Job Description

About Us At Rowans Hospice, we provide free person-centred care and support to people in South East Hampshire (including Portsmouth, Gosport, and Fareham) affected by life-limiting and progressive illness. Our team of specialist health care professionals aims to maximise comfort and quality of life for patients and their families, from initial diagnosis and into bereavement, with services provided within the Hospice, at home, and through the Rowans Living Well Services. Since being established in 1994, we aim to provide a space where families can enjoy special moments and create precious memories together. At the heart of everything we do is compassion because we understand that kindness and understanding make the biggest difference of all.



Whilst our care is provided free of charge, we are in fact a charity, and 90 percent of our income is generated by legacies, donations, fundraising and our Retail shops. In addition to our workforce across our Clinical, Retail and Business Support teams, we also rely on a dedicated team of volunteers to help us deliver our many different services to people at the most vulnerable time in their lives. Your Role The Staff Nurse role will work across the In-Patient and Rowans Hospice Service, which are led by the Ward Manager who are responsible to the Clinical Director . The role is based at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook.



Job Purpose The post holder is responsible for contributing to, and the implementing of programmes of care. The post holder is also expected to carry out all relevant forms of care without direct supervision and to supervise, where necessary more junior nurses. Key Working Relationships Internal: Patients, carers and relatives. All Rowans Hospice Charity staff and volunteers.

External:

Patients, carers and relatives, NHS Trusts, Primary Health Care Teams, other Hospices and Charitable organisations, nursing homes, Social Services, Emergency Services, Funeral Directors, Coroner. Key Areas of Responsibility / Key Accountabilities To contribute with the assessment of patients and development of programmes of care. Ensure that programmes are implemented throughout the 24-hour period. To maintain continuing personal contact with patients and their relatives and contribute with the evaluation of programmes of care.



To carry out specific treatments and clinical procedures. To base clinical practice on current research-based evidence. To assess the needs of patients and carers requiring intervention from other professionals/therapies within and outside the Rowans Hospice Charity and refer appropriately seeking support from senior staff as appropriate. To verify when a death has occurred, notifying relatives and carers as appropriate.



To care for the deceased patient by administering last offices and ensuring the safe and timely removal of the body from the Hospice. To report to the Sister / Nurse Co-ordinator / Hospice Doctor any relevant information on the condition of specific patients, their care or treatment. To report any feedback, concerns and complaints from patients, their relatives, or others acting on their behalf and assist in the investigation as appropriate. To administer drugs, and assist with their ordering and storage, in accordance with the NMC Standards for the Administration of Medicines.



To recognise and report any errors or omissions in the administration of medications. To adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct. To report to the Sister / Nurse Co-ordinator/ Matron any matter affecting the smooth running of the unit. To ensure knowledge about patients is maintained in the strictest confidence, and is not divulged, except to professionals where it would materially assist with the programme of care or protection of the individual (See Staff Handbook Confidentiality / Data Protection Act).



To demonstrate a consistent level of courtesy and consideration to patients, their relatives and visitors. To promote a high quality of nursing by adhering to set standards. To offer support within Day Care as required. To contribute to the ordering and storage of clinical stores.



To ensure that all nursing records are completed and updated at each shift change over. To contribute to the written assessment of patients and referral of patients during admission and discharge planning; to supply relevant services with necessary information seeking advice as appropriate. With the support of senior staff complete a written assessment of bereavement vulnerability. To contribute to the development of care provision by participating in standard setting and clinical audit in accordance with the Rowans Hospice Charity clinical governance framework.



To support change within the nursing environment, supporting decisions by Managers. To promote a harmonious environment by offering support to staff and giving them the opportunity to vent their feelings. To have a basic awareness of current research and developments within palliative care settings. To contribute to the development of HCSWs and student nurses by ensuring delivery of effective induction programmes and continuing development through appraisal and education.



To communicate effectively with patients, carers and the bereaved to establish and maintain trusting relationships. To present patients and contribute to discussion at the multi-professional team meeting if working day shift. To offer emotional support to patients and/or carers particularly during admission, breaking of bad news and around time of death seeking advice from senior staff as appropriate. With the support of senior nurse, contribute to bereavement care offered to families by facilitating bereavement interviews and assessing risk factors for bereavement, referring to the bereavement service as necessary.



With the support of the nurse co-ordinator sensitively handle out of hours enquires from community patients and carers. To develop and maintain effective working relationships with other members of the Sisters Team, and all other Rowans Hospice Charity employees including volunteers. To ensure communication between members of the Sisters Team is effective so the care needs of the patients can easily be transferred to the person or persons assuming continuity of care at the shift changeovers. To promote the aims and ideals of the Rowans Hospice Charity service to the general public.



Experience, Qualifications, Skills and Behaviours required RGN or RN Adult Branch. On NMC Register parts 1 or 12 Desirable Experience in palliative care/oncology Diploma level qualification or willingness to attain. Skills Excellent basic nursing care skills Good communication and interpersonal skills Ability to prioritise work load and be flexible to changing demands Ability to share knowledge with others to develop and influence practice Able to maintain active and contemporaneous records Awareness of own coping strategies Personal grief resolved sufficiently to work within a palliative care setting. Knowledge Basic understanding of palliative care principles and philosophy.



Other Undertake any duties, which may be reasonably required within the scope of the role. Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities. Rowans Hospice is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. All employees are expected to follow our Code of Conduct and comply with policies and procedures.



They must also undertake specific training and assume responsibility for safety relevant to specific roles.