Dementia and Delirium Specialist Nurse in Knowsley

To support staff in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care for patients at Mersey West Lancs hospitals who have delirium, or live with dementia, for planned and unplanned admission throughout the whole of the journey in the Trust.

To ensure the cognitive screening pathway is implemented appropriately for all patients.

To provide specialist advice and clinical practice in line with the current evidence base.

To work collaboratively and co-operatively with clinical colleagues to develop service and promote the quality of care delivered, participating in service development.

To provide and receive complex and sensitive information to patients and relatives or carers, including to people living with dementia or with a diagnosis of delirium who have barriers to communication and may be distressed.

To provide empathy and reassurance, support and education to patients and their relatives or carers especially those who are newly diagnosed or demonstrating significant deterioration which can be highly complex, distressing, and sensitive, overall improving and delivering a positive patient, family and carer experience.

To demonstrate specialist knowledge specifically about dementia but including delirium, communication, carer support, best practice and initiatives which include the care provided to patients living with dementia or diagnosed with delirium.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To assist in the development of policies and protocols relevant to the speciality and work within the guidelines and policies set.

To assist in manpower studies and the collection and collation of statistical data for audit purposes such as the National Audit of dementia, hospital passport, forget-me-not and clinical audits to inform service development and change.

To work with all areas, staff groups and departments who provide care for patients living with dementia supporting their dementia care provision and education.

To ensure optimal and economical levels and usage of supplies in clinical areas monitor the resources and devices for patients living with dementia ensuring that they are maintained and monitoring of stock of equipment and resources.

Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and any other associated legislation.

To assist in setting and monitoring the achievement of dementia standards and objectives in line with local policies and Trust Strategy.

To promote dementia and delirium related quality initiatives within the Trust and be aware of current local and national drivers.

To participate in the monitoring and measuring of the quality of dementia care provision in the Trust relating to hospital passports, forget-me-nots, individualised care plans and support for carers and relatives.

To inform Matron if acceptable levels of care, standards, practice and patient safety cannot be sustained.

To deputise for the Dementia lead in his/her absence.

To promote effective lines of communication with other departments within the Trust.

To assist in setting and monitoring standards of care and intervention within the speciality.

To act in a consultative capacity on care and service provision matters within the speciality.

To liaise with medical staff and other disciplines on the management of patients with dementia and delirium.

To be responsible for assessing, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care for those with delirium or dementia.

To promote the involvement of patients and their relatives in the management and evaluation of care.

To have shared responsibility for the delivery of patient care by all members of the MDT on the ward/department.

To undertake appropriate training to expand clinical skills and knowledge relevant to the speciality.

To ensure that patient care is delivered within the individuals Scope of Professional Practice.

To ensure compliance with all Trust Risk, Infection Control and Risk Management Policies and Procedures.

To maintain Professional Registration.

To adhere to the individuals relevant Code of Professional Practice.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure accurate record keeping in line with Trust and Professional Body Standards and in adherence with Information Governance requirements.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

To promote an environment conducive to learning.

To assess learning and developmental needs of members of staff specifically in dementia care provision, risk factors, identification, assessment, management, intervention and support.

To assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of programmes of speciality-based teaching ensuring learning objectives are achieved specifically in line with the Core Skills Framework at Tier 1 and 2.

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

To assess and plan action to meet individual development needs.

To assist in the planning and implementation of orientation programmes of Trust Staff specifically delivering Tier 2 dementia training.

To encourage and motivate ward/departmental staff on personal and professional development at all levels.

To deploy and utilise staff resources effectively and efficiently.

To support and counsel members of the Dementia team.

To provide support and advice to staff who also have a caring role for a loved one with dementia, escalating concerns regarding health and wellbeing to the consultant Admiral Nurse to manage appropriately.

RESEARCH & AUDIT

To develop and implement methods of auditing practice within own speciality.

To initiate/participate in local research to inform practice and ensure compliance with current evidence base and best practice guidelines.

To introduce and apply research findings to ward/department, training and practice where relevant.

To promote and disseminate local/national/international research findings to other ward/units/forums/departments.