Job Description

'A highly experienced, knowledgeable and educated team member who can work autonomously making high-level decisions to treat health needs.'



The Nurse/Midwife Specialist should be educated to first-degree level in a health-related subject and have completed appropriate post-registration education development within their specialist practice area.



The Tissue Viability Service is responsible for providing clinical expertise in the assessment and production of care plans for patients with complex wound problems, staff education, policy production, and guidance to Trust management on all aspects of the speciality, including pressure ulcer prevention.



To provide Tissue Viability training and clinical advice to patients, nurses and allied health professionals working within a multi-disciplinary environment.



To work in partnership with the Lead Tissue Viability nurse to improve standards of care based on clinical outcomes identified through case review and clinical audit.



To support staff in their clinical decision-making, providing guidance to improve clinical outcomes and patient wellbeing. To promote the continued reduction of healthcare-acquired pressure ulcers



To work with the Lead Tissue Viability to provide quality monitoring, demonstrate initiation of practice changes, and be involved in service improvements.

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Receiving referrals

Providing skilled assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of specialist care within defined guidelines and protocols

Referring to other disciplines and agencies

Ordering and interpreting relevant tests and investigations

Providing expert advice and guidance to nurses/midwives & other disciplines

Providing specialist training and education to own and other professions

Setting and monitoring standards of care and treatment

Participating in audit and research activity

Disseminating good practice

Providing skilled professional leadership.

Ensuring effective communication between all service providers across the care pathway



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 are committed to equal opportunities and believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence. As part of our dedication to equity, we actively welcome applications from individuals from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse teams bring and are committed to creating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to succeed."



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



1. Clinical/direct care practice



1.1 Receive referrals within the speciality from the health care team and respond to requests for expert advice and guidance.



1.2. Work within an agreed job plan to meet service needs this should be reviewed annually



1.3. Conduct holistic assessment and provide supervision & guidance to colleagues in skilled h istory taking , p hysical examination , o bservation and o rdering, conducting and interpreting relevant tests and investigations



1.4. Work in collaboration with the multi-professional team, contributing expert, evidence-based knowledge and skills to relevant aspects of the patient's care and treatment.



1.5. Maintain boundaries of own practice within agreed guidelines and protocols, use professional judgment in managing complex and unpredictable situations and seek guidance from other relevant experts



1.6. Address patients' risk factors and health promotion needs by comprehensively assessing individuals for risk factors and early signs of illness.



1.7. Builds an environment of trust and rapport, enabling patent empowerment in their healthcare and acting as an advocate for the patient in treatment decisions and choices



1.8. Draw upon an appropriate range of multi-agency and inter-professional resources to ensure that patients receive appropriate services, making referrals to other professions and services as appropriate



1.9. Use effective communication and interpersonal skills to provide information, explanation and reassurance to patients and families.



1.10. Plan and conduct appropriate follow-up, closure or transition of care for the patient



1.11. Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records of patient assessment, care and treatment



2. Leadership and Collaborative Practice



2.1 Provide advice, guidance and support to own and other professionals to enable best practices in care and treatment within the area of expertise



2.2. W ork collaboratively with colleagues, patients and families to seek their views and to develop and improve practice and the service



2.3. Continually evaluate and develop your own role and competencies to meet the evolving needs of patients and the service



2.4. Develop networks and collaborative working across professional and organisational boundaries to develop, integrate and coordinate care



2.5. To support and contribute to delivering the wider Trust agenda as directed by the Chief Nurse and the Trust Senior Nursing and Midwifery Council



2.6 To participate and contribute to National objectives



2.7 To assist in the collection of data for clinical audit and formulate reports based on their evaluation as necessary.



2.8 To assist in the monitoring of quality assurance to achieve desired standards and outcomes



2.9 Act as a role model and expert nurse providing specialist, clinical knowledge to clinical colleagues through MDT meetings for patients and carers / relatives.



2.10 Undertake clinical supervision of nursing colleagues on an individual or group basis.



2.11 Act as a resource for health care professionals by being visible, available, and accessible for support and advice in relation to the management of patients in the specialty.



