JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF POST: Senior Registered Nurse
SALARY BAND:6
LOCATION:Zachary Cope Ward (SMH)
RESPONSIBLE TO:Ward Manager / Lead Nurse
PROFESSIONALLY
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Head of Nursing
HOURS PER WEEK:37.5
AIM OF ROLE:
Monitor and maintain policies, standards of nursing care and staff development, as part of the ward team.
Provide specialist nursing care and/or support and deputize for the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in the management of the clinical area. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in emergency or unforeseen situations.
Develop the skills and knowledge and then to progress through the second gateway (to carry out all relevant duties without supervision, as delegated by line manager).
Provide specialist nursing advice to support and facilitate high quality, individualised care to patients/clients and relatives/carers without supervision in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team.
Provide mentorship and preceptorship to junior staff and students.
Key working relationships:
Senior nurse and Lead Nurse
Other team leaders
Multi disciplinary team
Patients and carers
Medical staff and members of the multi-disciplinary teams
Key result areas:
Standards of care are maintained and monitored in line with all local and National policies
Appropriate supervision and mentorship of junior staff and students
Develop skills and knowledge to take charge of the department on a regular basis
Support and deputize for the ward manager and team leaders in the management and supervision of staff
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communication and relationship skills
1.1To demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.
1.2Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust wide.
1.3To promote a positive image of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust at all times.
1.4To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.
1.5Be involved in Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust organizational development plans to transform the Trust to meet the needs of future, this will include upholding Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust shared values.
1.6To provide support mechanisms for sharing good practice within the Ward/Department and Trust wide.
1.7Assist in the programme and provide clinical supervision, as required for all registered nurses working in the Ward / Department.
1.8To maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and other Wards / Departments, including developing your formal presentation skills.
- Responsibility- Patient/ client care
2.1To assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meet the needs of the patient. A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the appropriate level of physiological; pathological; spiritual, socio-economical and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific specialty.
2.2 To lead the provision of care in accordance with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Policies reflecting current trends and developments in nursing and the NHS.
2.3Using specialised knowledge to take charge of the clinical needs of a group of defined patients and/or to take charge regularly of the clinical area and/or to take charge of the clinical area in the absence of the Ward / Department Manager, prioritising workload according to changing clinical need over a 24 period. Utilising appropriate support as necessary to ensure safe staffing levels are maintained.
2.4In conjunction with the Ward / Department Manager provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical and psychological well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers. Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is implemented in accordance with the Trust Risk Management policy.
2.5 Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records).
2.6In the absence or as delegated by the Ward / Department Manager initiate investigations of untoward incidents, accidents, complaints and other relevant information.
2.7To delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to patient care. (for example when taking charge or as link nurse)
2.8In conjunction with the staff team, to assist in developing and maintaining a Ward/Department philosophy and model of care and the Trust’s Nursing Strategy
2.9To comply with and participate in the Trust’s framework of clinical governance within the ward or department area, seeking advice or guidance where necessary.
2.10To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and standards. This will include identification of risk (clinical, health, safety and security). To work towards promoting this to others.
2.11Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.
2.12Ensure through good practice that customer care initiatives are improved and sustained. Act as a resource for advice to patients, relatives/carers and staff.
2.13To promote actively a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff appreciating national strategy requirements.
- Responsibility – Policy and service
3.1To work on delegated projects relating to local policy and service development. To work towards leading the same.
3.2To be aware of service delivery plans
3.3To be involved actively in the development of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level, their implementation and reinforce their use.
- Responsibility – Financial and physical
4.1To assist the ward/unit manager in the effective and efficient use and availability of resources & adequate stock levels, adhering to procedures for the use of supplies.
4.2Ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix is scheduled to reflect the workload and meet the needs of the patient. Assist the ward / department manager by adhering to the procedures for the activation of the nurse bank/alteration of nurse duty rotas
4.3To participate in the business planning process, helping to identify areas for service development.
- Responsibility – Staff/ HR/ leadership, training
5.1Actively manage own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.
5.2Participate in the programme for clinical supervision as required.
