Junior Sister/Charge Nurse

Job overview

To provide Clinical Nurse Management, Clinical Leadership and expertise in all aspects of service delivery within sphere of responsibility

To continue to provide leadership and guidance in working towards an amalgamated service both in the short and long term.

The post holder, with support from the Lead Nurse, will ensure that high standards are developed, implemented, evaluated and maintained, with required change planned in accordance with the framework of Clinical Governance.

To lead by example, acting as a role model to all members of the nursing team, leading care teams and creating a positive learning environment. To deploy and supervise all nursing staff effectively.

Acts as an expert resource on Nursing care of patients within the specialities and holds a key role in the multi-disciplinary team

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

Ongoing responsibility for the provision of specialist renal care to all patients within Plymouth Dialysis Unit and Satellite Units.

Co-ordinating and delivering effective quality haemodialysis treatment to all patients. Ensuring resources are used effectively within the clinical environment.

In the absence of Lea Nurse, regularly assumes responsibility for the unit, utilising knowledge of standards, policies and procedures outlined by the trust.

To provide leadership and act as role model for other staff members.

Contributes to the management of risk, both clinical and financial.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Leadership/Managerial

Continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs and setting standards by:

• Providing and delivering a high standard of specialist nursing care by initiating and co-coordinating the assessment, planning, and evaluating of individual patients needs based on evidence within the, Haemodialysis , Peritoneal Dialysis and Vascular Access area.
• Commencement of haemodialysis, cannulation and termination of dialysis using highly complex specialist dialysis equipment to include problem solving skills
• Care of the haemodialysis patient with Percutaneous Access to include problem solving skills
• Interpret any machine alarms and take corrective action
• Assist in the care of patients undergoing minor surgical interventions recognising problems and initiating action when required
• Managing and developing the nursing resource of haemodialysis unit
• Organising the unit to provide individualised patient care.
• Ensuring staff work within national and locally agreed policies and procedures.
• Compiling, implementation and evaluation of philosophies of care, ensuring support for the patient and his/her family and all staff members.
• Leading the implementation of policies such as Fundamentals of Care, as per Trust/National guidelines
• Working closely with the multidisciplinary teams to provide safe and effective haemodialysis treatment
• Manage all aspects of recruitment and retention of staff, including sickness and absence, appraisals and staff training in line with Trust policies.
• Development of policies and planning of specialist/new services either as part of the multi-disciplinary clinical/management team, or where appropriate as individual lead.
• Working closely with the care group management team in the area of responsibility to play an active role in service development and achievement of specialty based targets.
• Planning off-duty rotas to make effective use of staff.
• Assist in maintaining and development of protocols and policies for specialist area of care.
• Be a member of relevant professional association and attend regional/national meetings and conferences.
• Participates in clinical research and audit and contributes to development of knowledge within field of expertise.
• Supports and advises junior staff who wish to undertake audit and research.