Staff Nurse Anaesthetic/PACU Bank - UPMC Kildare Hospital

To work as a member of a team of nurses in the UPMC Kildare Hospital theatre department providing high quality, patient-centred care for patients and their families. To develop and maintain good relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and to work closely with nursing colleagues developing innovative practice within the unit delivering evidence-based care. The theatre nurse will be expected to assist in a wide range of specialties e.g. orthopaedic, general, ophthalmology, gynae, ENT, pain management, urology, vascular. To develop specialist knowledge of nursing practice relating to this clinical area. This is a bank contract.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the delivery of the highest possible standard of care to all patients.
• Act as preceptor to preregistration students, mentor new clinical staff and new nonclinical staff. Support and guide all colleagues when needed.
• Liaise with link lecturers from affiliated nurse education departments with particular regard to developing and maintaining UPMC Kildare Hospital as a recognised learning environment for student nurses.
• Develop and maintain effective communication and interpersonal relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure a good team spirit and collaborative working practices.
• Support the theatre manager by meeting agreed responsibilities as set out by the Theatre Manager or the Director of Nursing at any time.
• Identify and discuss nursing/patient needs with consultants/nursing team, multidisciplinary team, patients and carers.
• Ensure that the highest possible standards of patient care and patient safety are maintained at all times.
• Have an understanding of the principles and workings of pre-assessment.
• Maintain high standards of communication, both written and verbal at all times.
• Have a working knowledge of all NMBI publications to include the Scope of Practice Framework and Code of Professional Misconduct.
• Maintain own professional registration and submit to HR department for verification yearly.
• Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of relevant policies and guidelines and always practice within those written at unit and hospital level, including areas such as clinical risk reporting, health and safety, patient handling, resuscitation, and related standards.
• Undertake a proactive approach in achieving and maintaining accreditation standards within UPMC Kildare Hospital and have an in-depth knowledge of departmental and hospital-wide policies.

General:

• Mentor new clinical and nonclinical staff and support colleagues as needed.
• Liaise with link lecturers to maintain UPMC Kildare Hospital as a recognised Learning Environment for student nurses.
• Develop and maintain effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Support the unit manager by meeting responsibilities as set out by the Unit Manager or the Director of Nursing.
• Maintain high standards of communication and have working knowledge of relevant professional guidelines.
• Maintain professional registration and HR verification annually.
• Ensure awareness and competence in reporting Hospital Risk and Health and Safety concerns.
• Develop IT skills to work efficiently in the clinical environment and have working knowledge of systems such as Isoft and other appropriate tools.
• Continually risk assess the unit environment to ensure safety of patients, relatives and staff; report accidents, incidents or complaints per hospital guidelines and policies.
• Coordinate with Scheduling Team on bed and theatre slot allocations.

Professional Accountability and Development:

• Remain professionally updated and deliver care in line with the latest evidence; participate in research where appropriate for patient benefit.
• Provide a supportive learning environment that enables educational and professional development of staff.
• Understand and comply with statutory rules, guidelines and legislation.
• Ensure standards of care are safeguarded and that high-quality care is recognised as a priority.
• Act as a positive role model in line with the hospital ethos.

Quality & Audit:

• Participate in clinical audits and research activity to promote evidence-based practice.
• Undertake research/clinical audit as necessary and provide written reports.
• Participate in local audits in preparation for annual accreditation.
• Collaborate with the Quality and Patient Safety team to ensure department meets accreditation standards.

Health and Safety:

• Uphold hospital policy requirements related to Fire, Infection Control and Health and Safety at Work regulations.
• Identify potential risks for staff, patients and visitors and follow incident reporting procedures.
• Observe a general duty of care for health, safety and well-being of self, colleagues, visitors and patients, and contribute to risk management as appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Be Registered General Nurse with The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• At least 2 years' post-registration theatre experience – essential.
• Paediatric Experience is essential.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.
• Hold a relevant theatre qualification – desirable.

Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits:

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. UPMC offers a total rewards program with base pay, performance-related pay and applicable premiums; fully paid maternity and paternity leave; pension plan; life and critical illness coverage; and development opportunities. Development and Career Opportunities include continued learning and advancement.

About UPMC:

UPMC is a multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care. It operates globally, including the UPMC International division with presence in Ireland.