Junior Sister - Female Surgery/Gastro (Band 6)

at  Airedale NHS Foundation Trust

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: PROFESSIONAL Facilitating the delivery of nursing care in accordance with standards, policies and procedures set. Ensure local policy and legislation is adhered to in relation to the custody and administration of drugs. Support the effective documentation of all nursing records, monitoring through audit that national and local standards are maintained on a daily basis Maintain effective communication channels throughout professional and support staff on the ward Provide professional advice and support to all members of the ward team, acting as a link to medical staff. Participate in ensuring an effective learning environment is established and maintained for all trainee staff on the ward.
Practice Preceptorship and Clinical Supervision for junior staff in accordance with local policies. Monitor standards by participating in Audit of Clinical Standards and policies. Be aware of current developments and research in clinical practice and facilitate its introduction to the ward team. Liaise with Clinical Specialists and senior colleagues to develop practice in the ward environment and enhance the role of the untrained and qualified nurse.
Develop local standards for care delivery. To demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of any patients receiving treatment on the ward. To provide specialist nursing advice and support to patients, their families and other healthcare professionals from the point of diagnosis and throughout treatment ADMINISTRATION To support the Senior Sisters and Matrons in processes of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and assisting in the implementation of changes in the light of such findings. Support the Senior Sister in the administrative function of their role, assuming managerial responsibility in the Senior Sisters absence.
Ensure a safe working environment is maintained for self and others, taking appropriate action as necessary in line with legislation, Trust and departmental requirements. Ensure staff are aware of resources available on the ward and utilise them in an efficient and effective way. Support the Senior Sister in maintaining an effective communication system on the ward. Provide ‘Unit’ cover as required, reporting to the Senior Nurse on for the hospital or Night Co-ordinator.
Participate in the monitoring of Patients Charter Standards and Quality Initiatives. Support staff in adhering to all local policies and procedures. Participate in the investigation of complaints. Act as a change agent for clinical practice.
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH To act as a mentor and support to junior staff members, responsible for the orientation, supervision and ongoing development of junior and student nurse, in conjunction with Line Manager and Practice Development Staff To act as practice supervisor, responsible for completing competency documents for junior staff within agreed timeframes To act as a mentor to students undertaking further education as requested, ensuring a positive learning experience and facilitating the development of their clinical skills To promote and encourage the application of research and of evidence based practices To participate in any research projects conducted in the clinical area as appropriate To act as a positive role model to junior staff members. Partifcular emphasis on adherence to the Right Care Values and Behaviours; ensuring that all staff recognise their responsibility to deliver services in a high quality, courteous, patient focused manner and to main patient confidentiality at all times Empower and support junior staff to be accountable for their own practice and undertake the role of the named nurse/primary nurse. Develop nurses to undertake duties under the Scope of Professional Practice, whilst developing oneself towards nurse practitioner status. Participate in the Staff Development Review system, assisting staff to take every opportunity to develop knowledge and skills.
MANAGEMENT To manage the clinical workload effectively, ensuring care is prioritised appropriately. To facilitate transfers/ repatriation into and from the unit on a 24hr basis (SAFER) To liase with Medical Personnel and Bed Managers to ensure optimal bed usage at all times, facilitating timely admission and discharge of patients To develop own skills in recruitment and retention, sickness management and performance management as determined by line manger To actively support the process of risk management ensuring incidents are reported appropriately and help identify ways of preventing errors and accidents to both patients and staff To make a positive contribution to service development affecting the clinical area and positively influence other to adapt to change To actively promote patient care, assisting in resolving local (informal) complaints and supporting the ward manager to investigate formal problems To assist with monitoring of stock levels of clinical stores and technical equipment, resolving any shortfall as appropriate To maintain standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the clinical area, auctioning remedy as appropriate and reporting deficits to the Matron, as appropriate To communicate varied and complicated information (verbally and in writing) in a way that is understood and gets the important facts across To take a leadership role in crisis situations, resolving problems acress the Care Group as necessary To maintain confidentiality with regard to personal information pertaining to staff To attend and contribute to departmental meetings as require

Please refer the Job description for details