Job Description

The Staff Nurse is responsible for the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of high quality patient care, whilst working in close co-operation and collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team.

The Staff Nurse will :

P rovide high quality clinical care to patients, in line with the Trust values and in accordance with professional regulations.



Accept delegated responsibility for specific activities/areas from the senior nurse in charge



Work in line with Trust policies, objectives, protocols and local guidelines, whilst also being aware of the importance of their role in supporting members of the team, and always adhering to the Trust values, and in accordance with NMC regulations.



Work autonomously and with others to always deliver high standards of care to patients and their carers, autonomously and as part of a team.



Communicate in line with Trust values, to patients, carers and staff at all times.



Take every opportunity to continue to develop, practice and expand their own general and specialist nursing skills.



Maintain high standards of professional and ethical responsibility, and accountability and be aware of the medico-legal aspects of nursing, in line with professional, regulating and local guidance.



Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised patient care through appropriate frameworks, including safe effective arrangements for discharge, underpinned by Trust values.

Assist with the evaluation of care and initiate any action required.

Practice in accordance with, and aware of his/her responsibilities under, the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other appropriate NMC guidelines

Be aware of Clinical Governance and the impact it has on patient care

Report all complaints, incidents or accidents to the Nurse in charge and take appropriate action

Be aware of current developments within the nursing profession and within the NHS

Ensure own appraisal is always in date and personal development plan is completed.

Work in a supportive way with learners and HCAS/MSW's, providing knowledge and feedback as required.

Manage a group of patients, in line with level of experience.



Manage the ward/department in the absence of the Band 6 or 7 nurses, if senior enough to do so.

Demonstrate effective time management and prioritization of workload.

Take an active role in the induction and orientation of new staff

Take responsibility for the teaching and education of pre and post registration students acting as a preceptor or mentor as appropriate



Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.



Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.



We continually invest in our facilities, including a 30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an 80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.



We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.



The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.



Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.



Roles and responsibilities



Clinical



Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised patient care through appropriate frameworks, including safe effective arrangements for discharge, underpinned by Trust values.

Assist members of the team in the co-ordination of the clinical activities

Use clinical standards to participate in the process of monitoring the quality of care delivered. Act to ensure that nursing practice is of the highest standard, in line with Trust and CQC standards.

Supply and/or administer medication safely in line with Trust medicines policy.

Assess and support patients with adherence and understanding of their medication, advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness



Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the education of the patient and their significant others

Assist with the evaluation of care and initiate any action required, for example liaising with the multidisciplinary team of doctors as appropriate

Review the effectiveness of the nursing care provided and initiate any action that may be required



Undertake any reasonable and relevant clinical or non-clinical functions commensurate with their banding.

Recognise and act on situations that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of the individual

Co-ordinate and support other members of the caring team who may be responsible for implementing specific aspects of nursing care.

Investigate and report accidents, incidents and losses and provide initial support for the member of staff or patient involved, in line with Trust policy.

Take on extra duties/responsibilities as delegated and agreed by the department/ ward manager or senior staff nurse, within their capability / limitations.



Professional



Maintain professional behaviour at all times and promote a positive image of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust at all times, in line with Trust values.



Contribute to a high quality safe working environment in which patients receive a high standard of care

Participate in the setting of standards for nursing practice and for care involving the multi-disciplinary team

Practice in accordance with, and aware of his/her responsibilities under, the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other appropriate NMC guidelines

Understand and practice in accordance with Trust and Unit policies and procedures, and ensure they are understood and practiced by staff

Maintain a safe working environment recognising the health and safety requirements of patients, visitors and staff

Ensure all strategies, policies and protocols relating to infection control are implemented and monitored and that appropriate and timely action is taken in response to ensuring the prevention of control of infection

Protects patient confidentiality and acts according to the Data Protection Act

Maintain clear and accurate documentation in line with unit and Trust standard

Be aware of Clinical Governance and the impact it has on patient care

Understand local audit processes and take opportunities to initiate local audit and participate in Trust audits locally.

Participate in the ordering and maintenance of adequate stock level in an effective manner

Work with members of the team in implementing a quality approach to service provision, in line with Trust quality care standards.

Report all complaints, incidents or accidents to the Nurse in charge and take appropriate action

Work shift patterns and weekends to suit the needs of service delivery



Education and Development



Be responsible for, and demonstrate personal professional development, maintain up to date clinical skills and ensure mandatory training is always current.

Be aware of current developments within the nursing profession and within the NHS

Participate in team and ward meetings

Participate in established research projects and clinical audit in local area

Assist in ongoing development of the ward as a positive learning environment

Ensure own appraisal is always in date and personal development plan is completed.

Work in a supportive way with learners and HCAS/MSW's, providing knowledge and feedback as required.

Participate in local teaching sessions.



Management and leadership



Manage a group of patients, in line with level of experience.

Supervise under the direction of the Sister/Charge Nurse, the work of unqualified staff.

Manage the ward/department in the absence of the Band 6 or 7 nurses, if senior enough to do so.

Demonstrate effective time management and prioritization of workload.

Take an active role in the induction and orientation of new staff

Take responsibility for the teaching and education of pre and post registration students acting as a preceptor or mentor as appropriate