Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 
1. Clinical
1.1 HWB 2 Ensure high quality, evidence-based care is offered to patients and, in
HWB 5 collaboration with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, identify the common issues which 
affect the quality of care, devising clear action plans to address any shortcomings ensuring agreed 
action is undertaken.
1.2 Core 4 In collaboration with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, ensure that the patient has a 
satisfactory experience by evaluating patient processes and redesigning the pathway of care.
1.3 Core 5 Improve and maintain standards of essential (basic) nursing care by working with the 
Ward Sister/Charge Nurse and using tools such as clinical benchmarking.
1.4 Core 4 Support the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in ensuring clinical audit takes place in line 
with the Trust’s requirements to improve practice.
1.5 HWB 6 During regular clinical sessions, act as a role model and teacher, working alongside 
other staff including visiting all patients in the ward in the absence of the Ward Sister.
1.6 Core 3 Work with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse to identify hazards relating to clinical and 
non clinical risks and undertake identified risk assessments. Ensure that junior staff also see this as 
important by maintaining a culture which will support the delivery of both clinical and non clinical 
governance within the ward or department.
1.7 Core 3 Along with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, support the ward or department team in 
completing appropriate risk assessments and develop action plans accordingly in order to provide a 
safe environment for the delivery of high quality patient care.
1.8 HWB2 Ensure that all nursing documentation is regularly and appropriately reviewed and 
updated with changes implemented.
2. Education
Support of the Ward Sister/ Charge Nurse in:
2.1 G6 Undertaking a Training Needs Analysis within the defined clinical area, linked to the 
performance management process and collate the results on an annual basis to inform the training 
plan for the area.
2.2 Core 2 Involvement in a programme for performance management that ensures all staff 
within the clinical area assessed annually which includes ensuring that all staff have a Personal 
Development Plan.
2.3 Core 2 Identifying opportunities for staff to access appropriate education and training 
programmes, and other learning opportunities such as shadowing, mentoring and action learning, 
ensuring equity and fairness of access.
2.4 Core 2 Ensuring all staff in the defined clinical area are competent in the use of equipment 
and have access to appropriate training.
2.5 Core 2 Acquiring and maintaining an appropriate repertoire of management skills, engaging 
on continuing professional development appropriate to the field of practice and continue to develop 
competency in line with agreed personal development plans, including leadership skills and enable 
the empowerment of other members of ward teams.
2.6 Core 2 Delivering suitable induction and preceptorship programmes for staff.
2.7 Core 2 Encouraging a culture of learning where students receive quality clinical placements 
supported by mentorship, teaching and support from registered nurses.
2.8 Core 2 Ensuring that all staff within the ward or department undertake the required 
mandatory training including back care and handling, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and fire.
2.9 Core 2 Ensuring clinical supervision within the clinical area is actively supported and staff 
encouraged to avail themselves of it.
2.10 Core 2 Being a major contributor in maintaining an environment conducive to learning and 
development.
3. Knowledge and Communication
Support of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in:
3.1 Core 5 Ensuring that best practice undertaken is shared with colleagues in the directorate, 
division and the Trust.
3.2 HWB5 Developing a culture that ensures the contribution to research and the use of 
evidence to support innovation and practice at ward/department level.
3.3 HWB 5 Helping staff to use clinical information within the ward or department to help improve 
the quality of patient care.
3.4 Core 4 Encouraging staff to be involved in service changes and developments using 
processes defined within the directorate/division.
3.5 Core 1 Participating in a communication strategy which enables effective, two way 
communication between the clinical area, the directorate and the division.
3.6 Core 1 Being able to demonstrate clear lines of communication within a defined clinical area 
which result in clear responsibilities being identified within the multi professional team.
3.7 Core 5 Creating a culture where staff have appropriate authority over issues that contribute 
to the provision of essential care and enable them to secure and achieve the highest quality 
standards.
3.8 HWB 5 Being a visible point of contact for patients, visitors, relatives and staff acting as a 
resource for problems and needs and able to clearly present the patient’s view to others.
3.9 Core 4 Participating in the development of patient care policies, procedures and guidelines.
3.10 G6 Assisting in the establishment, motivation and development of the clinical team with a
clear focus and direction.
3.11 G6 Ensuring that the clinical team is kept informed of the policies, direction and strategy 
of the directorate and division.
3.12 HWB 6 Providing an authoritative and credible source of knowledge and specialist clinical 
advice and support to the team. 
3.13 Core 2 Taking an active role in self-development and identifying one’s own needs, taking 
appropriate steps to meeting those needs.
3.14 Core 4 Cooperate with and participate in research in order to improve patient care.
3.15 Core 4 Lead and direct the implementation of relevant research-based practice.
4. Use of Resources
4.1 G6 Support the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in ensuring the development and on going
management of work rosters that provide appropriate safe staff cover.
4.2 G6 Participate in the recruitment and selection process for staff in collaboration
Core 6 with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse as appropriate.
4.3 Core 5 Support of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in the management of ward or department 
budget, to ensure effective use of resources and a balanced budget at the end of each year.
4.4 Core 5 Encourage ward/department staff to be involved in the management of resources, by 
effective use of clinical and non-clinical supplies and understanding of financial issues.
4.5 Core 4 Contribute to the work of time limited committees and project groups.
4.6 HWB 6 Ensure that, where applicable, information is maintained and kept in an appropriate
place and that accurate records are maintained and stored in accordance with Trust and national 
policy.
4.7 Core 4 Be a major instrument of change within the clinical area in response to clinical 
incidents and/or demands.
1.8 G6