Sister/Charge Nurse

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has become available on Ward G6 for a Junior Sister/ Charge Nurse position. G6 is a 26 bedded inpatient ward within Medicine for Older people care group. The correct candidate will be a well-rounded compassionate, engaging and pro-active team player with a passion for care of the older person.

G6 staff are enthusiastic, innovative, well-motivated and dedicated to high standards of care. We are keen to support, invest and challenge you within our supportive environment to develop you both clinically and professionally. G6 is a friendly team who welcome new members in a supportive and inclusive environment.

You are responsible for day-to-day operational management of the Unit. You are expected to lead and develop a team effectively in collaboration with the senior team. You are expected to demonstrate current experience of, or commitment to, developing effective managerial and leadership skills. You will be receptive to change and committed to working collaboratively with the inter-professional team. You will be a supervisor to pre and post registration nurses and expected to promote a positive learning environment.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who demonstrates great professionalism, shows developing leadership skills and a desire to be a part of innovation and emerging pathways and process. The right candidate will be integral to the growth of the team and the service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To participate in the monitoring and evaluation of standards of care, using ‘Essence of Care’ as a framework, ensuring that Corporate and nursing objectives are achieved.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care, providing support to other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• To act as team leader in the supervision of the professional work of nursing staff at Band 5 and below, exercising good leadership and control.
• To take charge of the ward on a regular basis.
• To liaise with all patients and their relatives and ensure that they are kept informed of treatment and progress and to participate in the provision of advice and support.
• To adopt a pro-active role in meeting the Clinical Governance agenda.
• To promote evidence-based practice and to take an active part in any relevant research / audits being undertaken.
• To participate in the discussion of clinical developments with the Matron and Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and to assist in the implementation of changes benefiting the standards of care to patients.
• To inform the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse of any complaints or adverse events received, reporting on what action has been taken, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• To ensure compliance with Infection Control standards, in line with Trust policy.
• To organise the reception of patients and visitors in accordance with recognised procedures.
• To ensure patients and relatives have access to medical staff to discuss treatment and progress.
• To arrange the care of patient's property, with their permission, in accordance with policies and within the limitations of hospital responsibilities.
• To teach patients and relatives about continuing treatment programmes, limitations of illness or self-monitoring of disease process and supply information about specialist self-help agencies and to support patients and their families.
• To train nurses at Band 5 and below in clinical and management skills.
• To participate in the induction / in-service training of staff who are new to the ward area.
• To train and supervise junior staff in collaboration with the Education and Training Team.
• To inform the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse of any training and development needs at appraisal or as identified.
• To participate in the Continuous Assessment of Practice for pre / post registration course members and the assessment of competencies.
• To act as facilitator for trained members of staff undertaking professional development programmes as necessary.
• To adhere to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct at all times.
• To assist in the planning of duty rotas, organising 24-hour nursing cover and adequate skill mix, acting on shortfalls in staffing levels which will affect the standards and delivery of patient care and informing Senior Sister / Charge Nurse.
• In the absence of the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse, to undertake counselling of ward staff and nurses in training on personal and professional matters.
• To attend meetings on matters pertaining to the ward or Care Group as agreed with the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, provide feedback, and carry out actions as required.
• To take on a specific area of interest / project / audit and develop a ward resource for this.
• To take part in change management and project management within the Unit.
• To develop skills in undertaking staff appraisals for a specific group of staff.
• To be aware of allocated budgets and out-going costs and to promote cost effectiveness within the ward area/Unit attending relevant finance meetings in the absence of the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse.
• To participate in the recruitment and selection process of new staff and relevant induction programmes.
• To have a Care Group overview, as bleep holder.

You will expected to cover a variety of shifts including weekends, nights and bank holidays.

We require the successful candidate to work flexibly including days and nights, weekends and bank holidays to meet service demand.

We would highly recommend an informal visit before applying.

If you enjoy the challenge of working in a busy environment and are looking for a challenge, then this is the post for you.

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.