JOB DESCRIPTION Title of Post: Location: Neonatal Nurse or Midwife Band 6 (Transport) Based at Neonatal Unit: Maternity Service Belfast Trust Post Band: Band 6 Reports to: Accountable to: Neonatal Transport Coordinator/ Medical Director Head of Midwifery Job Purpose: The post holder will: Be a skilled and experienced practitioner able, to assess, provide care, advice and support to babies and their families during transport. Take responsibility for the effective and efficient organisation of the safe transfer of babies. Participate in developing joint action plans, protocols and pathways to ensure continuous quality improvement of the neonatal transport service. Committed to engaging in supervision and reflective activities. Use the Trust s Personal Contribution Framework to develop personal and professional knowledge and skills. Act as a sign off mentor/assessor, able to monitor and assess learners. Co-ordinate shift patterns (weekends and nights inclusive when service progresses to 24/7) allocating staff with regard to clinical needs/workload and develop needs/skills of staff with in the transport service. Clinical Management 1. Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of transfer of intensive, high dependency and special care infants, working in partnership with multidisciplinary team members, parents and carers. 2. Provide expert advice and support for parents and carers. 3. Co-ordinate nursing activities within the transport team to ensure smooth operational running, ensure staffing levels are adequate and skill mix meets the needs of the babies and parents/carers to provide sate transfer of infants and babies. 4. Take active steps to promote health of baby and parents/ carer. November 2012 Page 1 of 8
5. Work collaboratively with other professions and agencies to ensure the baby s needs are met especially in relation to ongoing care and discharge planning arrangements and transfer. 6. Maintain appropriate records, adhering to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and Trust guidelines on record keeping. 7. Ensure accuracy and precision is maintained at all times in the administration of all forms of medications and treatments. 8. Be a credible role model able to demonstrate good practice to junior staff to maintain Local, National and Professional Standards. 9. Attend Child Protection Case Conferences, as required. Prepare written reports and present at case conferences under the guidance of unit manager/discharge co-ordinator. 10. Promote and monitor good practice through direct observation to ensure infection rates within the neonatal units and during transfer are maintained at minimum levels. 11. Ensure that transport equipment is monitored and maintained as per guidelines to ensure that safe and effective patient care is delivered at all times. 12. Liaise with the Medical staff and Sister in charge of each neonatal unit regarding potential admissions / transfers / discharges to and from each unit. 13. Undertake delegated management responsibilities as identified by the Neonatal Transport Coordinator, for example, requisitioning stores, arranging short-term sickness cover. 14. Assist in the checking of controlled drugs. Adhere to the DHSS&PS Guidelines for the Safe Handling, Administration, Storage and Custody of Medicinal Products. 15. As the Transport service reports to the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) for governance, adherence to all BHSCT Policies including, for example: (a) Health and Safety at Work Order (b) Fire Precautions (c) Reporting of Sickness and Absenteeism (d) Confidentiality (e) Hospital Disaster Plan (f) Infection Control (g) COSHH 16. Be aware of the Trust s Complaints Policy. Undertake initial discussion with the complainant and inform the Transport Coordinator of the situation and plan. 17. Participate in systems to ensure that views of the families who use our service influence the development of a high quality service. Clinical Effectiveness 1. Works independently, refer to senior staff when needed, organise own work on a day-to-day basis, prioritising to ensure that babies receive care at the optimum time. 2. Take personal responsibility for establishing and maintaining good working relationships with families and colleagues, ensuring that attitudes are appropriate, non judgemental and professional. 3. Co-ordinate, plan and carry out the safe inter hospital transfer of babies to and from the neonatal units in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and mainland U.K. November 2012 Page 2 of 8
4. Contribute to the development and maintenance of effective communication systems between the neonatal units in Northern Ireland and create an environment that encourages open communication and trust. 5. Take a lead role in providing advice/information to colleagues in all Trusts on various aspects of transfers. 6. Make effective use of resources within the neonatal transport service. Education and Training 1. Continue to update and develop own clinical/theoretical knowledge relating to the speciality and other areas of nursing to ensure care is innovative, research based and of a high standard. 2. Maintain own records/ portfolio of continuing professional development in order to meet prep requirements. 3. Ensure competency in the use of equipment used with-in the Transport Service and maintain regular updates in accordance with the Trust and Transport guidelines. 4. Undertake Neonatal Life Support course and maintain 4 yearly registration with the Resuscitation Council UK 5. Through the Trust s Personal Contribution Framework self evaluate, identify own training needs and agree development plan with the transport coordinator/medical director in order to maintain expertise, knowledge and develop new skills. 6. Participate actively in meetings, study sessions, working groups and similar to achieve outcomes which have a positive effect on the service and own personal development. 7. Planning and delivery of education and training for colleagues and trainees within the transport team. 8. Planning and delivery of outreach / transport education for multidisciplinary staff within all Trusts in Northern Ireland. 9. Participate in regional / national events in order to further knowledge and share best practice. Communication: 1. Communicate directly with parents/carer, on a daily basis, to discuss their baby s transfer and discuss any procedures that may be planned. 2. Empathise with parents/carers and their families and give support when transfer has been arranged for whatever reason. 3. Provide clear, concise written statements when required, for example: clinical/non clinical incident, complaints, child protection reports and summaries under the guidance of the transport coordinator. 4. Ensure all written documents are completed and adhere to Nursing & Midwifery Council and Trust guidelines. 5. Use basic keyboard skills to input details of a baby s transfer. 6. Discuss and negotiate proposed transfer with medical staff, nursing and/or midwifery staff, parents and staff from other units throughout Northern Ireland and the U.K acting as an advocate for the baby. November 2012 Page 3 of 8
