Team Leader in Bedford

Our adult Critical care service provides an integrated level 1, 2, and 3 Critical Care service with 6 level 3 and 4 Level 2 Critical care beds in a purpose built unit and 24/7 level 1 service. The role requires taking charge of the unit, supervising clinical care, managing a group of team members. The post holder will assist the Critical Care Matron with the continuing responsibility for Critical Care services, to ensure the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care is of a high standard. Also providing leadership, role modelling good professional practice and behaviour and maintaining a safe environment. The post holder is also required to supervise staff of Band 5 and below and teach other nursing and non‑nursing staff. Also contribute to service development and lead on specific roles assigned. After a minimum of 6 months experience in the department the post holder will be supported to develop into the critical care outreach role and undertake the required course Advance health assessment and diagnostic indicators.

We are looking for a reliable, motivated, approachable and enthusiastic Team Leader for Critical Care Complex. This is a challenging position in a fast moving environment, must have substantial experience in critical care setting, have excellent communication skills and ability to work as a part of multi professional team managing a wide range of complex problems and sometimes conflicting priorities.

Main duties of the job

• To provide skilled nursing care.
• To demonstrate a high standard of practice in assessing, implementing and evaluating patient care, including analysis and interpretation to facilitate decision making skills.
• Act as a Team Leader, support and supervise the further development of nurses and nursing practice in critical care.
• To ensure that care is delivered as per Trust and critical care policies, is aware of changes as they occur and partakes in the addressing of changes.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. We have state‑of‑the‑art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

• To participate in the Clinical Competencies, including assessment of staff as applicable after appropriate training.
• To ensure that custody, administration and recording of drugs are in accordance with Trust Policy and NMC guidelines.
• To inform the Critical Care Matron of any matters affecting the professional standard of patient care.
• To adhere to the guidelines within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
• To be responsible for the accurate documentation of clinical data and all data related to the daily management of the Critical Care.
• To supervise the professional work of nursing staff (Band 6 and below).
• To support other team members in their professional work, to be able to adapt and deal with swiftly changing circumstances.
• To be aware of current issues and policies within the Trust and critical care and ensure these are maintained.
• To assist the Critical Care Matron with the cost‑effective use of resources in patient care delivery.
• To ensure staffing levels are adequate and organise cover if required appropriately and cost effectively.
• To ensure clear and concise documentation of all patients property and valuables according to hospital policy.

Person Specification

• Qualifications: Registered Nurse (NMC), Evidence of recent Continuous Professional Development.
• Experience: Previous experience in a Critical Care environment, Leadership potential.
• Skills: Skills in mentoring, supervision of colleagues, Ability to lead projects and new developments, Works well within a team, Have some Financial/ Budgetary awareness, Some experience in resource Management, Some experience related to performance review process, Experience of managing and motivating a team.
• Knowledge: Understanding of GPICS standard, Able to use IT systems including Microsoft Office, NHS IT systems.
• Personal skills: Problem solving skills - ability to respond to unexpected demands, Able to work flexibly to meet the demands of the role, Demonstrates a strong desire to improve performance.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Address: Bedford Hospital South Wing, Critical Care Complex