5.3Maintain a personal, professional profile, identifying role and skill developments in line with the Scope of Professional Practice.
5.4Assist in the recruitment, retention and selection of staff.
5.5Delegation of tasks and activities to a range of team members and evaluate outcomes in conjunction with the Ward / Department Manager.
5.6Work towards assisting in the management of staff attendance, poor performance, disciplinary and grievance issues in the clinical area.
5.7Take responsibility for the 1:1’s and PDP’s of named staff as appropriate and as delegated by the Ward / Department Manager. Understand the impact of individual PDP’s on the learning needs of the ward / department.
5.8Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, using the Trust’s Performance Review System (1:1’s and PDP’s), enabling standards of patient care to be monitored constantly and improved.
5.9Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues, including support staff to promote a cohesive ward team and the achievement of team objectives
5.10To participate in planning the duty rota taking into consideration the needs of the service and in conjunction with the parameters set by the Ward / Department manager.
5.11To contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors.
5.12To participate in staff education and development, including utilising appropriate learning opportunities and to act as a mentor and, resource, role model for all the nursing team.
- Responsibility - Information resources
6.1To be involved actively in maintaining data quality on electronic patient record systems or similar systems in the future.
6.2Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place & under development.
6.3Following Trust / local guidelines order relevant tests and access results reported on electronic patient record systems
6.4To have an active e-mail account
7.Responsibility - Research and development
7.1Demonstrate through a holistic approach to nursing care and day to day clinical issues an understanding of evidence based practice.
7.2Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required. Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support.
7.3Monitor the quality of nursing care and action audit information to achieve agreed standards under the direction of the Ward / Department Manager.
7.4Under the supervision of the Sister/Charge Nurse contribute and participate in the process of setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the Ward/Department. Participate in conducting nursing audit to achieve the agreed standards.
7.5Participate in Trust wide research awareness sessions for nurses and midwives and recommend innovations for clinical practice.
7.6Participate in research projects being undertaken and taken an active role in research and development.
8.Freedom to Act
8.1Freedom to act independently within appropriate occupation guide lines, deciding when it is necessary to refer to their manager (level 3)
Scope and Purpose of Job Description
A job description does not constitute a ‘term and condition of employment’. It is provided only as a guide to assist the employee in the performance of their job. The Trust is a fast moving organization and therefore changes in employees’ duties may be necessary from time to time. The job description is not intended to be an inflexible or finite list of tasks and may be varied from time to time after consultation/discussion with the post holder.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Equal Opportunities
The Trust aims to promote equal opportunities. A copy of our Equality Scheme is available from the Human Resources department.
Members of staff must ensure that they treat other members of staff, patients and visitors with dignity and respect at all times and report any breaches of this to the appropriate manager.
Medical Examinations
All appointments are conditional upon prior health clearance by the Trust's Occupational Health Service. Failure to provide continuing satisfactory evidence will be regarded as a breach of contract
Criminal Records Bureau
Applicants for posts in the NHS are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Criminal Records Bureau before the appointment is confirmed. This includes details of cautions, reprimands, final warnings, as well as convictions. Further information is available from the Criminal Records Bureau and Disclosure websites at and
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
Post holders have a general responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
Professional Registration
Staff undertaking work which requires professional/state registration are responsible for ensuring that they are so registered and that they comply with any Codes of Conduct applicable to that profession. Proof of registration must be produced on appointment and, if renewable, proof of renewal must also be produced.
Work Visa/ Permits/Leave to Remain
If you are a non-resident of the United Kingdom or European Economic Area, any appointment offered may be subject to the Resident Labour Market test (RLMT) which may need to be repeated on expiry of your leave to remain. The Trust is unable to employ or continue to employ you if you do not obtain or maintain a valid work visa and leave to remain in the UK.
Confidentiality
The post-holder must maintain confidentiality of information about staff, patients and health service business and be aware of the Data Protection Act (1984) and Access to Health Records Act (1990).
Health and safety
The post holder must co-operate with management in discharging its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and take reasonable health and safety of themselves and others and to ensure the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for patients, employees and visitors.
