Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communication and working relationships

a)    Leads and liaises with members of the multi professional team both within the organisation and with external stake holders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently. Actively involves others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stake holders, and ensures excellent communication. Communicates proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment/discharge plans of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by self and all other staff.

b)     Provides and receives complex, sensitive and contentious information where persuasive, reassurance and empathetic skills are required and where there are barriers to understanding

c)     Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages others to enable individuals to assist in their own recovery. Leads and supports all professionals in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures high standards of written and verbal advice is available to patients, relatives and carers.

d)    Is actively involved in the dissemination of information to all staff e.g. Team briefs, Unit meetings.

e)    Accesses regular supervision in line with Trust Policy. Conducts supervision and appraisals for other team members.

 Key responsibilities

a)    Takes responsibility for ensuring the maintenance of high standards of nursing care. Leads and participates in Nursing and clinical audit in the Unit collecting and collating information as required

b)    Ensures the application of local standards, policies and philosophies which further the philosophy of patient centred, individual and evidence based care for all patients. In conjunction with other ENP’s, ensures that an annual training needs analysis is undertaken, which is communicated to the Clinical Lead.

d)    Ensures evidence based innovative practice in the delivery of nursing care and supports others in the implementation of changes identified to improve care.

e)      Ensures that all medical and emergency equipment is kept in a safe condition, regularly checked and is ready for use when required, and that faulty equipment is reported and/or replaced as necessary.

f)  Management of the care strategy and philosophy through leadership and supportive managerial skill whilst ensuring that all individuals strive to achieve the highest possible standards of care.

h)  Works centrally in the development of the Minor Injuries Unit and its education and training needs. To be a pro-active role model for the Unit in terms of clinical, education and general management quality standards and the nurse professional team leader.

Main tasks

a)    Exercises judgement in identifying, assessing and interpreting complicated conditions, where a range of options require consideration for the treatment and discharge planning for patients attending with minor complaints.

b)    Able to plan and organise a number of activities within the unit with regards to demand of the service and the allocation and re-allocation of staff to ensure clinical safety within the environment and for the discharge of patients

c)    Ensures that all staff including temporary staff and students in the unit are aware of emergency procedures to follow.

d)    Leads others in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients in the unit in accordance with Trust ENP Guidelines and departmental protocols prior to discharge home or transfer of the patient to another hospital

e)    When necessary assists others in planning duty rotas to meet the requirements of the clinical area and the needs of the unit and takes into account skill mix requirements in relation to acuity and dependency.

f)      With due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures, ensures that a safe environment for patients, relatives, carers and staff is maintained.

g)    To be familiar with the Major Incident Policy, has the knowledge and skills to assist as directed within that plan, should the need arise.

h)    To ensure provision of professional leadership and supervision to staff within own discipline and facilitation of appropriate professional leadership for other disciplines.

i)      To act as role model for managing difficult and complex behaviours/situations treat others with care and compassion, demonstrate professionalism and uphold the Trust Values at all times.