Job Description

Whittucks Rd is a 15 bedded, mixed open rehabilitation ward. It cares for service users within the Bristol, Banes and South Gloucestershire areas.



The unit specialises in supporting services users with enduring mental heath condition, which has impacted on there ability to care for themselves.



The team focus's on activities of daily living, this can include:



domestic tasks



self care



medication management



vocational needs



benefit and entitlements



psychological needs



Admission vary from 3months - 18months



Our team are looking for a passionate, highly motivated, experienced registered nurse to work with and lead our team in continuing to develop our service, in line with Royal Collage of Psychiatrists guidance on open rehabilitation wards and the Community Mental Health Framework.



We expect at least 3 years post qualification, inpatient/rehabilitation experience, and that an applicant has completed or is undertaking, or is open to completing a leadership course.



The role will involve clinically leading and managing a team of staff nurses and healthcare assistants. Supporting the Ward Manager with some operational duties and help develop and maintain clinical standards.



Working pattern will include clinical and management shifts.



The successful candidate will be RN-Mental Health with significant experience in mental health inpatient, rehabilitation care and working with patients who have chronic mental health and learning disability needs.



You will be able to demonstrate a capacity for clinical excellence, have a high level of emotional resilience, and be able to support the ward with developing and enhancing services.



We are keen to develop our nurses, so training opportunities will be available and supported. Rotational posts would also be considered to those wanting to experience working in different settings.



Whittucks Road is a standalone unit within a housing estate in Hanham. There is free parking for staff on-site.



Please see the attached job description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.



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 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.



Please see the attached job description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.