Job Description

The post holder is expected to work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team planning and providing high quality care for patients with acute illness or injury within the Emergency Department (ED)

Streaming:

participate after training in the streaming of emergency department attendees to alternative pathways such as SDEC/ SAU/ UTC/ GP/ Dental services.



Use good communication skills to disseminate information and promote and maintain good working relationships within the department and trust wide.



Promote the use of communications skills to overcome language and understanding difficulties when discussing complex or sensitive issues relating to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment with patients and their relatives. Be able to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and the multidisciplinary team both face to face and over the phone.



To participate in non-clinical management processes i.e. Performance Review, sickness management recruitment and selection and Appraisal of staff both personally and of staff at Band 5 and below. To undergo, where necessary, further training in relation to the Extended Role of the Nurse and participate in the training of others, ensuring that all staff have equal opportunity to participate in statutory core/ advanced training and Emergency Department specific training & development.



Be available, in the absence of the Nurse Team Managers, to deputise and take responsibility for the co-ordination of 24 hour nursing care of each patient in the department.



Ensure that the National Service Framework for Paediatric Services is adhered to and that Child Protection Policies are followed.



Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.



Our values



We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.



Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job



Promote the use of communications skills to overcome language and understanding difficulties when discussing complex or sensitive issues relating to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment with patients and their relatives. Be able to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and the multidisciplinary team both face to face and over the phone.



Be able to show empathy and compassion on a frequent basis, when caring for people who are experiencing bereavement or have a relative who is critically ill. Be responsible for the evaluation and delivery of care of acutely unwell and injured patients, ensuring that accurate nursing records are maintained



Support the Manager in staff rostering, ensuring adequate skill mix.



In conjunction with the Manager closely monitor bank and agency usage.



To provide support and advice to colleagues in distressing circumstances such as imparting news of terminal illness and bereavement.



Be responsible for the assessment of nursing needs and plan and implement care required by patients, in conjunction with nursing observations & patient assessment, medical requirement and with the co-operation and partnership of the patient and their relatives.



Carry out treatments such as dressings, wound closure, personal care such as washing and toileting, transfers of patients in wheelchairs, on trolleys or in beds in and around the department and hospital and assist patients with mobility as part of daily duties.



Take responsibility for ensuring the co-ordination of discharge planning of patients in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team.



Remain calm, professional and non-judgemental when faced with violent or aggressive patients and relatives, those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Patients suffering from Mental Health Issues and those with poor personal hygiene and /or infestations on a daily basis.



To risk assess all patients and carry out manual handling as per Trust Policy.



Be able to deal with frequent exposure to unpleasant sights such as major wounds or bleeding, emaciated patients and bodily fluids.



Be able to plan own workload in a busy, noisy environment where there are frequent interruptions and unpredictable changes in demand.



To ensure communication with paramedical services to enable them to carry out their part in patient care and to create a climate in which feedback on patient progress is the norm.



To ensure that staff are aware of current changes both local and national and involve them in consultations regarding changes by contributing in regular staff meetings.



Maintain clinical competence in the use of medical devices used within the department and clinical procedures such as administration of injections.



Clinical Governance/ Incident & Accident Reporting



Responsible for ensuring that all accidents/incidents are reported to the appropriate Manager and reported via the Inphase reporting system. All employees are required & expected to participate in the Trust's accident/incident reporting system and to comply with the Trust's procedures and techniques for managing risks.



Attend the Daily incident review meetings as required and participate in clinical governance meetings & Morbidity and mortality meetings, sharing the learning.



Maintain and share up to date knowledge of current research relevant to emergency care.



General Management



Responsible for regular cleaning of equipment, reporting faults to shift manager and removing defective equipment from use. This includes participation in daily checking and cleaning or equipment/ drugs as per department quality book.



Take responsibility for the safe storage of patients valuable and property whilst in the Emergency Department in line with trust policy.



Teaching and Learning



It is mandated that all registered healthcare professionals - nursing included, are compliant with new SSSA/ SLiP standards for pre registrants as practice supervisors as a bare minimum moving on to also becoming practice assessors after 12 months in the department.



To support education, training and development of self and others in the emergency department and actively encourage to share learning and best practices in Emergency Medicine.



Total Patient Experience



Assist, in conjunction with the Emergency Department Matron, the Practice Development Nurse and Heads of Nursing for Emergency and Acute Care directorate, to continue to develop and set standards of care, taking into account relevant published National Guidelines and research.



To undergo, where necessary, further training in relation to the Extended Role of the Nurse and participate in the training of others.



To ensure communication with paramedical services to enable them to carry out their part in patient care and to create a climate in which feedback on patient progress is the norm.



Major Incident



To maintain and up to date knowledge of the trust Major Incident Policy and Department and Role specific plan



In the event of a major incident being declared and a call inn of staff being undertaken you should report to the Nurse in charge of Emergency Department as soon as possible.



Undertake training and remain competent in the use of decontamination equipment for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) contaminated patients.



To undertake the one day HMIMMS regarding Major Incident Management so there is an understanding of expectations of band 5 role in a major incident



Undertake the Decontamination of patients from a CBRN incident as required.



Undertake training and maintain competence in scene safety and the use of Personal Protective Equipment used in the pre-hospital setting including ensuring you are FIT MASK tested.



VARIATION



This job description will be subject to review from time to time. Any amendments will be made in consultation with the post holder.



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.



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.



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.



All employees and volunteers working within the Trust have a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.



You are required to respect the confidentiality of all patients, carers and staff, by not sharing any information (including data) obtained during the course of your duties. You have an obligation to report any non-compliance through the Trusts Incident Reporting process.

Note:

Failure by an applicant to provide accurate and truthful information is considered to be a serious matter. Where it is found that a person has recklessly provided inaccurate information or withheld information relevant to their position, this may disqualify them from appointment. It may also result in dismissal or disciplinary action and referral to the appropriate professional registration body.