Job Description

The post holder carries responsibility for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the care needs of a child or group of children, without direct supervision. The post holder will assist and work with the senior sister on shift to ensure high standards of care are maintained. A period of preceptorship or induction (dependant on previous qualified experience) will be provided.



This post is to work across the Paediatric Unit, and may include covering the outpatient area and the Children's Assessment Unit



Clinical and Professional Leadership



Manage the care of a group of children and their families for the duration of the shift, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.



Develop partnerships with children and their families to enable them to take on care of the child both in hospital and at home, as wished by the family.



Be responsible for evaluating the care given, and effectively communicate this evaluation to children, families and staff through written and verbal reports.



Use play as an effective means of communication, therapy and stimulation at all times during the planning and implementation of care. Where required, involve play specialist, ward teacher and schools in accessing and developing appropriate play/education programmes to meet the needs of the individual child.



Take account of the health promotion needs of the individual child/family, and ensure that relevant information and support are given to meet these needs at an appropriate time during the child's stay in hospital.



Ensure that all drugs are administered, recorded and stored in accordance with Paediatric Unit and Hospital Drug Policies.

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 Bedford Hospital 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.



Clinical and Professional Leadership



Manage the care of a group of children and their families for the duration of the shift, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.



Develop partnerships with children and their families to enable them to take on care of the child both in hospital and at home, as wished by the family.



Be responsible for evaluating the care given, and effectively communicate this evaluation to children, families and staff through written and verbal reports.



Use play as an effective means of communication, therapy and stimulation at all times during the planning and implementation of care. Where required, involve play specialist, ward teacher and schools in accessing and developing appropriate play/education programmes to meet the needs of the individual child.



Take account of the health promotion needs of the individual child/family, and ensure that relevant information and support are given to meet these needs at an appropriate time during the child's stay in hospital.



Ensure that all drugs are administered, recorded and stored in accordance with Paediatric Unit and Hospital Drug Policies.



nsure that all untoward incidents and accidents are reported, using appropriate documentation.



Ensure that effective discharge planning, which begins at the time of admission, is developed and maintained to assist in optimal discharge time for the child.



Be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene. To undertake annual training/updates in infection control.



Prepare for and undertake the protective interventions that she/he is responsible for in a manner that is consistent with evidence based practice and maintaining patient, staff and other users safety.



Managerial



Prioritise workload, ensuring the safety of children and their families in your care



Take responsibility for ensuring that all resources are used in a cost - effective way, to the benefit of patients in your care.



Assist in the maintenance and control of stocks and stores on the ward.



Assist in ensuring that regular maintenance and cleaning of equipment is carried out, faults reported and defective equipment is removed from use.



Manage the shift, on occasion, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the Multidisciplinary team.



Teaching and Learning



Take a proactive role in ensuring that you receive feedback regarding personal and professional development, through regular appraisal and more informal methods.



Develop and maintain a professional portfolio in line with NMC guidelines and PREP proposals.



Set regular objectives for self-development, in line with ward/unit objectives, and ensure that relevant training is undertaken to meet development needs.



Participate in demonstrating skills to other members of staff, as appropriate.



Take an active part in teaching programmes, both as teacher and learner, according to competence in relevant topics.