Sister/Charge Nurse

Job overview

Acute Assessment Unit

Sister/Charge Nurse (Band 6) 34.5 Hours/per week

The AAU is a busy, dynamic unit which assesses, and plans care for a range of patients presenting with oncological emergencies, treatment related side effects and symptom control needs. We work alongside acute care physicians who are based on the unit and work with the MDT to implement a high standard of care for all of our patients.

The successful candidate will need to have significant experience in Acute Oncology nursing. They will also need to have strong leadership skills, be a positive role model within the team and have quality care at the for front of everything they do.

A key aspect of the role is to be a clinical lead on the unit. The role is also supporting the Senior Charge Nurse to ensure the units are safely staffed, to develop the teams, to contribute to practice development and maintain standards on the unit. The successful candidate will need excellent communication skills, and be able to work productively with other members of the team – both across AAU and externally.

A key aspect to the role is supporting the Senior Charge Nurse to ensure the unit is safely staffed, to develop the teams and to contribute to practice development. You will also be the lead for patient’s safety and satisfaction on the shift. The successful candidate will need excellent communication skills and be able to work productively with other members of the team.

Main duties of the job

To deputise for and support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse.

Be responsible for and maintain a safe environment, escalating issues appropriately

Monitor admissions are in compliance with admissions policy, monitoring and escalating breaches

Provide a welcoming and approachable management support ethic for new staff, AAU junior staff and act as mentor to designated staff ensuring each staff member participates in a personal development plan and act to maximise the potential of others

Act as team leader for the AAU team, ensuring that they are compliant with training requirements.

Assess, plan and implement clinical care and maintain associated patient records. Involving auditing appropriate documentation as per care indicators

Lead the team to provide high quality patient care and show compassion and respect to all.

To organise daily work schedule ensuring appropriate and effective skill mix and deployment of staff for appropriate patient needs

To have an awareness of the staff and non-staff budget

Be aware of Health and Safety issues and ensure relevant risk assessments are undertaken.

Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy, investigating speedily and compassionately

Ensure all trust policies and procedures are adhered to and new ones implemented as necessary

Regularly liaise and report to Department Manager/Senior Nursing team on unit affairs and staff development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Management and Administration

• To deputise for and support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse.
• Be responsible for and maintain a safe environment, escalating issues appropriately
• Monitor admissions are in compliance with admissions policy, monitoring and escalating breaches
• Provide a welcoming and approachable management support ethic for new staff, AAU junior staff and act as mentor to designated staff ensuring each staff member participates in a personal development plan and act to maximise the potential of others.
• Act as team leader for the AAU team, ensuring that they are compliant with training requirements.
• Assess, plan and implement clinical care and maintain associated patient records. Involving auditing appropriate documentation as per care indicators
• To organise daily work schedule ensuring appropriate and effective skill mix and deployment of staff for appropriate patient needs
• To have an awareness of the staff and non staff budget
• Be aware of Health and Safety issues and ensure relevant risk assessments are undertaken.
• Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy, investigating speedily and compassionately
• Ensure all trust policies and procedures are adhered to and new ones implemented as necessary
• Regularly liaise and report to Department Manager/Senior Nursing team on unit affairs and staff development.
• Assist in nursing recruitment process when required
• Take a progressive approach to the management of short and long-term sickness/absence in collaboration with the Department manager/Senior Nursing team.

Training and Education

• Participate and undertake research and audit which will influence practice
• To be up to date in all IV training programs including annual updates and competent in all areas of clinical practice including assessment of critically ill patient and competent in performing ECG’s and blood transfusions.
• Attend all mandatory study days

Professional

• Act as a resource giving advice and support to nursing staff regarding emergency admissions and associated issues
• Liaise closely with the medical team and other members of the MDT in respect of patient care promoting the highest standard of care
• To develop and maintain a professional interest in all aspects of nursing and associated research
• To actively seek to review unit performance and workflow, identifying areas for improvement/development, and developing strategies to progress these.

Personal

• Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote a good working relationship.
• Show professional and courteous manner whilst practicing excellent communication skills at all levels
• To show respect for members of the team and endorse the AAU philosophy of giving mutual support.
• Being aware of one’s own limitations, maintain confidentiality and adherence to NMC Professional Code of Conduct
• Cooperate in own performance review by indicating learning goals and support needs.
• Actively seek mentorship / supervision to enable reflection and development within the role.
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information both at work and outside of working hours
• To be aware of and adhere to all policies including; sickness and absence, confidentiality, uniform and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work act and be familiar with all risk assessments pertinent to the AAU
• Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy
• Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour

Applicant requirements

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.