Job overview
The postholder will
The post holder will have 24 hour responsibility for the management of the Emergency Department and for line management of all staff.
To act as the clinical lead within the Emergency Department and provide direct clinical leadership by working on rostered shifts.
To be responsible for operational management and service delivery process e.g. within the Emergency Department. This includes managing and monitoring resources within a defined budget and contributing to the corporate agenda.
Within the framework of clinical governance, to lead and promote a quality service using research and evidence based practice including the setting and monitoring of clinical standards.
Main duties of the job
Educate patients and their carer(s) as required where a need has been identified
Participate in annual staff appraisal, staff development and in-service training activities in line with the Knowledge and Skills Framework
Ensure that all staff attend Trust/local orientation programmes, mandatory training sessions and annual updates
Be appraised at least annually and contribute to own personal development plan (PDP)
Be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, management & clinical skills and professional awareness in accordance with CPD requirements and maintain a professional profile
Act as a preceptor/facilitator/mentor for staff and students
Take part in reflection and appropriate learning from practice, in order to maintain and develop competence and performance
Facilitate staff to fulfil mandatory training & CPD requirements and to maintain professional profile
Ensure that all new staff complete Trust and local induction / orientation programmes
Assist in establishing clinical supervision and participate as appropriate
Maintain a suitable learning environment
Co-ordinate and maintain accurate records of all nurse and health care assistant training and development
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communications and Engagement
Ensure effective communication between staff, patients visitors and outside agencies
Work collaboratively as required to ensure effective and efficient provision of health care services
Communicate the vision and rationale of the service provided
Keep the Directorate/Divisional management team informed of relevant issues regarding running of the ward, expenditure/income and accounting for significant variances against budget
Use communication skills in order to convey complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming any barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing or emotional events
Ensure that patient documentation is completed correctly, appropriately and in a timely manner by all members of the nursing team
Ensure patients are able to gain access to health and social care information and support relevant to their needs
Provide information which enables patients to make choices about adopting a healthier lifestyle
Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained
Maintain professional boundaries and working relationships with patients and colleagues
Health, Safety & Security:
Work with team members to ensure maintenance of a clean and safe environment that is conducive to therapeutic and ethical practice Be accountable for and ensure own competence in practice
Promote nursing practice and care delivery in line with relevant research and evidence base and with reference to trust policies and guidelines
Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors, take action as required and adhere to relevant incident reporting procedures
Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with local and Trust policy and legal requirements
Handle and dispose of all body fluids in accordance with universal precautions
Service Improvement:
Lead on change management issues/projects for the ward/department
Consider the views/needs of users when determining priorities for service development
Foster a climate of continuous service improvement by maintaining awareness of developments and best practice elsewhere
Interpret national and trust policy and assess potential impact on the service
Participate in the development, implementation and monitoring of nursing practice standards, guidelines, protocols, policies and care pathways - local and trust wide
Be responsible for implementing, maintaining and monitoring measurable standards of care in liaison with the Senior Nurse/Acute Care Matron
Ensure care delivered is based on current evidence, best practice and validated research when available
Work with the Practice Development Team to review nursing practice, implementing appropriate changes in accordance with above principles
Contribute to research and development programmes within the ward/department
Quality:
Maintain own and others’ awareness of the national, professional and local quality issues relevant to the delivery of nursing services, ensuring compliance as required
Ensure a welcoming, caring and supportive environment is provided for staff, patients and their family/visitors/carers
Ensure a clean and safe environment and liaise with the Senior Nurse /Matron with regard to the performance management of contracted services and NHS National Cleaning Standards
Uphold quality initiatives that improve ‘customer care’ and enhance the interface between staff, patients and visitors and other wards and departments within the trust
Participate in audit processes for monitoring and reviewing nursing quality
Be involved in the handling and resolution of complaints in accordance with ASPH policy; ensure staff are aware of the role of the nurse
Provision of Care to Meet Health and Wellbeing Needs:
Supervise staff in the delivery of care
Ensure that assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care incorporate the ‘Named Nurse’ initiative
Act as an advocate for the patient, providing them with information and directing them to the relevant support services where appropriate
Take the appropriate action to address any issues or risks
Respect people’s dignity, wishes and beliefs; involve them in shared decision-making and obtain their consent before undertaking nursing procedures
Promote and maintain a patient focused multidisciplinary approach to care in collaboration with carers, health care professionals and other agencies
Ensure that treatments prescribed by the medical staff are carried out, and that multidisciplinary team members are informed of changes in the patient’s condition
Ensure safe and timely transfer of patients in accordance with ASPH policy
Ensure safe discharge of patients in accordance with ASPH Discharge Policy
Information Processing:
Ensure E-rota and electronic patient records (EPR) are implemented and used to their full potential
Collect/record data accurately in accordance with professional guidelines and ASPH Core Standards.
Financial Management:
Regularly review Finance and Human Resources information and be accountable for efficient, effective management of allocated resources, i.e. staffing establishment, skill mix for patient dependency, bed management, equipment and supplies
Ensure compliance with the Trust’s Standing Financial Instructions
Ensure prudent use of bank and agency staff in line with Trust / local policy and available budget
People management:
Manage a team of nurses (and other staff where applicable), supervising and supporting team members; co-ordinate the multi-disciplinary team
Manage staff performance in accordance with relevant ASPH policies and report problems to the appropriate manager
Be responsible for recruitment and selection of staff after undergoing appropriate training
Ensure comprehensive induction/orientation of new and bank/agency staff to the ward/department area
Implement ‘Improving Working Lives’ Standards and promote a culture where staff are valued
Be responsible for ensuring all staff are appraised at least annually, addressing personal development plans (PDP) and monitoring/managing performance
Use rostering skills effectively to ensure safe and appropriate staffing numbers and skill mix.
Contribute to directorate/divisional management processes
General responsibilities
To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work.
