Job Description

Cherry ward is an 18 bedded mixed sex acute ward that supports service users with a vast range of mental health experiences.



On Cherry Ward, we are keen to develop our nurses, so training opportunities will be available and supported.



There will be an opportunity for you to attend additional training bespoke to the management role, specifically, supervision and appraisals, the charge nurse development course, and the Team Leaders course amongst others.



You will receive full support from your direct line manager, other peer Charge Nurses already on the ward, as well as senior managers based on site.



The team have received much positive feedback from both service users and carers about their time and experience spent on the ward during their admission.



The team work hard to provide excellent care to the service users they work with and we are lucky to have a wide range of experienced and enthusiastic multi-disciplinary team, including; psychology, physio's, occupational therapists, medics and dietetics, that all work closely and consistently to provide a high standard of care.



We are inviting experienced nurses with a passion for providing a high standard of care that can assist individuals to improve their wellbeing and ensure that their admission to the ward is a helpful, positive and useful experience.



We welcome registered nurses with a positive attitude to effective care, who are able to work within and adapt to an often ever-changing service or ward environment. You will be able to work well within a team and demonstrate kindness, compassion, respect and great leadership skills that are key to being an effective member of the management team on Cherry Ward.



You will be confident in your decision making, as well as having the ability to encourage and support others in developing their decision-making skills. You will provide reassurance to your team members and be able to provide advice and guidance or know where to find it if needed.



You will have the opportunity to take on additional management responsibilities, including, deputising for the ward manager in their absence, take on lead roles, supervise and appraise junior staff. This will involve you being diplomatic, respectful, consistent, professional, supportive and kind and have excellent communication and listening skills.



We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.



We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.



Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.



At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.



1. Clinical Practice Management



To carry out clinical practice within the designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality evidence-based nursing assessment, care planning, interventions and evaluations for patients is provided. This will include:

Undertaking a comprehensive, patient-focused, nursing assessment and prepare care plans in consultation with the service user to provide the best nursing care.



Carry out clinical audit to evaluate and improve clinical services in partnership with service users.



Ability to administer medicine within relevant Trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, MHA 1983. Ensure all others apply these, to support safe practice.



Demonstrate a working knowledge of the key elements of relevant mental Health legislation.

Be familiar with the NMC's 'The Code':

Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives. Recognise own competencies and to address any limitations to ensure safe practice.



To implement and encourage others to implement research-based practice.



Supervise junior and unqualified staff.



Implementation of care and rehabilitation programme.



Evaluation of effectiveness of care provided in partnership with users.



Ability to undertake risk assessment and develop risk management strategies for Individual service users: ICPA/SAP to people who present with mental health problems.



2 Teaching, Education & Health Promotion



To use own specialist skills, knowledge and resources to provide mentoring opportunities for staff within designated areas and promote positive attitudes towards mental health. This will include:



Regular provision of advice and mentoring to staff.



Function as a preceptor and mentor to new staff enabling their full integration into the service.



Develop junior staff through teaching or training activities.



Support the provision of an appropriate learning environment for pre- and post- registered students, novice practitioners, and new team members as directed.



3. Continuing Professional Development



To maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure that practice reflects best practice, remains evidence based, is current and responsive to meet changing patient and NHS service needs, as outlined in the NHS Plan (2000).



Implement the legal rules, statutory regulations and professional responsibilities relating to practice as outlined in the NMC "Code of Professional Practice". Change to: the NMC's 'The Code': Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.



Take responsibility for post-registration education and for continuing professional development as outlined in NMC Standards.



To receive clinical supervision in accordance on a contracted and regular basis from an identified Senior Practitioner, as per trust Clinical Supervision Policy.



To be aware of the need for appropriate management support and supervision from the people manager, and to maintain records of these meetings.



Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).



Implement Clinical and Personnel Policies and Procedures of AWP Trust.



Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant medicines, related medication management issues and act in accordance with the appropriate NMC standards and Trust policy. Ensure that others also work within these guidelines.



4. Finance and Workforce



To make best use of available workforce resources based on agreed staffing models ensuring provision of best care possible. Implement and abide by Trust and Service Policies in regard to the security of the building/clients, to ensure safe practice and protection of clients, staff, visitors and members of the general public.



To take part in PEAT and environmental risk assessments as requested so that best use is made of resources.



Undertake appraisals for staff at Band 5 and below to identify training and development needs and to ensure best practice.



Assist in staff disciplinary issues.



Implementation of managerial and clinical supervision to small team of nurses, ensuring best and safest practice is fully undertaken at all times.



Manage temporary staffing resources in line with AWP best practice guidance.



Ensure that service provision is both safe and therapeutic within span of knowledge.



Effective organisation of own time, and that of others to ensure safe and efficient running of ward.



Utilize electronic rostering systems (Rosterpro).



Participate in education and training opportunities to develop self and others.



To take charge of the Unit in the absence of the Ward Manager or Clinical Team Leader.



Ensure that all nurses, for whom the post-holder is responsible, abide by all Trust and local policies and procedures, in particular, Health and Safety at Work, Security and Confidentiality to guarantee legal obligations are fulfilled.



5 Record Keeping and Administration



To maintain and enforce standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with AWP Trust Policy and local joint arrangements, and professional guidelines. This will include:



The upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant NMC Guidelines and Trust Policy.



To work under the direction of 'Essence of Care' lead.



Contribution to the achievement of Controls Assurance Standards relating to Records Management within their span of control.



Make certain all health record keeping is to current professional and local standards to comply with legal obligations.



6 Evidence-Based Nursing, Practice Development & Clinical Audit



To be involved in practice development activity and evidence-based mental health nursing. This will include:



Undertake relevant practice development/research activity.



To take part in a rolling programme of audit.



To comply with activity as outlined in "The Essence of Care", and ensure direct reports are compliant.



Work within the framework of AWP and Department of Health Research Governance.