Job Description

The Staff Nurse will:

Take overall responsibility for the coordination and safe effective management of the Inpatient Unit (IPU) on a shift-by-shift basis as delegated by the IPU Manager / Sister / Charge Nurse. Undertake comprehensive health care needs assessment of patients, reassessing as appropriate. Collaborate with other health care professionals in the delivery of high standards of effective holistic care. Lead on the delivery of specialist palliative and supportive care, ensuring individual care needs are assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated.



Use professional judgement when assessing patient needs / problems and investigations requiring analysis and intervention. Organise own time and that of junior learners. Promote the safeguarding of vulnerable patients in line with national and local policy. Ensure that patient information is communicated to the appropriate professional(s) of the multi-disciplinary team.



Practice in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct, the hospice values, policies and procedures and professional guidelines in order that a safe and quality service is provided. Communicate effectively with dignity and respect to all patients, relatives, staff and others giving consideration to potential barriers to understanding. Work towards the achievement of the shared goals of the patient and multidisciplinary team by collaboration to ensure that best practice is achieved utilising both clinical bench marking and Evidence Based Practice to achieve this. Undertake practice sensitive to the individualised needs of all patients.



Administration of medicines and treatments in line with NMC and hospice policy. Be actively involved with all aspects of admission and discharge, engaging with other agencies and community teams to ensure a safe, individualised approach based on the assessment of needs. Undertake clinical skills with dexterity and accuracy to improve the patient experience and journey (e.g. venipuncture, cannulation, etc.) Be competent in the correct use of all equipment used in the clinical setting in accordance with instruction and departmental procedures, reporting any faults as necessary.



Maintain accurate, contemporaneous electronic patient records in line with hospice policy and NMC Code of Conduct. Maintain own CPD in accordance with requirements and contribute to formulation of own objectives and personal development plan. In conjunction with the IPU Manager / Sister / Charge Nurse, contribute to the delivery of orientation programmes and induction for new starters and learners. Actively contribute and participate in the hospice clinical governance agenda.



Act as a link nurse and resource for other nursing staff for a specific area of patient care.