Clinical Practice Educator | Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The Clinical Practice Educator (CPE) will identify training needs, plan, implement and evaluate educational activities for students, new starters and existing members of non-medical staff (Band 1-6) within their directorate in the Division. The post-holder will demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills commensurate with a clinical expert and effective leader; serve as a role-model; an agent of change and a facilitator of work-based learning.

Explicit within the role and the outcomes required of it, the CPE will work collegiately to ensure standards are established, implemented and sustained, particularly those related to staff knowledge, skills development and patient safety. The post holder will work 80% of their time clinically (not in the standard staffing numbers) working with students, new starters and existing staff especially those who are doing post graduate studies and research. The CPE will work 20% of their time supporting Associate Clinical Practice Educators (ACPE) in identifying training and education needs and planning, implementing and evaluating education activities in their clinical area of practice.

In conjunction with other CPEs, their PDEL, Managers, Matrons and the Divisional Lead for Practice Development and Education, they will participate in and contribute to the annual review and development of the strategic education plans for non-medical staff. In conjunction with ACPEs, CPEs, their PDEL, Managers, Matrons and the Divisional Lead for Practice Development and Education Lead, promote an environment that encourages learning and sustains the personal and professional development of all non-medical staff.

Ensure utilisation of the Oxford Model for exemplary professional nursing and midwifery practice and the NHS Change Model in promoting practice development and education for all non-medical staff as the means by which quality improvement is systematic, goal-focused, measured in its implementation and relevant to the area of clinical practice.

Identify training and education needs and plan, implement and evaluate educational activities for students, new starters and existing members of the non-medical staff. Facilitate the on-going development and implementation of education initiatives in particular the orientation, preceptorship and mentorship programmes for students and new members of staff. Provide bedside and classroom teaching, supervision and support for all non-medical staff in facilitating work-based learning and development of knowledge, clinical skills and expertise.

With the Divisional Lead for Practice Development and Education, plan and allocate student placements and monitor their progress. With the Link Lecturer and Learning Environment Lead, complete an audit of the learning environments, disseminate and act on results to improve students and mentors experience.

Demonstrate and promote patient-centred approaches to care and education. Practice as a professional senior nurse with competence, confidence, authority and expertise, acting as a credible role model within the professional code of conduct. Demonstrate expert knowledge and skill in the management of complex and changing healthcare needs of patients; integrating theory and practice supported by research evidence.

Demonstrate skills at interpreting complex clinical information and data, responding to changes promptly and appropriately and developing excellent and compassionate plans of care, following relevant protocols in collaboration with members of the multi-disciplinary team. Ensure that patients’ interests are fully considered within the contexts of care; and actively participate and support others to participate in ethical decision making. Actively investigate advanced theoretical knowledge and demonstrate evidence-based practice.

Actively participate in quality assurance and risk management initiatives and incorporate into the training needs of their clinical area of responsibility, as appropriate. Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation. Demonstrate competency in the use of information technology resources, in particular the Electronic Patient Records (EPR) system. In addition promote such skills in others. Demonstrate effective communication regarding complex and sensitive information to patients, individuals in the multi-disciplinary team, and significant others.

Take responsibility for initiating and leading key clinical area and team developments and project work, as discussed and agreed as appropriate with other ACPEs, CPEs, their PDEL, Ward Managers, Matrons and the Divisional Lead for Practice Development and Education. Support other ACPEs, CPEs, PDELs, Ward Managers, Matrons, and the Divisional Lead for Practice Development and Education in the operational management relating to practice development and education matters. Provide leadership and supervision for junior members of non-medical staff.

Contribute to developing individuals through appraisal in conjunction with their Mentor/Preceptor/Sister/Charge Nurse. Support junior staff to develop mentoring and appraisal skills. Participate in the management of change and support others in the process; encourage new ideas and developments, and take responsibility for evaluating the outcome of project work.

When dealing with people, act within the professional code of conduct in a manner that respects equality and diversity and strives to encourage this behaviour in others.

The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment. Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility. Staff should be familiar with the Information governance and should make themselves familiar with the ‘local response’ plan and their role within that response.

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required.

Infection Control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts’ Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA. All staff employed by OUH have the following key responsibilities: Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and/or between each patient contact. Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust. Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmittable to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.

The post holder will endeavour at all times to uphold the rights of children and young people in accordance with the UN Convention Rights of the Child. The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the organisation. As a member of the trust there is a duty to assist in protecting patients and their families from any form of harm when they are vulnerable.

All staff must complete annual information governance training. If you have a Trust email account this can be completed on-line, otherwise you must attend a classroom session. For further details, go to the Information Governance intranet site. Data quality is a vital element of every member of staff’s job role. Oxford University Hospitals recognises the importance of information in the provision of patient care and in reporting on its performance. Data quality is therefore crucial in ensuring complete, timely and accurate information is available in support of patient care, clinical governance, performance management, service planning, and financial and resource planning and performance.