensure the management of the service meets the demands.
• Organise own workload and adjust priorities in response to issues arising in the workplace.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to issues which require urgent or immediate attention, reporting to other members of the multi-disciplinary/management team as necessary.
• Deputise for the unit lead as requested at meetings and other events.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and clinical guidelines for self and others.
• Provide support to organisation in maintenance of equipment to ensure quality control standards are met.

Patient related duties

• Perform a comprehensive assessment of the patients nursing needs, plan, implement and evaluate care delivery in accordance with their individual health care needs and varying level of complexity.
• Ensure the accurate maintenance of records is compliant with legal, professional and organisational standards. Collect, analyse and evaluate information, report and act in accordance with unit protocols and guidelines.
• Maintain effective communication, both written and verbal with all professional colleagues, hospital departments and other agencies.
• Maintains good relationships through effective communication by addressing people regardless of discipline in a responsible and appropriate manner.
• Actively encourages, in an understanding and sensitive manner, the participation of the relatives in the planning and implementation of care.
• Work in close collaboration with members of multidisciplinary team to ensure that patient needs are met.
• Undertakes investigative procedures in accordance with unit guidelines. Interpreting and acting upon results as appropriate.
• Maintains safe administration of medicines, concordant with the NMC and trust policies.
• Supervise and direct the work of more junior staff by taking responsibility in ensuring that instructions regarding on-going patient care needs are followed.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Responsibility to maintain their professional accountability through the practice of safe standards in compliance with the NMC Code of Conduct.
• Records and reports untoward incidents to the unit manager and in their absence, actively carries out steps to minimise further risk as advised.

Communications and Key Working Relationships

• Ensure effective communication is maintained both within the unit itself and with other relevant external agencies or individuals to ensure the management of the service meets the demands.
• Maintain effective communication, both written and verbal with all professional colleagues, hospital departments and other agencies in co-ordinating the overall management of the patients’ needs.
• Maintains good relationships through effective communication by addressing people regardless of discipline in a responsible and appropriate manner

Responsibility for Finance

• Contribute to ensuring the effective use of all resources.
• Assist in the maintenance of the stock and equipment requisitioning within the due economy. Bring to the attention of the unit manager any potential efficiency savings or anticipated budgetary pressures.
• Request and authorise the booking of additional staff to cover sickness/absence in agreement with the Unit Manager.

Responsibility for Human Resources

• In the absence of the senior nurse, manages the unit including the supervision of staff, ensuring that Trusts policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection of staff.
• Ensure Trust policies and procedures are adhered to on the Unit.
• Participate in the PDR process, undertaking the PDR of staff as required by the unit manager, identifying staffs strengths and weaknesses and to provide support and counselling as necessary.
• Participates in the management of sickness and absence and escalates appropriately.
• Plans, supervises and monitors staff rostering to facilitate maximum care delivery in line with Improving Working Lives initiatives.
• Assist the Unit Manager in ensuring all newly appointed staff receive an induction to the unit and obtain mentorship as appropriate.

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.