Gynaecology Ward Sister

Job overview

Are you passionate about your role as a nurse and  have a strong drive to provide excellent patient care ?

Within  Gynaecology on Horsted Keynes ward at Princess Royal Hospital we have an opportunity for you. We are a dynamic, inclusive supportive team.

We are currently seeking a caring enthusiastic nurse with a 'can do’ positive approach to fill our Band 6 position to complement our positive team culture, with strong leadership and coaching skills.

Our ward is 11-beds which specialises in  acute and elective Gynaecology.

You will need to demonstrate a keen interest in gynaecology. Ability to engage with our visitors, loved ones and families, and confidently liaise with our extended MDT is essential.

As a senior nurse you will need to be supportive and resilient in challenging situations. We have an inclusive team culture and value  innovative and creative thinking.

In return we can offer you development opportunities.

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be a registered nurse with the expertise and skills to be able to assess, plan and implement individual patient’s care; being accountable for their own actions. It requires highly developed communication and negotiation skills with the ability to liaise between primary and secondary care to ensure patients receive continuity in care. You will also be able to communicate sensitive and complex information to both patients and their carers or families. The purpose of this role is to act as a team leader whilst having a high degree of responsibility for the day-to-day operational running of the clinical area. The post holder will be expected to support and lead staff within the ward setting to ensure a high quality of service is delivered.

The post holder will work alongside the ward manager, deputising in their absence, in order to facilitate the gynaecology ward that meets strategic demands. You will assist the ward manager in meeting divisional goals and help to deliver & understand the targets set for each speciality in a constant drive for excellence.

You will need to ensure that patient flow is optimised throughout the department by developing and building on processes & systems through service development and change management. You will need to contribute to policy and practice change arising from audits /feedback/ complaints and be able to implement them within the outpatient setting.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached job description for a detailed overview of the role and main responsibilities.

Communication

• Interact with patients, visitors and colleagues in a professional manner at all times.
• Able to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients & other departments (both internal and external) regarding their care and treatment using effective communication skills both verbal and non-verbal.
• Demonstrates kindness and compassion by being non-judgemental; treating all staff equally; being honest and giving timely and constructive feedback
• Report / action any accidents, incidents or undue occurrences reported or witnessed.
• Ensure the provision of clear and appropriate verbal and written communication with patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team at all times.
• Use skills to overcome communication barriers to act as the patients advocate, supporting their decisions. This can include patients with learning disabilities, mental health needs or if patient requires an interpreter
• Liaise with the Gynaecology management team as appropriate.
• Contribute positively to the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of the team.
• Act as a role model adhering to the NMC Code at all times.
• Support ward activity and clinics and advocate for patients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and ward team meetings
• Provide accurate and contemporaneous documentation of patient care in accordance with UHSussex and national policies
• Build effective relationships with patients, their relatives and carers and other members of the nursing and multi-disciplinary team
• Make and receive telephone calls with due courtesy, effectively imparting and recording information considering confidentiality, Caldicott and Data Protection
• Handle complaints and plaudits in a professional manner and in accordance with Trust policy
• Liaise with the ward manager, senior nurse and colleagues regarding any issues/areas of concern
• Demonstrate kindness and compassion by being non-judgmental; treating all staff equally; being honest and giving timely and constructive feedback

Service Delivery and Improvement

• Responsible for the day to day running of the ward demonstrating effective leadership and time management skills, reporting any concerns or areas of good practice to the nurse manager.
• To ensure infection control procedures and cleanliness are performed in line with Trust policies and procedures.
• Ensure the health, safety and welfare of the department staff, taking action where necessary and report issues of concern to line manager.
• Initiate repair / maintenance requisitions as required.
• Understand and implement the Trust policies as appropriate for the clinic setting.
• Maintain awareness of professional and organisational developments.
• Ensure adequate stock levels are maintained within the department.
• Always ensure appropriate use of all Trust resources.
• Attend and participate in regular departmental meetings.
• Actively participate in clinical audit and research as required.
• Adhere to the Trust’s governance frameworks.

People Management and Development

• Delegate tasks and workload appropriately to match the capabilities of more junior team members.
• To contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams in which he/she works.
• Manage a team of staff in relation to training, performance and development & sickness under the supervision of the ward manager. This will also include recruitment and HR issues.
• Participate in performing staff apprails.
• Provide clear feedback to staff members in a way that is conducive to maintaining and improving performance. Where needed being able to manage an individual with support from the nurse manager.
• Assist with the induction and support of new colleagues.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude to the mentoring and support of learners and junior staff.
• Maintain an educational environment that is conductive to learning for all staff
• Facilitate learning for nursing students, nursing assistants and newly qualified staff to assist them in meeting their specific objectives and learning outcomes.
• Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with line manager as part of the personal development planning process.
• Accountable for attending all mandatory training on a regular basis and ensuring a record is kept.
• Accountable for own practice and take every opportunity to sustain and improve professional knowledge and competence

Patient Care Delivery

• To assess, plan and implement specialist gynaecological care in consultation with the multi-disciplinary team, supervising the care and treatments administered by junior members of staff.
• To update and maintain nursing procedures in patients records following any treatments ensuring that all the key elements are adequately recorded.
• To act as a direct point of contact during admission. This will include providing advice on any treatments or procedures that may be needed. The post holder will be expected to provide both standard and expert advice on different range of treatments and diagnostic tests.
• Administer drugs and treatments as prescribed according to NMC guidelines and the Trusts guidelines for the Safe and Secure Handling of Medicines.
• Ensure patients have a clear understanding of the clinical situation and prepared to provide informed consent.
• Chaperone and assist the clinicians and staff working within the ward and clinic.
• Be an advocate and clearly present the patient/client point of view
• Undertake a wide range of clinical duties relating to the different gynaecological presentation.
• Ensure appropriate stock levels and equipment availability to always support the smooth running of the ward.
• Act in emergency situations being able to make clinical decisions under pressure
• Works without supervision within the ward setting and able to support other staff in the absence of the ward manager.
• Be able to prioritise own workload and be adaptable to pressures in demands of the ward environment.
• Works in clinical practice supporting the ward manager leading a team of nurses and co-ordinating the shift ensuring that all appropriate care is given within the ward setting.