Staff Nurse

Staff Nurse required to join a multi-disciplinary team on our inpatient unit providing assessment, symptom management and end of life care to patients living with life-limiting conditions. Length of stay can range from a few days to a few weeks. You will work as part of a team to provide holistic, person-centred care, integrating nursing care with psychosocial, physical, rehabilitative and spiritual needs. There is a comprehensive induction with an individual mentor and opportunities for professional development. Palliative care/oncology experience is desirable but not essential. This is a 25 hour contract worked over 2 shifts.

Main duties of the job

• To continually develop clinical expertise and act as a positive role model promoting a high standard of care to fulfil the Nightingale House mission statement and aims.
• To deliver evidence-based care to patients and their carers in line with their physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs.
• To promote and maintain continuity of high standards of nursing care in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility.
• To be responsible, following induction period, for the assessment of care needs, the planning, delivery and evaluation of care; and to offer supervision and support to junior staff in the clinical area.
• Provide supervision and guidance to junior staff as appropriate and required within role and responsibility.
• To work at all times in line with the NMC code of conduct and duty of candour requirements.

About us

A positive and friendly working environment in our state-of-the-art, redeveloped inpatient unit. Opportunities to make a real difference with excellent training and development options. Generous holiday allowance that increases with length of service. Employee Assistance Programme. Retail Discount Scheme.

Job responsibilities

Key Relationships

• Nursing team
• Medical team and Advanced Nurse Practitioners
• Hospice Allied Health Professionals
• Rehabilitation Team
• Family Services Team
• Heart Failure CNS
• Specialist Palliative Care team (community and acute)
• Primary and community care teams

Note: The hospice encourages and supports staff aiming to develop knowledge and skills working within a specialist area of clinical practice. Clinical work involves acting as a named nurse, assisting with initial and ongoing assessment of patient and family needs, planning and evaluating care, and maintaining appropriate records. You will monitor nursing practice, encourage development of colleagues, and ensure safe practice within policies and guidelines. You will identify areas of clinical interest to develop additional knowledge and skills to act as a link nurse for the team. Night shifts and rotations to other hospice services may be required to extend knowledge and skills.

Participate in leading patient case reviews and team meetings. Contribute to the patient experience from admission to discharge planning and placement. Work within hospice policies and guidelines at all times.

Management:

• Take responsibility for the management of the inpatient unit team when required, following the mission statement and aims of Nightingale House Hospice.
• Liaise with multi-professional agencies to provide continuity of care.
• Maintain high nursing standards when in charge and foster positive relationships among care teams.
• Coordinate activities when in charge, supported by the Ward Manager and Head of Clinical and Patient Services.
• Promote safety, well-being and interests of patients, staff and visitors as directed by hospice guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Follow the Code of Professional Conduct to ensure all staff comply with professional requirements.

Education and Development

• Identify learning objectives and attend relevant study opportunities with line manager input.
• Maintain records of study and provide evaluation for the personal file.
• Adhere to NMC revalidation requirements.
• Share feedback from study days and contribute to service improvements.
• Participate in personal development reviews and objective setting with line management.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hospice policies (moving and handling, health and safety, confidentiality, complaints, audit and research).
• Be aware of best practice and work with Practice Development Nurse to monitor service effectiveness and participate in service audits as appropriate.

Clinical Governance

Cooperate with the team to maintain compliance with the clinical governance framework. Involvement in staff management, continuing professional development, information management and clinical effectiveness/audit as applicable.

General Requirements

This post is subject to the terms and conditions in the Hospice staff handbook. Maintain high standards of care and practice in line with professional guidelines and codes of conduct. Act within your competence and escalate if unsure. Acknowledge risk management responsibilities and report incidents, near misses and hazards. Adhere to Nightingale House Hospice policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines at all times.

Data protection, Records Management and Professional Reputation

The post holder must treat all information confidentially in line with data protection legislation and organisational policy. Maintain responsibility for records and consult the IG Lead if unsure. All staff should uphold the professional reputation of the hospice.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience of working with people with life-limiting conditions
• Able to maintain accurate patient records in line with holistic needs assessments and care plans
• Implementing evidenced-based practice

Qualifications

• NMC registration
• Evidence of post-registration study and training
• Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£29,137.15 to £36,057.26 a year pro rata, enhancements at 15% for nights and 26% for weekends.