Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - Ward 5B in Knowsley

Provide leadership, management and team development as delegated by the Department/Ward Manager to the team, allocating workloads. Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the ward. Co-ordinate and manage patient flow within the unit including timely admission and discharge, ensuring national targets are met where possible. Promote the unit and the Trust as a whole in the most positive manner to patients, relatives and the local population. Have knowledge of relevant national and local health policies and their impact on the service. Inform/escalate to Department/Ward Manager / Matron if acceptable levels of care, standards, practice and patient safety is compromised and develop appropriate actions. Assist and or lead in the development/implementation of local and trust policies and protocols relevant to the specialty, ensuring effective implementation in local area. Manage control and quality of levels of stock and equipment within the clinical and non-clinical areas and promote and ensure economic use of all resources. Attend corporate groups as a representative of the directorate and team. Represent the clinical area on working groups as appropriate and at relevant conferences at regional and national level. Promote and deliver effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other wards and departments in the Trust and externally. Participate in the business planning process, helping to identify areas for service development and improvement. In the absence or as delegated by the Department/Ward Manager, initiate and coordinate investigations of incidents, accidents, complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with the trust policies and lead in any investigations where required.

Clinical Management

Provide senior nursing advice and support to facilitate high quality, individualised care to patients/carers in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team. Manage and coordinate complex clinical situations, taking appropriate action in emergency or unforeseen situations. Be clinically competent and confident in the use of specialised equipment in varied clinical settings. Act as a clinical role model and leader for all members of staff providing daily unit management, continuity of care and a high standard of excellent nursing care. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meet the needs of the patient. A holistic approach to caring should be planned which will include the appropriate level of physiological, psychological, spiritual, socio-economic and cultural aspects which influence the care of patients within the unit. Contribute to setting and monitor standards of nursing care within the ward. Liaise with medical staff and other disciplines on the management of high quality patient care. Ensure that patient care is delivered within the Nursing and Midwifery Scope of Professional Practice and Code of Professional Conduct. Promote the involvement of patients and their relatives in the management and evaluation of care. Have shared responsibility for the delivery of patient care by all members of the nursing team on the unit. Maintain safe custody of drugs, ensuring that checking, witnessing and administration procedures are compatible with statutory and trust requirements. Undertake appropriate training to expand relevant clinical skills. Regularly take charge of the clinical area, utilising resources effectively and ensuring that safe staffing levels are maintained for their shifts. Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is implemented in accordance with the Trust risk management policy. Ensure the nurse documentation is maintained to the Trust standard.

People Management

Assess and develop action plans to meet individual development needs. Participate in orientation programmes for all newly appointed nursing staff. Monitor staff performance, conduct or participate in Individual Performance Appraisal, including supporting revalidation process. Encourage and motivate staff within the ward on personal and professional development at all levels. Deploy and utilise staffing resources effectively and efficiently. Support members of the team and refer to appropriate services. Assist in the selection, appointment and induction of new staff. Ensure staffing levels and skill mix is scheduled to reflect the workload and meet the needs of the patient. Assist in the co-ordination and monitoring of off duty, annual leave, sickness and absence occurring in the unit.

Leadership Development

Promote an environment conducive to learning. Participate in staff education and development, including orientation and supervision and act as a mentor and resource for learners and the nursing team and the multi-professional teams. Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors. Assess learning and developmental needs of members of the ward nursing team. Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of programmes of specialty based teaching ensuring learning objectives are achieved. Ensure that own personal development is maintained and recorded to ensure compliance for revalidation. Be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of a particular group of staff delegated by the Charge Nurse or Senior Sister. Supervise and support the nursing care of the other junior nurses, students and HCAs to maintain a high standard of excellent nursing care. Share highly specialist knowledge and skills around the Trust with active involvement in ward patient care if the unit allows. Provide support mechanisms for sharing good practice within the ward and trust wide.

Budget Responsibilities

Ensure the effective and efficient use of resources including stock management and care and maintenance of equipment. Handle patients' valuables, ensuring safe storage and transportation. Authorise timesheets for temporary nursing and support staff as appropriate.

Research and Audit

Develop and implement methods of auditing nursing practice within the unit. Promote awareness of current nursing research in members of the unit. Introduce and apply research findings to the unit relating to nursing practice where relevant. Promote and disseminate local/national/international research findings to the ward. Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support. Arrange for the collection and analysis of audit and research data as required. Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required. Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care.

Personal Development

Responsible for ensuring own continuing professional development and identifying development needs within the Trust knowledge and skills development review process. Identify areas for self-development, areas of interest and training requirements within your personal performance planning and Development Review. Maintain a professional portfolio and reflective diary for developmental purposes and revalidation.