7. Liaise with medical staff, dietician, physiotherapist, pharmacist, midwives, Health Visitor, General Practitioner and others in the Primary Health Care Team when required. 8. Liaise with social workers when necessary regarding babies; with special needs, complicated social history, drug and social problems and families in need especially if the infant is being transferred to another unit. Audit Participate in the collection of data to support audit of practice - locally, nationally and internationally. Create and distribute reports as agreed with the transport team and neonatal unit leads. Research Support and participate in research within specialist area of practice Assist in the co-ordination of trials within specialist area of practice Keep up to date with emerging thinking / findings from other centres Records Management The Maternity Services Manager/Head of Midwifery is responsible to the Director of Specialist Hospitals & Women Health for all records held, created or used as part of their business including corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Information Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 1998. This job description is subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the Women s and Children s Service Managers work. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time by the Director of Specialist Hospitals & Women Health. Terms and Conditions Full-Time /Part-Time/Job Share The NHS terms and conditions (Agenda for Change) will apply to this post. Salary will be Band 6. In addition to 10 public holidays, the annual leave allowance will be as follows:- On appointment 27 days After 5 years service 29 days After 10 years service 33 days He/she may be required to travel throughout Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and elsewhere. The successful candidate should, therefore, have access to a form of transport that will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full and be prepared to travel as required. November 2012 Page 4 of 8
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The post holder must: Carry out his/her duties with full regard to the Trust's Equal Opportunities Policy. Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements and report any accidents/incidents, defects with work equipment or inadequate safety arrangements to his/her manager. Accept legal responsibility for all records held, created or used as part of his/her duties (including manual or electronic records). Comply with the Trust's Smoke Free policy. Treat those whom he/she comes into contact with in the course of work, in a courteous manner. Accept that this job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and should be regarded as providing guidance within which the individual works rather than something which is rigid and inflexible. Environmental Cleaning Strategy The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that Cleanliness matters is everyone s responsibility, not just the cleaners Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public. Infection Prevention and Control The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff. This includes:- Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO 5 moments ); Using the correct 7 step hand hygiene technique; Being bare below the elbows when in a clinical environment; Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet); Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry; Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately ie cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised; Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions. On occasions a specific location may be detailed within the Job Description & Specification, however, as and when considered necessary or appropriate, you may be required to transfer to or undertake other duties in any location specified by the Trust in order to meet fluctuations or priorities in work demands. November 2012 Page 5 of 8
Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. November 2012 Page 6 of 8
EMPLOYEE PROFILE POST: DEPARTMENT/SPECIALTY: Neonatal Nurse Band 6 (Transport) Neonatal Transport Service FACTORS ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Skills/ Abilities Qualifications/ Experience Other Requirements/ Work Related Circumstances Excellent neonatal clinical skills. Ability to work across professional team and organizational boundaries. A comprehensive understanding of own development and training needs Demonstrates specialist expertise underpinned by theory. A clear understanding and application of the principles of professional accountability and confidentiality. Knowledge and understanding of Statutory Supervision (Midwife) Effective teaching training and mentorship skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. NMC registration (Nurse or Midwife) Mentorship course or equivalent experience 405 course or Certificate in Neonatal studies or equivalent. At least 4 years specialist experience at Band 6, or equivalent level, in a neonatal ICU setting, post neonatal course. Have completed NLS course. Have completed appropriate training and gained experience in administration of IV Drugs. Experience of coordinating and managing patient care. Basic computer skills. Child protection procedures. Good Attendance record Flexible with regard to working arrangements to facilitate the demands of the post. Effective time management. Committed to providing excellent family centred care during transport. Have previous transport experience. Have completed or willing to undertake the specialist transport training. Phlebotomy and cannulation skills or willing to undertake training. (Enhanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner) NOTE: Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates, and one photocopy of same, issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative. November 2012 Page 7 of 8
If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, payslip, National Insurance Card or a birth certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non appointment. November 2012 Page 8 of 8