Staff Nurse - Acute Medical Unit (Ward 1C)

Job overview

We are looking for suitably qualified nurses to join our proactive team. Equally if you are a newly qualified nurse who would like a career in acute nursing, but are worried that it may be too early in your career we are also happy to ensure you can work on the unit and support would be provided to ensure you flourish.

We have 1 dedicated Education Facilitators who ensure that all are staff are trained and equipped to work within the ever changing ward environment. Newly qualified nurses will have a 12 month preceptorship with one of our experience staff.

We require excellent nurses who want exciting, challenging roles, to deliver first class high quality patient care. We are a unique unit that has an Enhanced Care Area (ECA) where we provide care to Level 1 patients.  Each Staff Nurse will get an opportunity of a rotation to our ECA. These patients come directly from A & E.  The ECA beds will take patients who require respiratory support, as well as cardiac monitoring in the acute phase of their illness, as well as other patients requiring a High Dependency Setting. Our staff have the opportunity to undertake blood gases; ECG’s and undertake the Advanced Life Skills Course in order to maintain our highest standards of acute medical care.

An Enhanced DBS Certificate with the checking of the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists is required for this post.

Main duties of the job

The AMU is a fast paced, busy environment,  the successful candidates will be dynamic, enthusiastic individuals, who would like to further their career in this area of medical nursing.

Commitment to undertake ongoing in-service training and development is essential. You should be motivated, keen to learn & ready to embrace change. Our commitment to you is to provide the environment for this to happen and ensure that you are part of our defined preceptorship programme. We can offer on going professional development on the ward & training opportunities relevant to the clinical area. We also offer our nursing staff the opportunity to take up funds from our apprenticeship funding which will ensure funding to further develop in your chosen career pathway.

The main duties

To contribute to the delivery of quality patient care by participating in and providing the assessment, planning, provision and evaluation of individualised care

To assist in the admission, transfer & discharge of patients in accordance with local policy

To participate in the developing and monitoring of standards of care and other quality initiatives in a positive manner

To fulfil the role of the departmental triage nurse, utilising advanced skills of assessment, prioritisation, decision-making, risk management and communication skills

To always be caring, approachable and display a consistently professional manner

Promote the safeguarding of vulnerable patients in line with national and local policy

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY DUTIES

To contribute to the delivery of quality patient care by participating in and providing the assessment, planning, provision and evaluation of individualised care

To assist in the admission, transfer and discharge of patients in accordance with local policy

To participate in the developing and monitoring of standards of care and other quality initiatives in a positive manner

To fulfil the role of the departmental triage nurse, utilising advanced skills of assessment, prioritisation, decision-making, risk management and communication skills

To always be caring, approachable and display a consistently professional manner

Promote the safeguarding of vulnerable patients in line with national and local policy

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain Professional Registration

Adhere to the NMC Code of Practice and The Scope of Professional Practice

Ensure that nursing care is appropriate, provided and is consistent with clinical guidelines

In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will actively participate in the prevention and control of infection within the capacity of their role.  The Act requires the post holder to attend infection prevention and control training on induction and at regular updates and to take responsibility for the practical application of the training in the course of their work.  Infection prevention and control must be included in any personal development plan and/or appraisal

To report and record any untoward incidents

To assist in the promotion of effective communication with all staff, patients and relatives and other departments as required

To have responsibility for the security and maintenance of equipment belonging to the department.  Help to ensure that all equipment is in safe working order in conjunction with the department Resource Co-ordinator

To assist the Nurse Coordinator in achievement of key performance indicators for the department and the Trust

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

To utilise knowledge or hospital systems/procedures in order to appropriately divert/refer patients to alternative/appropriate services and pathways

To ensure that the recording of patient care is comprehensive, concise and in line with the NMC Record Keeping guidance and Trust policy and procedure

Ensure Patient Tracking IT system is current and reflective of patients in his/her care

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

To  facilitate the acquisition of Band 5 grade competencies and skills

To personally ensure fulfilment of the requirements for professional updating and to maintain a personal record for future registration purposes

To participate in the teaching of students and the in-service training of qualified nurses and health care assistants and act as facilitator/mentor/preceptor as appropriate

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

To act as a preceptor for newly qualified staff nurses

To deputise for the senior nurse where necessary

To act as a role model to junior colleagues and students and a support mechanism for senior colleagues

RESEARCH & AUDIT

To participate in research/special projects/audit as requested by the Senior Nursing Team

Contribute towards the setting, maintaining and monitoring of standards of care within the Department by participating in Department audits