POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Clinical Specialty Nurse Wound Care Date Produced/Reviewed: June 2012 Reviewed: Position Holder's Name : Position Holder's Signature :... Manager / Supervisor's Name : Manager / Supervisor's Signature :... Date :... Page 1 of 13
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION To provide clinical support, advice and education to staff around wound care with a particular emphasis on the effective use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) through the organisation. The goal is to work towards making NPWT a cost effective wound care method, through the use of best practice guidelines. To ensure that clinical practice is evidence based and follows recommended best practice guidelines in line with the vision and values of CM Health. To provide on-going education and up skilling wound care and in particular around NPWT for all staff within MSC, MMH and HHC. Be responsible for developing and coordinating the role of the Clinical Specialty Nurse Wound Care. Vision & Values Organisational Shared Vision Our DHB shared Vision is to work in partnership with our communities to improve the health status of all, with particular emphasis on Maori and Pacific peoples and other communities with health disparities. We will do this by leading the development of an improved system of healthcare that is more accessible and better integrated. We will dedicate ourselves to serving our patients and communities by ensuring the delivery of both quality focussed and cost effective healthcare, at the right place, right time and right setting. Organisational Values Partnership Care and Respect Professionalism Teamwork Innovation Responsibility Working alongside and encouraging others in health and related sectors to ensure a common focus on, and strategies for achieving health gain and independence for our population Treating people with respect and dignity, valuing individual and cultural differences and diversity We will act with integrity and embrace the highest ethical standards Achieving success by working together and valuing each other s skills and contributions Constantly seeking and striving for new ideas and solutions Using and developing our capabilities to achieve outstanding results and taking accountability for our individual and collective actions Page 2 of 13
PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION Director of Nursing Clinical Nurse Director General Manager Surgical Services and Ambulatory Care Nurse Consultant Wound Care HoD General Surgery Clinical Specialty Nurse Wound Care Medical Staff Line Management Partnership Professional Accountability Page 3 of 13
NATURE AND SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES The Clinical Specialty will be a Senior Nurse with a focus on wound care and the effective use of NPWT within CM Health. This will include the monitoring of individual patients, tracking wound progress, facilitating education and liaising with hospital, community and ACC staff as well as regional DHBs. This will result in the effective use of NPWT within CM Health. The emphasis will be on supporting and educating staff about wound assessment, compression bandaging, NPWT use and ACC wound recognition/claims application. This role will require a person with enthusiasm and drive along with a passion for innovation. The Clinical Specialty Nurse will assist the General Surgical Department, in its goal to improve wound care and make NPWT a cost effective wound care method, through the use of best practice guidelines. The Clinical Speciality Nurse will assist in researching progress towards this goal. Key Accountability Page 4 of 13
Key Accountability Leadership Clinical Practice Accepts responsibility and accountability for practice. Works collaboratively with other health professionals / providers, influences systems and processes to improve patient outcomes. Works closely with Clinical Nurse Specialists to ensure optimum standards of care for patients. Assists, as necessary, with interdisciplinary decision-making, problem solving and identification of clinical issues, providing advice and strategies in relation to planning and implementation of research/ audits. Acts as an effective role model by demonstrating high levels of knowledge around Recommended Best Practice and Evidence Based Practice. Advocates for seamlessness and effectiveness in patient care through enhancing collaborative relationships between services, recognising cultural needs. Actively promotes wellness whilst interacting with patients and staff. Establishes feedback loops to health professionals involved in care of patients and research / audit participants. Acts as a role model for professionalism. Establishes, maintains and promotes current in-depth knowledge of best practices related to health research/ audits. Works with the Clinical Nurse Directors/Nurse Leaders across the sector to ensure professional nursing requirements, standards and competencies within the sector are met Demonstrates broad knowledge of health policies, trends and directions in health research / audits. Provides monthly reports (to the Nurse Consultant Wound Care )directly related to KPIs. Liaises with nurses, medical staff, allied health professionals and other members of the interdisciplinary team to streamline care and shares knowledge Takes an active role in education to up skill the MDT to ensure evidence based wound care and use of NPWT. Establishes and maintains formal and informal networks at a national, regional, and local level Participate in departmental credentialing process. Actively participates in relevant professional organisations Leads the ongoing education and up skilling of all nursing staff involved in wound care and the use of NPWT. Page 5 of 13
