Job description. Key responsibilities. Senior Staff Nurse. Reports to: Team Leader. Responsible to: Ward Manager

Transcription

1 Job description Post: Senior Staff Nurse Department: In-patient Unit Reports to: Responsible to: Team Leader Ward Manager The post holder will work as a Senior Staff Nurse in the Hospice based multi-disciplinary Specialist Palliative Care Ward and Day Hospice service. The role will encompass possessing competent skills that have been determined according to the needs of the Unit, and utilising these skills in the care of patients and their families/carers. The post-holder will be able to lead a team of nurses on a shift and exercise clinical judgement and decision making about patient needs in terms of specialist palliative care goals or plans. Key responsibilities 1. Clinical 1.1. Undertakes assessment of the needs of the patient and family/carers, and discusses these with other members of the multi-disciplinary team as indicated Liaises and works closely with Team Leaders and members of the multi-disciplinary team to provide specialist palliative care nursing skills within individualised care pathways Implements care based on the initial assessment and ongoing assessments, communicating changes in the patient s condition to relevant members of the multi-disciplinary team Demonstrates a positive, realistic and supportive attitude to palliative care patients to ensure that physiological, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs of the patient and family are met Understands physiological and psycho-social processes that indicate the need for therapeutic interventions and reacts appropriately and safely to the potential outcomes of such interventions Communicates with the patient, family/carers, and the multi-disciplinary team, to facilitate continuity and consistency of effective care. senior-staff-nurse Page 1 of 5

2 1.7. Completes documentation relating to patient care and takes a role in developing and improving nursing documentation Assesses the ination required by the patient and family/carers. Produces and uses appropriate ats to ensure optimum understanding of identified holistic care needs Enables the patient and family/carers to participate in the planning of care, where appropriate. Assists with teaching and provides support in preparation for all palliative care treatment needs. 2. Professional 2.1. In the absence of the Team Leaders, and in rotation with other Senior Staff Nurses, takes charge of the Team, and on occasion the In-Patient Unit In the absence of the Team Leaders, maintains a skilled nursing presence so as to facilitate a team approach for nursing interventions and multi-disciplinary team working Helps foster a supportive working environment and maintenance of staff morale through mutual regard and respect Acts as a mentor and provides support and a positive learning environment to new and junior staff within the In-Patient Unit Is aware of all Hospice policies and procedures and collaborates with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that these are observed Works closely with the Team Leaders to ensure that clinical standards of care are achieved and participates in the audit of clinical care Promotes a safe clinical environment for all patients, visitors and staff. 3. Education 3.1. Maintains awareness of current advances and research, and uses educational opportunities, to maintain the highest standards of specialist palliative care offered to patients and family/carers Educates and trains junior members of the team in the development of specialist nursing skills Responds to the educational needs of members of the multi-disciplinary team by imparting knowledge of the treatment and nursing care for patients requiring palliative care Acts as mentor to students and junior staff and assists in the assessment of their competencies Participates in staff appraisal with the Team Leader. senior-staff-nurse Page 2 of 5

3 4. Professional 4.1. Ensures own registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and is aware of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Scope of Professional Practice Ensures that a professional portfolio is kept and updated in accordance with NMC recommendations Positively commits to staff appraisal, perance and clinical supervision to ensure personal professional development Participates in educational programmes and specifically attends teaching identified to meet Senior Staff Nurse development aims and objectives such as leadership/managerial courses. 5. Other responsibilities 5.1. This job description covers the major responsibilities to be carried out and may be amended in the light of changing needs of the organisation. Consultation will occur before any such changes take place. Signature: Date: senior-staff-nurse Page 3 of 5

4 Personal specification Post: Pay Spine: Department: Senior Staff Nurse AfC Band 6 In-patient Unit Qualifications and Training Desirable Registered Nurse with the NMC Palliative care qualification (such as ECEPC) Evidence of ongoing professional development in specialist palliative care Mentorship module or willingness to undertake Evidence of post-registration courses undertaken Diploma or Degree level study Work background and experience Relevant Palliative Care post registration experience or other relevant experience as a Senior Staff Nurse Experience of leading a team of nurses Experience of mentorship for junior staff Particular skills and aptitudes Evidence of communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to articulate in a clear, sensitive manner Good interpersonal skills Ability to work effectively in an emotionally demanding environment Computer literate senior-staff-nurse Page 4 of 5

5 Willingness to develop teaching and assessing skills Evidence of developing leadership skills within a multidisciplinary team Personal qualities and other requirements Understanding of hospice philosophy and the structure and nature of specialist palliative care services Awareness of the concept of clinical supervision and reflective practice Ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team Willing to undertake internal rotation Flexibility of shifts Awareness of, and commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of the Hospice senior-staff-nurse Page 5 of 5