Theatre Lead Sister/Charge Nurse

Job overview

The post holder will be a member of the expert clinical leadership team in the Operating Theatre Department across NW Theatres (Ealing, Northwick Park and Potters Bar) providing skilled clinical and technical guidance working closely with a team of Band 7 Theatre Sisters/Charge Nurses. This is a leadership role with a clinical element. The Theatre Lead/Sister/Charge Nurse is one of a small team that takes responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the entire theatre department and will be expected to take part equally in the coordination of the department, management of a delegated team of staff and support the delivery of supporting activities.

The main base site is Ealing with crossover to Northwick Park.

Main duties of the job

• Professionally accountable and responsible for the development and provision of high quality care and a safe environment for patient within theatre services.
• In collaboration with the Matrons and other Theatre Lead/Sister/Charge Nurse manage all human, financial and physical resources.
• To lead and co-ordinate the departmental team, taking continuing responsibility for the management and organisation of the entire clinical area, in a courteous and patient focused manner
• Work with clinicians as part of the management team to provide expert knowledge on all areas of theatres and to be a role model, providing sound leadership and motivation for all members of staff
• To be responsible for direct management of delegated staff, ensuring robust management of performance and absence
• Maintain a professional profile and develop skills, knowledge and competencies adhering to the NMC and HCPC Codes of Professional Conduct and Trust Policies and Procedures.
• Act as an agent of change in achieving a culture that is flexible and responds positively to the needs of the service and our patients.
• Actively develop positive team working between theatres and Day Care team and other theatre teams.
• Support the directorate in all activities related to the improvement of theatre utilisation.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Leadership •Work with the team to ensure the delivery of high quality evidenced based care •Work collaboratively across the directorate to promote a customer focused culture acting as a role model. •Support the team in the delivery of Clinical Governance, Risk Management and Quality assurance initiatives •Monitor and intervene to ensure adherence to the NMC and HPC Codes of conduct. •Foster effective and efficient working relationships across the multidisciplinary team, role modelling excellent communication skills •Work alongside the team to ensure that the department functions safely and to capacity on a day to day basis •Is clinically and professionally up-to-date with current trends and developments in clinical speciality. •Ensure strict adherence to behavioural codes and intervene as indicated •Implement any learning from complaints and compliments received

Managerial and Professional Leadership •Support the directorate in ensuring the optimum use of the theatre resource. •Take an overview of the duty rosters for the department •Allocate and agree annual leave in line with Trust policy, working to the local policy for leave •Encourage the staff and role model in terms of flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing demands to meet access targets •Delegate and empower staff without abdicating overall, continuing responsibility •Monitor all patient related documentation to ensure it is completed correctly, accurately and contemporaneously. •Monitor all systems for transferring information between team members to ensure all staff is aware of any relevant situations or changes to the way of working.

Financial and Performance Management •Support the in the management of the budget for Pay and Non Pay •Act responsibly when utilising the Department’s resources to ensure sound financial stewardship. •Have an awareness and understanding of the Department’s budget and spend. •Identify ways to ensure value for money and potential CIP ideas •Support the directorate in the delivery of the cost improvement programme •Work with the procurement team to ensure efficacious management of stock levels, working to the full implementation of a materials management system •Work to minimise the use of agency staff in line with Trust process •To support in raising the profile of the Operating Department •Make sure all safety check are carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions and signed for as appropriate. Any faults with equipment are acted on and reported appropriately •Identify the need for new specialised equipment and support with the preparation of a business case.

Personal/ Professional Development To ensure own professional registration is maintained and keep up to date with current requirements •Take responsibility for maintaining own professional growth, identifying training needs and maintaining a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development in keeping with the requirements for registration •Maintain up to date knowledge utilising literature, journals and technical guides. •Complete mandatory training as required by the Trust and adhere to all local and trust policies •Exercise professional accountability at all times and to be aware of own development needs/ limitations and actively seek to address these and raise awareness in others