Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Clinical Practice Management
• To carry out clinical practice within designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality evidence-based nursing assessment, care planning, interventions and evaluations for patients is provided. This will include:
• Undertaking a comprehensive, person-centred, nursing assessment and prepare care plans in consultation with the service users to provide the best nursing care.
• Implementation of care and rehabilitation programme.
• Evaluation of effectiveness of care provided in partnership with users.
• Ability to implement research-based practice.
• Following successful completion of preceptorship, ability to supervise junior and unqualified staff.
• Ability to administer medicine within relevant Trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Ability to undertake risk assessment and develop risk management strategies for individual clients; ICPA/SAP to people who present with mental health problems.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the key elements of relevant mental Health Legislation.
• Ensure the ordering storage, administration and disposal of medication complies with relevant trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010,Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and MHA (1983).

2. Teaching, Education & Health Promotion
To use own skills, knowledge and resources to provide mentoring opportunities for staff within designated areas and promote positive attitudes towards mental health. This will include:

• Regular provision of advice and mentoring to staff.
• Support the provision of an appropriate learning environment for pre- and post registered students, novice practitioners, and new team members as directed.

3. Continuing Professional Development
• To maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure that practice reflects best practice, remains evidence based, is current and responsive to meet changing patient and NHS service needs, as outlined in the NHS Plan (2000).
• Abide by the legal rules, statutory regulations and professional responsibilities relating to practice as outlined in the NMC's 'The Code': Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.
• Take responsibility for post-registration education and for continuing professional development as outlined in NMC Standards.
• To receive clinical supervision in accordance on a contracted and regular basis from an identified Senior Practitioner, as per trust Clinical Supervision Policy.
• To be aware of the need for appropriate management support and supervision from the line manager, and to maintain records of these meetings.
• Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).
• Work to the Clinical and Personnel Policies and Procedures of AWP Trust.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant medicines, related medication management issues and act in accordance with the appropriate NMC standards and Trust policy, and ensure that others also work within these guidelines.

4. Finance and Workforce
To make best use of available workforce resources based on agreed staffing models ensuring provision of best care possible. Follow Trust and Service Policies in regard to the security of the building/clients, to ensure safe practice and protection of clients, staff, visitors and members of the general public.
• To take part in PEAT and environmental risk assessments as requested so that best use is made of resources.
• Manage temporary staffing resources in line with AWP best practice guidance.
• Ensure that service provision is both safe and therapeutic within span of knowledge.
• Effective time management.
• Utilize electronic rostering systems (Rosterpro).
• Participate in education and training opportunities.
• To take charge of the Unit in the absence of the Charge Nurse or Clinical Team Leader.
• To be familiar with and comply with all Policies & Procedures operational within the Trust.

5. Record Keeping and Administration
• To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with AWP Trust Policy and local joint arrangements and professional guidelines. This will include:
• The upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant NMC Guidelines and Trust Policy.
• Work under the direction of ‘Essence of Care’ lead.
• Contribute to the achievement of Controls Assurance Standards relating to Records Management within their span of control.                               • Maintain safety of clients and staff within the Unit and ensure legal obligations are fulfilled.