Staff Nurse, CAUNHS

Job summary

We are looking for dynamic enthusiastic Band 5 nurses to work on the Acute Medical Unit (31 beds) .The area is a fast paced medical environment where you can gain a wealth of experience in acute medicine. We offer excellent opportunities and support for development.

Patients are referred to the clinical assessment unit for continued medical and surgical assessment and treatment with the aim to treat and discharge as promptly as possible with appropriate follow up or care in the community.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will practice autonomously and be responsible and accountable for safe, compassionate person centred evidence based nursing that respects and maintains dignity and human rights. They will be responsible for assessment of care needs of patients and planning programmes of care, implementation and the evaluation of these programmes without direct supervision. They will be responsible for supporting and supervising junior members of staff and students on the ward.

They will be required to work as part of a team although have the clinical skills and knowledge to work independently when required using safe and effective judgement skills.

The post holder will practice in a holistic, non-judgmental, caring and compassionate manner that avoids assumptions, supports social inclusion and recognises and respects individual choice and acknowledges diversity. They will work in partnership with other health and social care professionals, students and trainees and agencies, service users, their careers and families. The post holder will contribute to the practice development within their clinical care setting and work in accordance with Trust Policies, Procedures and Guidelines and will be responsible for completing any work based training associated with the role.

Job description

Clinical Responsibility

• Practice and supervise nursing and the delivery of patient care in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust/Department/Ward Policies and Procedures.
• Be responsible and accountable for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individual care needs for assigned patients, ensuring safe practice and maintaining high standards of care.
• Promote and provide health education for patients and their carers
• Establish and maintain effective communication links with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, patients and carers.
• Maintain up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate records of clinical care, the patients condition and other relevant information in accordance with the NMC Standards for Record-keeping.
• With the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse and their deputies ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection
• Be aware of and contribute to the protection of vulnerable adults and children from abuse. Report any suspicions of abuse to the nurse in charge, or in their absence Matron, Divisional Professional Clinical Lead or Clinical Site Nurse Practitioner.
• Support the implementation of quality assurance initiatives which will improve patient care and the patients environment.
• Work effectively and efficiently as part of the ward team, and in accordance with the nursing philosophy.
• Be conversant with current emergency resuscitation techniques and fire regulations and procedures both in theory and practice.
• Ensure safe storage and administration of medicines in accordance with legislation and Trust policy and practice.
• Understand the need for effective ward budgetary control and be aware of the current cost of medical supplies and equipment.
• Monitor and maintain unit equipment in each area of care, reporting problems as appropriate.
• Share in the responsibility in achieving financial savings by continually examining department procedures and products used.
• Be proficient in the use of information technology utilised within the ward area. 16. To report staff sickness/absence to the unit sister, and take prompt action to cover shortfalls if necessary.
• Monitor and report any deficiencies in services, such as department cleaning, catering, laundry, portering or administrative support
• Maintain a professional attitude at all times, including appropriate appearance in accordance with the Trust Uniform and Dress Code Policies.
• Be conversant with the corporate goals in relation to service delivery
• Participate in Trust wide or local change programme

Leadership or managerial

• Be aware of and adhere to the Shift Leader Responsibilities as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care.
• Act as an effective role model and demonstrate competent organisational and leadership
• Deputise for the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse
• Ensure nursing staff under your supervision have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities, and of the standards of performance and conduct expected of the
• Promote good communication and working relationships and collaborative working with the multi- disciplinary team, both within the Unit and the rest of the Trust.
• Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that staffs are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order

Education and Development

• Actively promote and implement evidence-based practice.
• Participate in maintaining a suitable learning environment on the ward.
• Act as a support for junior staff and students.
• Support the in relation to programmes and strategies for professional development, education and training.
• Understands the educational objectives of all ward staff, acting as preceptor/mentor to appropriate staff and assessing their performance.
• Maintain good communication with internal education support staff and tutors from local higher and further education provide
• Use available opportunities to maintain and extend professional knowledge and expertise, keeping up-to-date with current nursing practice.
• Maintain own professional development.

Clinical Governance

• To report any complaints, accidents, untoward incidents or unusual occurrences to the Head of Nursing and ensure that, where possible, remedial action is taken to prevent the occurrence/reoccurrence of such incidents and to complete a Datix form
• In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, Divisional Professional Clinical Lead and Matron participate in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets.
• Assist in maintaining evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited and participate in agreed changes in practice.
• In conjunction with the Ward Sisters/Charge Nurse and the Practice Development team, participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking.
• Support and supervise junior staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being.
• Assist the Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses and their deputies in the orientation and induction of new staff. Ensure appropriate paperwork is completed and processed.
• Support the Ward Sisters/Charge Nurse in ensuring that staff acquire the appropriate clinical competencies to deliver safe and effective patient care.
• Actively participate in the Trusts professional supervision programme as a supervisor and as a supervisee.
• Understand and be aware of when and how to report untoward incidents, accidents, concerns or near misses and how to deal effectively with patients or relatives complaints

About us

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff.Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan.We work in partnership with Royal Surrey Hospital NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and Orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital.Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward- thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services.We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts.Please note that adverts may close early, so early application is encouraged.For more information about careers at ASPH please visit:www.asph-careers.org