Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Practice and research

• Deliver a patient centred style of practice that reflects and promotes the beliefs and values of professional nursing practice and patient care in the EAU Department, acting as a role model for other nursing and multidisciplinary team staff
•  Provide expert clinical advice to nurses and members of the multi-disciplinary team both at Departmental and Trust level. 

• Set and maintain standards of practice, conduct and decision making and monitor staff compliance 

• Develop and maintain specialist policies and protocols for the department based on current research and evidence 

• Promote effective communication and liaison with other health care professionals with ongoing responsibility for patient care. 

• Adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct and Scope of Professional Practice at all times. 

• Demonstrate a commitment to research, evidence based practice and clinical excellence, playing an instrumental role in the introduction of research-based changes to improve patient centred care. 

• Act as a clinical leader and develop a team of nurses, providing support and clinical supervision. 

• Support and facilitate practice development, research and clinical project work within the department 

• Act as a specialist clinical expert / resource within the Trust, providing advice and information as required 

• Conduct annual staff appraisals, giving constructive feedback, facilitating development of personal development plans and ensuring objectives are met. 

• Provide support and guidance for mentors.

Management and Organisational role

• Take responsibility for the recruitment, selection and retention initiatives and for the development and performance review of all nursing staff within the practice area, reporting to the Head Nurse.
•  Monitor nursing workload and regularly review the structure and skill mix of nursing teams, in collaboration with the Head Nurse.  

• Ensure that nursing staff are effectively deployed within the practice area. 

• Promote effective communication and effective interpersonal relationships within the multi-disciplinary team to ensure collaborative and holistic working practices. 

• In collaboration with the Head Nurse, ensure that resources are monitored and tailored to meet the needs of the service within financial constraints. 

• Develop and implement Trust and local policies, educating and supporting staff. 

• Monitor and evaluate the quality of care delivered in the department and contribute to quality initiatives within the Clinical Unit and Directorate. 

• Identify and undertake defined project work on behalf of the Clinical Unit, in negotiation with the Head Nurse. 

• Undertake wider management responsibilities as part of a personal development plan negotiated with the Head Nurse. 

• Actively participate as a clinical resource on various specialist nursing / management boards. 

• Deputise for the Head Nurse in her absence, taking appropriate management responsibility as required. 

• Able to respond to an untoward incident such as major incident or internal disaster  or  provide senior nursing advice to the EAU/ED  Department. 

• Investigate and act on untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, injury or drug administration errors as detailed in departmental and Trust protocols and procedures, reporting to the Head Nurse / Directorate Manager. 

• Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of organizational and governmental policies and agendas, identifying implications for patient care, staff management and budgetary targets. 

• Facilitate implementation of the organisational zero tolerance policy and support junior staff in relation to it.

Professional Development and Education

Risk Management

Health and Safety