Ward Sister

Job overview

The post holder is instrumental in supporting the Ward Manager in all aspects of care and management within this 22 bedded Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. It is vital to provide visible support to the entire multidisciplinary team to ensure the delivery of high quality patient care and rehabilitation. This role will work closely with the nursing team, in partnership with therapist, GP’s and facilities staff.

Delivery of compassionate, dignified and respectful service to patients at all times

Ensuring that the values of the organisation are adhered to and any concerns are raised with the relevant manager to the necessary process within the Trust.

Main duties of the job

• Responsibility for Patient Care
• Assist with the development, implementation and delivery of agreed standard of nursing care.
• Assist the Ward Manager to ensure all staff are aware of prevention and control of infection.
• Ensure agreed standard of ward cleanliness by reporting any concerns to the ward manager/matron.
• Work collaboratively with patients’ families, MTD and social care to ensure patients receive timely and safe discharge.
• Act as an advocate for patients and protect their rights and dignity.
• Discharge patients following the Trust’s Discharge Policy.
• Provide basic, intermediate and advanced patient care.
• Communication Skills
• Handle conflicts, grievance and complaints in an effective and professional manner and refer to ward manager/matron.
• Ensure that nursing records are completed accurately.
• Work as a team member and promote multi-disciplinary team approach.
• Promote ward and Trust in the most positive manner to patients and public at all times.
• Education and Research
• Participate in learning opportunities for healthcare assistants and student nurses as well as student therapist.
• Assist in orientation programs, individualised teaching programs for junior staff.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of specialty; nursing older people.
• Maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge. 1.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Managerial Responsibilities ·        Work closely with ward manager /matron for the management of patient care by providing good leadership and managerial skills. ·        Comply with all policies and guidelines by the Trust. Assist in management of change in an effective manner and ensure smooth transition. ·        Monitor standards of nursing care and be a patient advocate. ·        Attend meetings and ensure effective communication at all times. ·        Advise the ward manager / Matron on any problems concerning staff, their working practices and environment. ·        Minimise risk in the ward and adhere to the Trust’s Risk Management Policy.
• Professional Knowledge and Experience

• Knowledge of operational processes to ensure effective time management is in use to deliver the service in accordance to needs
• Understanding of physical impairment and how this impacts on independent living.
• Act as a source of professional advice for both the nursing team and the wider MDT
• Ensure student nurses are supported with their education and learning when allocated to the unit
• Participate in the supervision and appraisal process personally
• Ensure all mandatary training is maintained
• Be responsible for updating own knowledge and personal development
• Willingness to undertake professional development, updating knowledge and skills in line with this role, when identified via the appraisal process.
• Finance and Physical Resources
• Understand budgeting costs in order that all resources are used appropriately and efficiently.
• Ensure the maintenance of stock levels of appropriate consumables needed with the unit
• Recruit staff in line with the skill mix prepared for the unit in line with the budget.
• Book bank and agency staff in line with agreed numbers of staff per shift or in extreme circumstances being mindful of both the budget and the agency cap