Junior Charge Nurse - Gazzard Day Unit

Job overview

Gazzard Day Unit is both a chemotherapy and HIV day treatment service, based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. We are part of the largest HIV centre in Europe. Our opening times are Monday-Friday 8-6pm.

A position has arisen for a Band 6 nurse in our friendly and dedicated team. Caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy and / or HIV is essential, alongside venepuncture and cannulation. Experience in the administration of systemic anti-cancer therapy would be desirable however Gazzard Day Unit actively encourages education and progression.

GDU consists of a combination of beds, treatment chairs and negative pressure facilities. Patients that are seen here usually have a diagnosis of lung, urological, haematological or HIV related malignancies. Patients not only attend the unit for the duration of their chemotherapy but also for their supportive therapies, central line management and oncological emergencies. Patients are also admitted to hospital via Gazzard Day Unit. These regular attendances allow for continuity of care and help facilitate a close, professional relationship between patients and staff.

The candidate should have excellent clinical and communication skills, a compassionate nature and should be willing to work closely with the Senior Charge Nurse in helping to develop and provide an exceptional patient experience and supportive learning environment for staff.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be a clearly identifiable senior clinical staff member, and team leader. They will have significant clinical experience, provide sound clinical expertise to their team, and coordinate and deliver high quality care. They will be a role model for expert clinical care, and lead on specific projects / management functions as delegated by the Sister / Charge Nurse. They will role model the identified Trust values at all times.

In general settings, they will be the assigned deputy for their manager, coordinating clinical, managerial and education requirements of the area, and being a role model for team members, whilst delivering and overseeing high standards of care.

In specialist settings, they will have a significant level of specialist clinical knowledge and expertise in the clinical functions of care delivery. They will provide advice and guidance also.

Please note: Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical:

• Lead on assessing planning and implementing high quality care, and evaluating care options for patients in the clinical area, in line with the Trust values and objectives
• Lead on complex clinical care for patients within their area
• Ensure the safe custody, maintenance and administration of medication, in accordance with established Trust policy
• Promote and maintain a safe therapeutic environment for patients, their families and staff, according to national and local Infection Control guidelines, Health & Safety legislation and Trust policies and objectives.

Leadership and management:

• Manage the day to day staffing arrangements and rotas, to ensure safe levels of practice
• Be a shift coordinator on a regular basis where appropriate
• Ensure staff adhere to Trust protocols of care, eg Infection Control
• Take continuing responsibility for the Ward / Department in the absence of the manager
• Lead and manage their own clinical team within general clinical areas, and of the total team in the absence of the manager, in line with Trust values
• Develop and maintain effective communication and working relationships with other professional groups, and staff generally within the Division and the Trust

Education & research:

• Participate in the education of all learners within their area
• Actively support and assist in preceptorship and in pre-registration student support, supervision  and guidance  including mentorship where appropriate
• Identify and respond to learning needs for area
• Develop and deliver or organise local training sessions, mindful of the Trust values

Professional development:

• Maintain professional registration
• Ensure mandatory training and a satisfactory appraisal is in date
• Undertake a professional development plan and demonstrate achievement of objectives

Please see attached job description and person specification to this advert for further details