Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities

1.     Clinical

Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised patient care through appropriate frameworks, including safe effective arrangements for discharge, underpinned by Trust values. 
Assist members of the team in the co-ordination of the clinical activities.
Use clinical standards to participate in the process of monitoring the quality of care delivered.  Act to ensure that nursing practice is of the highest standard, in line with Trust and CQC standards.
Supply and/or administer medication safely in line with Trust medicines policy.
Assess and support patients with adherence and understanding of their medication, advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the education of the patient and their significant others.
Assist with the evaluation of care and initiate any action required, for example liaising with the multidisciplinary team of doctors as appropriate.
Review the effectiveness of the nursing care provided and initiate any action that may be required.
Undertake any reasonable and relevant clinical or non-clinical functions commensurate with their banding.
Recognise and act on situations that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of the individual.
Co-ordinate and support other members of the caring team who may be responsible for implementing specific aspects of nursing care.
Investigate and report accidents, incidents and losses and provide initial support for the member of staff or patient involved, in line with Trust policy.
Take on extra duties/responsibilities as delegated and agreed by the department/ ward manager or senior staff nurse, within their capability / limitations. 

2.    Professional

Maintain professional behaviour at all times and promote a positive image of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust at all times, in line with Trust values.
Contribute to a high quality safe working environment in which patients receive a high standard of care.
Participate in the setting of standards for nursing practice and for care involving the multi-disciplinary team.
Practice in accordance with, and aware of his/her responsibilities under, the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other appropriate NMC guidelines.
Understand and practice in accordance with Trust and Unit policies and procedures, and ensure they are understood and practiced by staff.
Maintain a safe working environment recognising the health and safety requirements of patients, visitors and staff.
Ensure all strategies, policies and protocols relating to infection control are implemented and monitored and that appropriate and timely action is taken in response to ensuring the prevention of control of infection.
Protects patient confidentiality and acts according to the Data Protection Act.
Maintain clear and accurate documentation in line with unit and Trust standard.
Be aware of Clinical Governance and the impact it has on patient care.
Understand local audit processes and take opportunities to initiate local audit and participate in Trust audits locally.
Participate in the ordering and maintenance of adequate stock level in an effective manner.
Work with members of the team in implementing a quality approach to service provision, in line with Trust quality care standards.
Report all complaints, incidents or accidents to the Nurse in charge and take appropriate action.
Work shift patterns and weekends to suit the needs of service delivery.

3.    Education and Development 

Be responsible for, and demonstrate personal professional development, maintain up to date clinical skills and ensure mandatory training is always current.
Be aware of current developments within the nursing profession and within the NHS.
Participate in team and ward meetings.
Participate in established research projects and clinical audit in local area.
Assist in ongoing development of the ward as a positive learning environment.
Ensure own appraisal is always in date and personal development plan is completed.
Work in a supportive way with learners and HCAS/MSW’s, providing knowledge and feedback as required.
Participate in local teaching sessions.

4.    Management and leadership 

Manage a group of patients, in line with level of experience.
Supervise under the direction of the Sister/Charge Nurse, the work of unqualified staff. 
Manage the ward/department in the absence of the Band 6 or 7 nurses, if senior enough to do so.
Demonstrate effective time management and prioritization of workload. 
Take an active role in the induction and orientation of new staff.
Take responsibility for the teaching and education of pre and post registration students acting as a preceptor or mentor as appropriate.
Demonstrate leadership and teaching skills in the supervision development and feedback of junior staff.
Demonstrate procedures and supervise junior staff and students in the practice of new skills.
Have an awareness of cost implications and assist in the management of resources within the clinical area e.g. equipment, supplies.

5.    Communication and relationship building

Know and utilize Trust values in all working relationships to patients, carers and staff.
Demonstrate good leadership skills and ensure that communication is effective between the patient, relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team, and ensure appropriate nursing input into patient care discussions.
Ensure communication is used effectively in the interests of patient care, including the use of clinical incident reporting if necessary.  
Communicate handover of care in a professional manner.
Demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations and recognising individuality and rights for each patient in line with Trust values.
Work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.
Work effectively within a multi-racial and cultural environment.
Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.  
Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions. 

6.    Other

It is your responsibility to familiarise and read all required policies and procedures and to know how to gain access to copies.