Staff Nurse in Waterlooville

Main duties of the job

The Staff Nurse role will work across the In-Patient and Rowans Hospice Service. It is led by the Ward Manager and reports to the Clinical Lead. The role is based at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook.

Job Purpose

The post holder will contribute to, implement, and monitor programmes of care. The post holder will carry out all relevant forms of care independently and may supervise junior nurses.

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Patients, carers, relatives, Rowans Hospice staff and volunteers.
• External: NHS Trusts, Primary Health Care Teams, other Hospices and charitable organisations, nursing homes, Social Services, Emergency Services, Funeral Directors, Coroner.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the assessment of patients and development of programmes of care; ensure implementation throughout the 24‑hour period.
• Maintain personal contact with patients and their relatives and evaluate programmes of care.
• Carry out specific treatments and clinical procedures, basing practice on current research‑based evidence.
• Assess patient and carer needs, refer to other professionals/therapies, seeking senior support when appropriate.
• Notify relatives of a death and care for the deceased, administering last offices and ensuring safe removal of the body.
• Report relevant information about patient condition, care, or treatment to the Sister / Nurse Co‑ordinator / Hospice Doctor.
• Report and investigate feedback, concerns and complaints from patients or relatives.
• Administer drugs, assist ordering and storage, and recognise/report medication errors in line with NMC Standards.
• Adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Demonstrate courtesy and consideration to patients, relatives and visitors; promote a high‑quality nursing standard.
• Offer support within Day Care as required.
• Contribute to ordering and storage of clinical stores and complete nursing records at each shift change.
• Assist in admission and discharge planning, including written assessment and referrals.
• Complete a written assessment of bereavement vulnerability with senior staff support.
• Participate in clinical audit, standard setting and contribute to service improvement under the Rowans Hospice Charity governance framework.
• Provide emotional support during admission, breaking bad news and around time of death, seeking advice from senior staff when needed.
• Facilitate bereavement interviews, assess risk factors and refer to bereavement service.
• Respond to out‑of‑hours enquiries from community patients and carers sensitively.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Sisters Team, volunteers and other hospice staff.
• Ensure effective communication at shift changeovers to maintain continuity of care.
• Promote the aims and ideals of Rowans Hospice Charity to the public.

About Rowans Hospice

Rowans Hospice is a charity that provides free care and support to adults and their families living in the Portsmouth and South‑East Hampshire region who have a life‑limiting illness.

Qualifications

• Registered Graduate Nurse (RGN) or Registered Nurse (RN) Adult Branch on the NMC Register.
• Experience in palliative care/oncology.
• Diploma level qualification or willingness to attain.

Skills

• Excellent basic nursing care skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and adapt to changing demands.
• Ability to share knowledge and influence practice.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records.
• Aware of own coping strategies.

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of palliative care principles and philosophy.

Other Requirements

• Undertake any duties reasonably required within the scope of the role.
• Personal grief must be sufficiently resolved to work within a palliative care setting.

Equal Opportunity

Rowans Hospice is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. All employees must follow the Code of Conduct and comply with policies and procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.