Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical or Technical 

• To provide clinical leadership and expertise on delivery of holistic care , ensuring evidence and research based best practice
• To provide a positive role model for nurses/midwives/AHPs and students.
• Maintaining a strong visible clinical presence. Clinical hours to be defined as part of individual work plan agreed with the Divisional Chief nurse
• To develop standards of care to ensure optimum and appropriate care delivery is provided.
• Work collaboratively with Resuscitation and Critical Care Outreach teams to ensure nursing staff are competent in managing emergency situations
• Ensure documentation is of a high standard, whilst providing continuity of care and is in accordance with ASPH and NMC standards of record keeping.
• To ensure that nursing and support staff, practice direct patient care in accordance with professional codes, promoting high standards of patient care by the provision of relevant policies/ protocols in line with trust objectives, clinical guidelines and evidence based practice
• To assist in the development and review of protocols and guidelines for practice.
• To continue to develop services within the department in collaboration with the senior team.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a competency framework.
• Ensure clinical governance processes are in place, including accountability and safety
• To support the implementation of practice changes in response to identified risks
• Work as a team member, ensuring good communication and collaborative working relationships are maintained throughout the division and at trust level.
• Network and establish links with other clinical practice educators
• To be responsible for own professional conduct and maintain own professional development.
• To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work

Education

• Facilitate a supportive learning environment for all learners encouraging staff at all levels to deliver high quality care within a supportive environment.
• Deliver a minimum of two days clinical teaching each month.
• Foster; a learning environment within the departmental areas, ensuring staff are provided with opportunities to develop and update their clinical expertise in the care of all patients.
• To assess and identify the clinical and educational needs of the nursing staff by undertaking an annual training and developmental needs analysis. Introducing educational programmes to meet these needs.
• Provide clinical and theoretical support to registered nurses in the clinical setting.
• Support multidisciplinary staff development of specific clinical skills within the practice environment.
• Assist in the development and review of protocols and guidelines for nursing practice.
• Undertake assessment of individuals in practice in accordance with agreed competency framework.
• In collaboration with the Clinical Nurse Leaders, promote and demonstrate innovative practice and implement change as required to meet the changing needs of the service.
• To support the development of staff to provide a high standard of high care facilitating them to be able to teach and supervise others.

Leadership and Managerial

• Demonstrate leadership skills and be able to prioritise and have effective time management.
• Work with the Clinical Nurse Leader, Ward / Department Manager and Deputy Sisters/ Charge Nurses to support practice development.
• As a senior member of the team, review and influence the development and implementation of policies based on local and national agendas.
• Support the Division in operational and strategic management.
• Initiate/participate with projects and working groups within the Trust
• To support the development of practice facilitators to meet the NMC standards for supervision and assessment
• To ensure self and all staff operate within Health and Safety at Work Act, and comply with all trust policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate teaching records and produce reports to demonstrate compliance and provide assurances the nursing team are skilled to undertake the care of medical patients.
• Take action against inappropriate behaviour with regards to equality and diversity.
• Evaluate effectiveness or the role and provide regular reports of progress.
• Take a lead role in the audit within the ward environment and share learning experiences with other staff and assist in ensuring the identified scope for improvement is realised.

Information and Reporting

• Ensure Health roster and electronic patient records (EPR) are implemented and used to their full potential
• Collect/record data accurately in accordance with professional guidelines and ASPH Core Standards

Service Improvement  

• Ensure a welcoming, caring and supportive environment is provided for staff, patients and their family/visitors/carers
• Ensure a clean and safe environment and liaise with the  Acute Care Lead Nurse / DCN and Service Manager with regard to the performance management of contracted services and NHS National Cleaning Standards
• Uphold quality initiatives that improve “customer care” and enhance the interface between staff, patients and visitors and other wards and departments within the trust
• Participate in audit processes for monitoring and reviewing nursing quality
• Be involved in the handling and resolution of complaints in accordance with ASPH policy; ensure staff are aware of the role of the nurse

Communications and Engagement

• Ensure effective communication between staff, patients visitors and outside agencies
• Use communication skills in order to convey complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming any barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing or emotional events
• Ensure that patient documentation is completed correctly, appropriately and in a timely manner by all members of the nursing team
• Ensure patients are able to gain access to health and social care information and support relevant to their needs
• Provide information which enables patients to make choices about adopting a healthier lifestyle
• Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained
• Maintain professional boundaries and working relationships with patients and colleague.