Key Accountability Professional Development Staff Self Works within the multidisciplinary team to ensure effective wound care practices are employed with a focus on (but not limited to) the use of NPWT. Identifies and implements strategies and processes to follow-up/monitor patients using NPWT for all members of the multidisciplinary team, and other services as appropriate. Attends meetings and actively contributes to the discussions around patient care. Contribute to the identification of possible research/quality projects within CM Health, particularly around the use of NPWT. Participate in the development, implementation and evaluations of proposals, particularly those that result in a positive outcome for all wound care patients. Ensures there is a documented clear process of nursing intervention and requirements. Actively participates to ensure a reduction in in-patient hospital stay, reducing complications and cost effective use of NPWT. With the Nurse Consultant Wound Care, the CSN Wound Care shares the planning and/or facilitation of educational experiences and programmes working with the Nursing Professional Development Unit to meet and extend knowledge of staff regarding wound assessment and the use of NPWT and compression bandaging. To provide a resource for staff undertaking the assessment and management of a wound, the use of NPWT and compression bandaging. Liaises with Charge Nurse Managers to provide advice and support to staff as required. Identifies trends in treatments and clinical practice. Ensures a co-ordinated approach to education and information sharing occurs. Participates in annual performance review. Maintains a current Professional Development and Recognition programme (PDRP) portfolio. Undertakes postgraduate study. Participates in meetings involving wider DHB and region, speaking with knowledge and evidence of understanding. Maintains and/or extends knowledge and skill base required for effective performance Identifies any learning needs Page 6 of 13
Key Accountability To demonstrate a commitment to the principles of The Treaty of Waitangi Health and Safety. Recognise individual responsibility for workplace health and safety under the Health and Safety Act 1992. Information and systems technology. Constantly Negotiates with management to attend appropriate education and training All other additional duties are performed in an efficient manner, to the required standard and within a negotiated timeframe. Attend educational opportunities and conferences relevant to the role and scope of practice and use this knowledge to improve practice. Contribute to presentation and publication of completed clinical audits and research projects Provide strong clinical leadership and change management skills within the multidisciplinary team. Critique research findings and use these as a basis for best practice Apply the principles of cultural safety to the areas of: Respect, sensitivity, cultural awareness is evident in interpersonal relationships. Acknowledge our cultural differences and diversity by respecting spiritual belief, cultural practices and lifestyle choices. Actively support and implement Tikanga Best Practice. Aligns personal behavior with the vision, mission, values and goals of CMDHB in language, behavior and attitudes towards patients, families and whanau, cares and health care professionals Acknowledges the Treaty of Waitangi and its implications for nursing practice. Contributes towards an environment in which these needs are acknowledged and respected. Demonstrates willingness and ability to learn about and support differing cultural needs To promote clear relationships and effective communication. Counties Manukau District Health Board Health (CM Health) and Safety policies are read, understood and role modelled throughout the Service. Workplace hazards are identified and reported including self-management of hazards as appropriate. Supports Health and Safety initiatives throughout the organisation. Demonstrates knowledge of phone and paging systems Demonstrates ability to access and use available clinical Page 7 of 13
Key Accountability seeks innovation when develops improved and effective systems. information systems. Is conversant with applications required for specific discipline/role. For example, PIMS, Concerto, Outlook, etc. Maintains own professional development by attending relevant IT educational programmes Demonstrates ability to use incident reporting system and manage incidents systematically Page 8 of 13
PROBLEM COMPLEXITY The Clinical Specialty is expected to provide support and advice around complex wound care and in particular the effective use of NPWT and compression bandaging. The CSN Wound Care will be regularly challenged by a wide range of wound related problems from all areas, levels and disciplines throughout the DHB and the community. Therefore there will be a requirement to prioritise issues while still providing a high quality customer service. The range of problems will be diverse and require solutions customised to meet the circumstances of the patient and their families. Opportunities will arise to provide innovative methods of wound care in conjunction with, or in place of NPWT. Problem solving, observation, reporting and negotiation skills will be needed frequently to ensure the delivery of effective wound care. There will also be demands to meet deadlines, maintain accuracy and quality of information. Failure to do so could impact on the organisation in terms of patient risk. SCOPE FOR ACTION The Clinical Specialty will be involved in policy development, the development of standards and competencies as well as strategic planning activities. They are encouraged to use initiative and problem solving skills to develop innovative approaches to issues. Discretion is to be exercised in releasing confidential information to the appropriate parties and at all times acting in compliance with policy, professional jurisdiction and statutory requirements. DIMENSION OF THE POSITION The Clinical Specialty will report to the Nurse Consultant Wound Care. There is a professional responsibility to the Clinical Head of the General Surgical Department for the achievement of objectives and goals for their service. The Clinical Specialty will be required to make recommendations for improvement in clinical practice. POSITIONS REPORTING Directly Indirectly Nil Nil Page 9 of 13
COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS A key role of the Clinical Specialty will be to communicate with a variety of internal staff as well as companies and organisations external to CM Health Effective Communication is vital in order to function effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team. External Patients Families / Care givers University of Auckland Manukau Institute of Technology Auckland University of Technology Massey University Unitech Regional Wound Care Committees Other DHBs Product Companies Private Healthcare Companies PHO Primary Health Care Providers Social Care Services Community Agencies ACC Internal Chief Operating Officer General Manager Surgical Services and Ambulatory Care. Clinical Director Surgical Services and Ambulatory Care Clinical Nurse Director Surgical Services and Ambulatory Care Surgical Service Managers Theatre Co-ordinators Consultants Surgical/Medical Registrars Nurse Educators Charge Nurse Managers Clinical Nurse Co-ordinators Ward staff Nurse Specialists Nurse Consultants Dieticians Occupational Therapists Orthotics Pacific Health Representatives Maori Health Representatives Manukau Super Clinic staff Librarians Clinical Photography staff Reception / Clerical Staff Medical Records Staff Interpreters Cultural Support Workers Home Health Care Allied Health Teams Patients Page 10 of 13
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS Qualification Experience/ Skills Personal Qualities Minimum Registered Nurse Current NZ Practicing Certificate Post graduate diploma in progress with a strong commitment to ongoing education Proficient nurse within the CM Health PDRP framework. Minimum of three years experience in specific field. Advanced patient assessment skills. Recent relevant experience in research Clinical teaching experience Evidence of Quality improvement initiatives Quality Improvement knowledge and skills Knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities. Ability to critique research findings. Knowledge of Tikanga best practice Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven leadership skills. Negotiation / conflict management skills. Experienced database manager and excel user Patient focussed. Ability to work independently or as a member of a team. The capacity to demonstrate strong clinical leadership. Strong ability to problem solve. Commitment to ongoing professional development. Self reflective. Self critical. Able to motivate people to strive for the attainment of the strategic vision by setting clear and realistic objectives, and to be a role model Ability to understand differing and competing clinical perspectives. Sound analytical skills. Preferred Postgraduate diploma Previous autonomous nursing role Ability to incorporate research findings into practice. Collaboration and consultation skills. Conflict management skills. Report writing, business planning skills. Page 11 of 13
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES Able to prioritise activities and workload demands. Problem solving, advocacy negotiation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Description Leadership Ability to develop and communicate a vision for the future, inspiring commitment to the goals of the organisation/team. Ability to operationalise the vision and values and help to facilitate change. Is able to work with others, within and outside of nursing and midwifery, to draw together a range of perspectives. People Management Leads, communicates expectations and agreed goals, provides ongoing feedback and objectively evaluates performance. Able to recognise and acknowledge achievements of others. Ability to bring people with them even in times of change. Teamwork Collaborates with other key players and work groups to achieve objectives. Seeks out opportunities to support others in achieving goals. Actively contributes to and accepts consensus decisions Recognises and respects individual differences. Bicultural Approach Self Management Patient/client/ population focused Communication/ Interpersonal Skills Understands the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi. Displays cultural sensitivity and a willingness to work positively with organisational strategies to improve opportunities for Maori. Sets high personal standards and strives to achieve stretching goals Displays drive and energy and persists in overcoming obstacles. Is proactive and displays initiative. Is resilient to change Understands personal limitations Can work to deadlines to achieve outcomes Takes action to fully comprehend the needs of patient/client populations. Actively promotes such needs and priorities. Expresses information effectively, both orally and in writing, adjusts language and style to the recipients and considers their frame of reference. Actively listens, drawing out information and checking understanding Empathises with others and considers their needs and feelings. Creates opportunities to network internally and externally. Page 12 of 13
Innovation Actively questions old ways of doing things, thinks outside the square and develops creative and effective solutions to improve outcomes. Applies skilled analysis and sound reasoning in problem solving/decision making. Flexibility Ability to adapt and work effectively within a variety of situations, and with various individuals or groups. Planning and Monitoring Uses action plans to accomplish goals, establishes timeframes and can realistically allocate resources. Identifies and removes barriers. Able to monitor progress and address problems to achieve outcomes. Page 13 of 13