Job Specification Staff Nurse Post Job Title Location of Post Staff Nurse North West Hospice Organisational Area HSE West Reporting Relationship Purpose and details of the Post Reports to Clinical Nurse Manager Accountable to the Unit Nursing Officer, North West Hospice and Director of Nursing for Sligo General Hospital and North West Hospice Ltd. To provide comprehensive nursing care within the inpatient Hospice setting. Currently the inpatient unit comprises of 8 beds. The palliative care team comprises of 1 Consultant, 1 Medical Director, 2 Registrars, Social Worker, 7 Palliative Community Clinical Nurse Specialists and 2 Clinical Nurse Specialists. The inpatient nursing team comprises of 1 CNM2, staff nurses and health care assistants skill mix. The service has established close links with the community services, Oncology /Haematology service and other specialties in Sligo Regional Hospital and Community. Objectives of the Post Competition Specific Selection Process The post holder will use clinical knowledge and skills to support the Palliative Care service. He/She will provide professional and quality nursing care in the hospice setting. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your cover letter and CV. A panel will be formed from which future nursing posts may be filled. The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements as outlined in this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements. Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process. 1
Principle Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Focus To assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care To provide physical and psychological care and support to patients and families. To provide support for patients and their relatives in a professional and empathetic manner. To identify patient and family expectations of quality of life and provide support To maximise the use of technology in preparing, planning and evaluating methods of delivery of care. Maintain patient records in a clear and accurate sequence in accordance with hospice policy. Adhere to organisation policies, procedures and guidelines. Adhere to Infection Control and Hygiene policy. To be aware of the staff nurse role in discharge planning. Ensure a pleasant noise free environment for patients. Carry out nursing procedures and treatment. Co-operate with the multi-disciplinary team Maintain confidentiality at all times. Be accountable for own actions and decisions and work within the scope of practice. Be accountable for delegated functions. Adhere to current legislation requirements under the Misuse of Drugs Act and the Nurses Act 1995. Communicate in an empathic way by listening attentively and maintaining contact with patients. Liaise with members of the multidisciplinary team, hospital and community services Be economic in the use of hospice resources. Act up for CNM2. Be supportive of colleagues. Adhere to the Dress Code. 2
Safety Maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors according to Health & Safety policy and legislation. Record and report incidents / near misses as required. Be familiar with and adhere to requirements of the North West Hospice Ltd on security measures, including setting of alarms. Familiarise and Adhere to the Health & Safety statement of North West Hospice. Professional / Educational Maintain high level of nursing knowledge by reading current journals, attending lectures, courses and seminars of relevance. Participate in the educational activities in the hospice and HSE. Participate in teaching new members of staff, students and nonnursing staff as appropriate. Demonstrate an awareness of research and carry out work practices accordingly. Be loyal to the North West Hospice and HSE. Essential Qualifications Be registered in the General Division of the Register for nurses kept by An Bord Altranais or be eligible to be registered 3 year post -Registration experience. Higher Diploma in Nursing Studies (Palliative Nursing) or experience working in specialist palliative care setting Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Desirable Qualifications Experience in working in a specialist Palliative care setting with Higher Diploma in Nursing Studies (Palliative Nursing ). Skills & Competencies Demonstrate clinical, theoretical and technical knowledge for working in a Palliative care setting Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills Demonstrate ability to treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect. Demonstrate ability to develop and maintain compassionate relationships with patients and families. 3
Demonstrate an adaptable and flexible approach, conducive to working collaboratively within a multi disciplinary team Demonstrate ability to work within the Scope of Practice Knowledge and understanding of the service provided in relation to mission and philosophy and aspects symptom control, communication and bereavement. This job specification is a guide to the general range of duties and is not intended to be either restrictive or definitive. It will be subject to periodic review with the employee concerned. Terms and Conditions of Employment Tenure Appointment is whole-time, permanent and pensionable. Temporary vacancies may also be filled from this competition. Remuneration The salary scale for the post is : 30,234-43,800 North West Hospice Overtime rates and premium payments in respect of unsocial hours are remunerated in accordance with nationally approved rates for Staff Nurse grade. Subject to available funds, it is the policy of the Board of the North West Hospice Ltd to adjust rates where possible in line with any applicable nationally negotiated pay agreements for Staff Nurse grade and according to the rules governing the granting of incremental credit, as and when implemented by the HSE. Working Week The standard working week applying to the post is 37.5 hours per week. The appointee will be rostered over seven days of the week, i.e. Monday through Sunday. This includes both day and night duty to provide 24-hour cover. Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the post is 0 to 5 years service 24 days per annum 5 to 10 years service 25 days per annum More than 10 years service 27 days per annum 4
Pension North West Hospice Ltd operates a group defined contribution pension scheme. Probation The appointment is subject to a probationary period of 12 months. Age Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications forms for the office occurs. Health A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Post is subject to occupational health assessment. Character Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character. Post is subject to Garda Vetting and references. Policies and Procedures The appointee will be expected to abide by the policies and procedures of North West Hospice Ltd. Special Terms and Conditions The appointee will be required to maintain confidentiality regarding patient and hospice information and data. 5