Job Description

Role Summary Working to support the Matron and In-Patient Unit Manager within our In-Patient Unit, you will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. You will also demonstrate and develop a high-quality nursing care through evidence based practice whilst supporting other team members. Primary Responsibilities Clinical Role To act as specialist resource to colleagues, MDT members and external agencies. To act as a link nurse for clinical topics and participate in education and training for that area of care.



To function as an active participant in MDT meetings and other clinical meetings providing feedback and disseminating information as appropriate. To act as a Primary Nurse, responsible for the organisation of patient care and delegation of duties to nursing staff. To participate in all patient care activities, giving guidance and support as necessary to other team members. To ensure that all medications are correctly stored, administered and recorded in accordance with Hospice policy and legal requirements.



To deal with and report accidents, untoward occurrences or complaints according to The Kirkwoods policy. To co-operate with any investigation of accidents, untoward occurrences or complaints. To initiate the involvement of the multi-disciplinary team members to ensure effective patient management, continuity of care and the support of patients and their families. To promote and maintain staff morale, giving support, supervision and guidance to other team members.



To establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, relatives and all visitors to The Kirkwood. To ensure that all staff are trained in the use of equipment having regard for the safety of the patients and themselves. To be proactive in the development of clinical areas, supporting other Senior Staff Nurses and the Matron through contribution of new ideas to improve and maintain standards of care. Managerial Role To co-operate with The Kirkwoods administration and carry out nursing administrative duties as required.



To maintain agreed stock levels of stores and other equipment. To be aware of the importance of efficiency and cost effectiveness within The Kirkwood and act accordingly. To manage bank staff on a day to day basis to ensure appropriate staffing levels, obtaining bank shifts as appropriate for work load. To participate in the recruitment of junior staff.



To ensure The Kirkwoods nursing policies and procedures are adhered to and participate in policy reviews as required. To maintain professional clincal records (written and computerised) to NMC and hospice standards, auditing these on a regular basis. To recognise, prevent where possible and manage areas of conflict, reporting to the Matron if unable to resolve. To carry out annual appraisal of team members as required.



To acknowledge and respond to the concerns of patients, families or carers and take initial steps to resolve issues, escalating as appropriate. To work in other areas in The Kirkwood as required to ensure continuity of patient care in all areas. Educational Role To participate in the induction, training and ongoing supervision of team members. To participate in hospice education and training programmes.



To be appraised annually. To develop and maintain personal and professional development sharing knowledge and skills with multi-disciplinary team members. To act as mentor or clinical supervisor to colleagues and visiting students as appropriate. To access clinical supervision as required.



Quality Assurance Role To be actively involved in standard setting, implementation and review. To undertake surveys, audits or research as necessary to ensure delivery of evidence based practice. To suggest areas for clinical development, audit or research relevant to specialist palliative care. Other Responsibilities To work in accordance with the values of The Kirkwood.



Patients, Families and Carers are the focus of everything we do. Our values are what we live and work by. We are: Respectful and Inclusive Passionate and Determined Open and Honest Kind and Compassionate Forward-thinking We strive for Quality and Excellence To participate in The Kirkwoods performance and development review process. To undertake any other duties required by The Kirkwoods Management team commensurate with the post.



To undertake annual mandatory training provided by The Kirkwood. To maintain complete confidentiality as a condition of employment. Information relating to patients, other members of staff and volunteers or which is acquired for the purposes of employment may only be disclosed with the express permission of the appropriate manager. To respect the ethos and values of The Kirkwood and its services and comply with its policies, procedures and regulations.



This job description is not exhaustive therefore the employer and employee share responsibility to review and amend this job description in order to reflect any changes in role/development.