Staff Nurse - Ward 5a

Job overview

These staff nurse positions are on a busy surgical ward which specialises in hepato-biliary surgery, as well as all general surgery.  The ward has an enhanced recovery area which supports those having complex surgery for cancer treatment and ensures support, shorter time in critical care and speedy discharge whilst operating a pathway of care by the full multi-professional team.

The staff nurse posts are responsible for leading a team, supporting student nurses, and fully caring and advocating for the patient and their carers.

Main duties of the job

Planning, evaluating and delivering care to patients.  Monitoring, recording and supporting patients post surgery.  Fluid and nutrition monitoring and delivery including enteral and parenteral nutrition. All aspects of general nursing care.  Communication with other members of the multi-professional team whilst advocating for patient and ensuring safe care.

It is expected that members of staff support training needs of all and the coaching model is operated for nursing students and new starters

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities Participate in maintaining a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for all patients and carers and maintain agreed standards of nursing care.

Determines nursing priorities and plans patient care. Informs the nurse in charge when changes in circumstances may affect patient care.

Maintain nursing records in accordance with the NMC and Trust guidelines.

Maintain and improve quality of patient care through contribution to the development of Essence of Care and clinical benchmarking within the unit

Ensure due regard is given to customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients.

Providing information and support to patients/carers, and ensuring all those involved in the care are aware of changes in the patients’ condition.

Assist in the safe custody, checking and administration of drugs

To develop the clinical knowledge and skills to care for acutely ill patients admitted via both planned and unplanned routes.

To undertake expanded practice, under supervision, in order to optimise patient care and in accordance with ward/department and Trust policies.

Involve patients and carers in the planning and delivery of care

Ensure effective lines of communication within the ward/department multidisciplinary team

Ensure that all equipment is checked and maintained in safe working order. Manage allocated workload and provides supervision of less experienced staff.

Practice and promote safe and efficient use of all resources.

Reports all incidents, accidents and complaints to the unit manager and completes Trust incident forms in accordance with risk management policies.

Ensures compliance with Trust policies and procedures

Ensure own standards are maintained in relation to clinical governance

Provides leadership in the monitoring of standards of care

Act as shift coordinator in rotation with other nurses in the team

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