Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a full overview of the Job Description, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional document to this advert. 

• Organise and participate in the delivery of high standards of evidence based nursing care.
• Take regular responsibility to carry out required planned, direct patient care to a high standard without direct supervision in accordance with established nursing procedures and policies.
• To report to the appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team any significant changes in a patient’s condition or situation.
• Responsible for taking charge of the ward/department on a regular basis in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility.
• Take personal responsibility as a team leader for the delivery of care of patients in a defined area.
• To contribute towards health promotion for all patients by providing education, support and advice, as necessary  
• Ensure referral to appropriate professionals or agencies as required.
• Ensure the safe ordering, administration and custody of patients’ medication according to Trust policies and procedures.
• In the absence of senior staff be responsible for delegation and supervision of appropriate work to other qualified staff, health care support workers and students
• Where relevant to be responsible for and assist in co-ordinating discharge planning in partnership with the multidisciplinary team
• Where relevant, responsible for the admission, assessment and preparation of patients undergoing treatment or investigations.
• Escort patients to other wards or departments as required.
• To take personal responsibility for ensuring that patients are treated with courtesy at all times, the individual needs of patients are respected and confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• Liaise effectively with other disciplines or departments as appropriate.
• To be able to act in emergency situations and to be familiar with emergency procedures including fire and resuscitation.
• To be responsible for the support and direction of junior staff in such situations according to Trust policy.
• To be responsible for ensuring provision of a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients, relatives, visitors and colleagues.
• Ensure the readiness for use of special equipment and the availability of nursing supplies in conjunction with the senior ward nurses.
• Ensure the safe custody of patients’ valuables and property according to Trust policies.
• Report to nurse in charge/line manager all complaints, incidents or accidents involving self, staff, patients, visitors and complete relevant documentation according to Trust procedure.
• Be responsible for reporting and documenting any broken or damaged equipment according to Trust policy.
• To have detailed knowledge of Manual handling regulations particularly with regards to the moving and handling of patients.  
• To be responsible for ensuring that assessment of patients’ manual handling needs are carried out and ensure junior staff and students follow these requirements in the course of care delivery.
• Ensure safe storage and disposal of substances hazardous to health in accordance with Trust policy.  Ensure availability of facilities for disposal of sharps, toxic/cytoxic waste in accordance with trust policy.
• In support of senior staff or ward manager assist with monitoring and report to ensure stock levels are maintained and that the correct quantities are in supply.
• Monitor the use of supplies by junior staff to promote efficient use of all supplies.
• To be aware of the directorate bleep holding function.
• To have an awareness of the requirements for staffing the ward or department.
• Undertake aspects of ward administration as agreed by the ward /department manage.
• Report reliably any episodes of sickness for self or that are reported to you to the Registered nurse in charge to enable skill mix to be maintained.