Junior Ward Sister/Charge Nurse

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 5/6 who has proven post registration demonstrable experience to join our team as a permanent Junior Sister/Charge Nurse on Marlborough Ward.  This post would be an ideal opportunity for someone looking for a more senior role or an existing band 6 who would relish a change in environment and a new challenge. An enthusiasm for the speciality of acute care of the elderly is essential, and a teaching/assessing qualification and evidence of post basic study are desirable.

Marlborough Ward is a recognised Dementia friendly ward and we pride ourselves on the End of Life care we give. If you are interested in supporting us to deliver great care and develop your skills further in a senior role in our area we would like to hear from you.

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

To be responsible for organising and leading teams of nursing staff within a clinical setting.

To be recognised as a clinical expert within the post holder’s particular care environment, and providing clinical advice.

To be responsible for meeting the NMC requirements in line with the Code of Professional Conduct for their scope of responsibility.

To lead by example, demonstrating effective role modelling to all members of the nursing team.

To act as deputy to the nominated ward manager on all aspects of management and governance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Perform comprehensive assessment of patients nursing needs.  Plan, implement and evaluate care delivery according to patient’s health care needs.  To demonstrate high standards of clinical practice over and above that required of a band 5

To act as the clinical expert for patients within the ward area in particular using

specialist knowledge and expertise to manage patients with complex  medical and social needs

To assist in managing patient flow, working with patients, relatives and the multi-disciplinary team to pro-actively manage the admission and discharge process.

Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring high standards and safe practice are

maintained by:

• Teaching staff to understand and accept their responsibilities e.g. environmental cleanliness, maintenance and use of all equipment within clinical setting.
• Assist ward manager in the monitoring of incidents, accidents and complaints and participating in corrective action and the monitoring of outcomes.
• Adhering to the guidelines of the Health & Safety at Work Act.
• Utilisation of Trust Risk Assessment documentation, to ensure that Health & Safety and Clinical risk are reduced in the ward area.

Management of the area in the absence of a ward manager, including the deployment and supervision of staff.

To ensure that Trust, Divisional and Directorate Policies and Procedures are carried out correctly by:

• Compiling off-duty rotas to make effective use of staff.
• Being responsible for efficient and effective usage of the available resources in the absence of the ward manager.
• Compiling and maintaining staff attendance records, managing and monitoring sickness and absenteeism in accordance with Trust Policy.
• Carrying out agreed procedures for the appraisal and counselling of staff.
• Being actively involved with recruitment, selection and retention.

Establish and maintain effective communication channels within and outside the

Department by:

• Promoting teamwork and inter-personnel relationships and encouraging others in the decision making process.
• Attending regular Sisters Meetings, organising Ward Meetings and participating in Divisional and Directorate forums as required.
• Playing an active role in the integration of Patient and Public Involvement.
• Effecting change in order to meet changing patient need.
• To participate in the Major Incident Policy.

To be responsible for the continuing assessment of performance and the identification of development needs of team members by:

• Conducting staff annual appraisals that include a personal development plan relevant to their particular needs.
• Facilitating staff members to meet PREP requirements.
• Actively participating in the educational programme of all staff, including students. Close liaison with the Practice Development Department, offering practical and clinical guidance and attending lectures and meetings as required.

Constantly updating ones own knowledge, recognising the importance of a critical approach to research and developments in nursing.

Actively involved in Research & Clinical Audit within the clinical area.

Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and participate in the induction of locum staff to ward policies and routine.