Detailed job description and main responsibilities

·         Comply with the ward philosophy of care.

·         Ensure the agreed standard of individualised nursing care is provided at all times.

·         Carry out nursing activities within the guidelines set by the NMC and Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, including standards of record keeping and confidentiality.

·         Have regard for patients’ customs, religious beliefs and doctrines.

·         Carry out clinical risk assessments in line with patient’s individual needs.

·         Ensure the safe and appropriate administration of medication in line with Hospital policy and NMC Guidelines.

·         Ensure patients’ achieve optimum physical and mental comfort during their ward stay.

·         Participate in the experience of pre-registered students in placement. Carry out appropriate training, and mentoring of pre-registered students and junior staff as requested.

·         Develop specialist skills and knowledge by participation in group work, committees and workshops, including Link Nurse/facilitator roles.

·         At times act as the patient’s advocate, raising concerns about services, the Trust or other agencies.

Management and Leadership

·         Contribute to the recruitment and selection of staff for the team and to participate in induction and orientation as appropriate.

·         Initiate, facilitate and participate in appropriate health enhancing activities in order to meet the needs of patients, promoting self-care.

Communication and Relationship Building

·         Maintain confidentiality and manage information sensitively. Demonstrate discretion and respect when communicating with patients, relatives, carers, colleagues, members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team and other outside agencies.

·         Ensure effective communication within the nursing team and Multi-Disciplinary Team. Support and promote team work at all times.

·         Take part in ward discussions and reports as required. Document care delivered in line with Trust policy on record keeping.

·         Report accidents, incidents and near misses to Nurse in Charge, completing relevant documentation accurately.

·         Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings in the absence of the Sister and ensures any changes are reported both verbally and in writing to the ward team.

·         Liaise with and accompany the Consultant/Resident Medical Officer on ward rounds ensuring all new instructions are carried out accordingly.

·         Liaise with Ward Clerk/Progress Chaser regarding patient discharge needs, e.g. transport, district nursing services.

Finance and Resource Management

·         Be aware of Health and Safety at all times, ensuring that equipment is well maintained in a safe and hygienic way.

·         Be aware of and utilise appropriate resources in the provision of total patient care.

Information Management

·         Be aware, and participate in risk assessment for the benefit of self, colleagues and clients, in line with Risk Management Policy and Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Ensure that any defects which may affect safety at work are brought to the attention of the appropriate.

·         Maintain current registration in line with Trust policy and follow the Code of Conduct issued by the NMC.

·         Ensure policies and procedures of the Trust are implemented and adhered to at all times. Be prepared to participate in the Trust’s Emergency Plan in response to a major incident. Participate in multi-agency working in relation to patient care.

·         Maintain a high standard of both manual and computerised documentation within agreed guidelines, ensuring a clear understanding of the related Trust policy.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details

We are committed to supporting flexible working options for staff, wherever possible, and welcome discussions on flexible working patterns to support our staff to maintain a healthy work life balance.