Risk Management
All staff has a responsibility to report all clinical and non-clinical accidents or incidents promptly and when requested to co-operate with any investigation undertaken.
Conflict of Interests
You may not without the consent of the Trust engage in any outside employment and in accordance with the Trust’s Conflict of Interest Policy you must declare to your manager all private interests which could potentially result in personal gain as a consequence of your employment position in the Trust.
In addition the NHS Code of Conduct and Standards of Business Conduct for NHS Staff require you to declare all situations where you or a close relative or associate has a controlling interest in a business (such as a private company, public organisation, other NHS or voluntary organisation) or in any activity which may compete for any NHS contracts to supply goods or services to the Trust. You must therefore register such interests with the Trust, either on appointment or subsequently, whenever such interests are gained. You should not engage in such interests without the written consent of the Trust, which will not be unreasonably withheld. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are not placed in a position which may give rise to a conflict of interests between any work that you undertake in relation to private patients and your NHS duties.
Code of Conduct
All staff is required to work in accordance with the code of conduct for their professional group (e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health Professions Council, General Medical Council, NHS Code of Conduct for Senior Managers).
Infection control
It is the responsibility of all staff, whether clinical or non-clinical, to familiarise themselves with and adhere to current policy in relation to the prevention of the spread of infection and the wearing of uniforms.
Clinical staff – on entering and leaving clinical areas and between contacts with patients all staff should ensure that they apply alcohol gel to their hands and also wash their hands frequently with soap and water. In addition, staff should ensure the appropriate use of personal protective clothing and the appropriate administration of antibiotic therapy. Staff are required to communicate any infection risks to the infection control team and, upon receipt of their advice, report hospital-acquired infections in line with the Trust’s Incident Reporting Policy.
Non clinical staff and sub-contracted staff – onentering and leaving clinical areas and between contacts with patients all staff should ensure they apply alcohol gel to their hands and be guided by clinical staff as to further preventative measures required. It is also essential for staff to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
Staff have a responsibility to encourage adherence with policy amongst colleagues, visitors and patients and should challenge those who do not comply. You are also required to keep up to date with the latest infection control guidance via the documents library section on the intranet.
Clinical Governance and Risk management
The Trust believes everyone has a role to play in improving and contributing to the quality of care provided to our patients. As an employee of the Trust you are expected to take a proactive role in supporting the Trust’s clinical governance agenda by:
-Taking part in activities for improving quality such as clinical audit
-Identifying and managing risks through incident and near miss reporting and undertaking risk assessments
-Following Trust polices, guidelines and procedures
-Maintaining your continue professional development
All Clinical staff making entries into patient health records are required to follow the Trust standards of record keeping
Information Quality Assurance
As an employee of the Trust it is expected that you will take due diligence and care in regard to any information collected, recorded, processed or handled by you during the course of your work and that such information is collected, recorded, processed and handled in compliance with Trust requirements and instructions.
Freedom of Information
The post holder should be aware of the responsibility placed on employees under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and is responsible for helping to ensure that the Trust complies with the Act when handling or dealing with any information relating to Trust activity.
Management of a Violent Crime
The Trust has adopted a security policy in order
-to help protect patients, visitors and staff
-to safeguard their property
All employees have a responsibility to ensure that those persons using the Trust and its services are as secure as possible.
No Smoking
The Trust operates a non-smoking policy.
Professional Association/Trade Union Membership
It is the policy of the Trust to support the system of collective bargaining and as an employee in the Health Service you are therefore encouraged to join a professional organization or trade union. You have the right to belong to a trade union and to take part in its activities at any appropriate time and to seek and hold office in it. Appropriate time means a time outside working hours.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Values
We are absolutely committed to ensuring that our patients have the best possible experience within our hospitals. We are looking for people who are committed to delivering excellent patient care, whatever their role, and who take pride in what they do. We place a high value on treating all patients, customers and colleagues with respect and dignity, and seek people who strive for excellence and innovation in all that they do.
We value all of our staff and aim to provide rewarding careers and benefits, fulfilling work environments and exciting opportunities.