Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Professional Responsibilities Assess patient care needs and the development and implementation of programmes of patient care and participate in the evaluation of these. To ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and assist in the review and regular update of these standards. Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to changes in the patients condition and safety. Adhere to all Trust Policies to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.



Ability to administer oral drugs safely and independently and that they are administered in line with the NMC and Trust Policy guidelines. Be aware of the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment. Be able to communicate basic care information and answer queries to patients, their relatives/carers and the multidisciplinary team members. To undertake intravenous drug therapy administration following a training programme which will assess the competencies and practical levels required to achieve safe working within the Trust policies and procedures.



Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration and the ordering and maintenance of stock. Education, Training & Development Participate in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the ward environment Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the ward manager for development planning Advise patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection. Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness. Management Responsibilities To manage the maintenance of an acceptable environment for patients, reporting and taking appropriate action on hazards and faulty equipment.



To report incidents using the Trust electronic incident reporting system. Management of patients with regard to their nursing /clinical needs as directed by the nurse in charge. Report to and request advice from the nurse in charge of the ward in regard to patient care when appropriate. Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team To contribute to the discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.



Ensure that the ward environment is well maintained, clean and safe. Report hazards to the nurse in charge acting to prevent further danger to staff and patients. To be economic in the use of ward stocks and clinical requisitions, avoiding waste wherever possible. To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users to the trust.



Have basic computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems To take charge as required in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility for the ward/department. Only after completion of preceptorship programme and local induction period. Professional and Legal Responsibilities To be conversant with policies and procedures relating to Fire and Health and Safety. To report all accidents and complaints in accordance with agreed policies and assist in investigations of complaints and accidents as required.



Maintain professional portfolio. Maintain clinical study to fulfil professional registration and show evidence of continuing professional development. To uphold the principles of the NMC code of professional conduct. To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.



Care and Compassion The post holder must be able to actively demonstrate and proactively deliver effective and personal care, which is safe for the patients, in a calm and compassionate manner to every patient, every time. This should be at the core of all planning which actively involves the patient and where appropriate, their relatives /carers. With the ability to escalate areas of interprofessional and multiagency care concerns to the ward manager, Matron or Deputy/Chief Nurse in a timely manner. NB: This job may involve the manual handling of heavy loads, for which training will be given.



If there is any reason why you should not do this, it is your responsibility to inform your manager immediately. GENERAL: To comply at all times with any regulations issued by the Trust, especially those governing Health and Safety at work and to ensure that any defects which may affect safety at work are brought to the attention of the appropriate manager. It is the responsibility of all staff to minimise the Trust's environmental impact by recycling wherever possible, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use, minimising water usage and reporting faults promptly. This job description reflects the present requirements and objectives of the post.



As the duties of the post change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and will be subject to amendment, in consultation with the post holder. You are required to disclose any additional work you undertake or are planning to undertake for another employer. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: This post is subject to the successful completion of a probationary period of 6 months within which the notice period for both you and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is four weeks. STANDARDS Staff are responsible for complying with the relevant standards set by their Line Manager.



A breach of such standards may lead to disciplinary action. It would be investigated fairly and appropriate steps taken to prevent a recurrence and address any wider causes. SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS: All employees and volunteers working within the Trust have a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. INFORMATION GOVERNANCE: (This includes Patient Confidentiality, IT Security, Data Protection and Freedom of Information) You are required to respect the confidentiality of all patients, carers and staff, by not sharing any information (including data) obtained during the course of your duties.



You have an obligation to report any non-compliance through the Trusts Incident Reporting process. All staff must comply with the legal obligations and statutory requirements of the General Data Protection Act 2018, the Trusts IT Security and Information Governance Policies, Codes of Conduct and Best Practice Guidelines which are available on the staff Intranet site.