Unit Manager

Job overview

• To act as a professional role model
• To lead and co-ordinate the nursing team, taking continuing responsibility for the management and organisation of the clinical area
• To have continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care
• To ensure a high standard of nursing care and the well being of patients at all times
• To be responsible for the development, teaching, appraisal and well- being of all staff, both trained and untrained
• To be responsible for managing the designated budgets
• To work as an advanced practitioner and effectively deliver an expert nursing service within the specialist area
• To manage a caseload of patients/clients
• To ensure that patients and their families are fully informed and supported by providing clinical and social support
• To assist in the development of evidence based clinical nursing practice in line with current research and guidelines
• To establish clear lines of communication within the specialty team to ensure cohesive multidisciplinary management of patients

Main duties of the job

• To work in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, Trust Policies and Procedures
• To act as an expert for the care of a specified group of patients, providing effective leadership and acting as a positive role model
• To set agreed standards of nursing care and to monitor them and take action to improve if necessary
• To communicate effectively with patients, their relatives and carers and all healthcare personnel
• To be fully involved in the health education of patients and relatives, taking every opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle.
• To promote a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to care, ensuring continuity of care

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To be responsible for the organisation and management of the ward / clinical area on a 24-hour basis
• To, at all times, have an overall view of the intensity of the workload and the experience of the staff and act to utilise the nursing establishment to ensure adequate cover to achieve a high standard of nursing care
• To delegate appropriately encouraging staff to develop and advance their skills
• To ensure the formal reporting and recording of adverse incidents in line with Trust policy
• To keep the senior nurse informed of any adverse incidents and complaints; investigating complaints and adverse incidents as required by the senior nurse, intervening at an early level to resolve informally where possible and taking appropriate action in relation to any identified outcomes