2.12 Participate in the development of services and assist Lead to implement change (High Impact Changes). Linked to directorate business plans.



2.13 Ensure the effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources.



2.14 Participate in the development of strategies for delivering effective specialist care within a changing environment that improves the quality of care and health outcomes in tissue viability



2.15 Monitor health, safety and security of self and others and promote best practice in the ward area.



2.16 Participate in ensuring systems are in place for risk assessment and minimization including promoting "no blame" cultures in order that near misses and incidents are reported.



2.17 Participate in investigation of incidents/complaints when required, including preparing detailed reports/letters to complainants.



2.18 Act as an innovative, enthusiastic role model providing leadership, guidance and advice to staff on operational and professional issues promoting an open and honest and transparent culture.



2.19 Manage own diary, plan ward visits and patient assessments to meet the need of the service across the Trust.



3. Improving Quality and Developing Practice



3.1 To develop valid and reliable methods to continually evaluate and audit own practice and service outcomes, identifying, interpreting and acting on audit outcomes



3.2. To maintain records of activity including clinical coding, maintain appropriate documentation and participate in audit of documentation, clinical activity and outcomes



3.3. To use and develop information systems to support decision making and improve care



3.4. To maintain knowledge of contemporary epidemiological, demographic, social, political and professional factors relevant to the specialist area of practice.



3.5. To use a reflective and questioning approach to practice, identifying potential opportunities for clinical or service changes



3.6 To maintain awareness and application of relevant research and evidence based practice relating to area of clinical expertise and profession practice



3.7 To identify and responds to gaps in evidence and/or practice knowledge, and to contribute/lead in research / audit/ practice development.



3.8 To enable the sharing of new knowledge and developments with others



3.9 To facilitate and enable change at individual and team levels to improve practice and health outcomes, monitoring and evaluating the impact of resultant changes in practice.



3.10. To continually assess, monitor and act on risks in own and others' practice through risk assessment



3.11. To ensure the appropriate and effective use of resources to ensure both cost effectiveness and quality.



3.12. To participate in business and service development including activity and income generation



4. Developing Self and Others



4.1 To participate in review of own practice with colleagues from own and other professions thorough case review and clinical supervision



4.2 To develop and provide patient education and information which is appropriate and responsive to individual needs and level of development.



4.3. To participate in the development of evidence based protocols, standards, policies and clinical guidelines



4.4. To evaluate knowledge and practice, identifying learning opportunities and continuing development through appraisal and personal development planning



4.5. To maintain a personal portfolio illustrating evidence of competence and continuing development



4.6 To supports colleagues in their learning and application of theory to practice through assessment, teaching and clinical supervision



4.7 To contribute to wider education and development programs in external organizations



4.8. Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge through publication and presentation



Through participation in appraisal, identify and agree professional development and training needs to keep updated in line with Trust and NMC requirements



4.9 To assist with the clinical training skills of staff in clinic and on the wards.



4.10 To participate in the induction and orientation of new staff members.



4.11 The post-holder is responsible for taking reasonable care with regard to themselves as well as for any colleagues, patients or visitors who might be affected by any act or failure to act by the post-holder in accordance with the Trust's policies on Health and Safety at Work.



4.12 To undertake in-service training relevant to the post.



4.13 To report any accident, untoward incident or loss relating to staff, patients or visitors according to Trust policies



4.14 Take responsibility for own continuing professional development and performance, including identifying own development needs and maintaining own portfolio in accordance with re-registration requirements.



4.15 Participates in supervising and teaching pre-post registration students, new staff members and junior medical staff.



4.16 Provides education and training related to wound care & tissue viability within the organisation



4.17 Supports the Ward / Department Sister in ensuring the clinical environment is conducive to effective learning.



4.18 Inform the annual training needs analysis.



4.19 Comply with Trust Policies and Procedures.



4.20 The post holder will be required to train junior colleague on Doppler assessment/ABPI and compression therapy



Other responsibilities



Communication



Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken responsively and inclusively, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.



Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.