Palliative Care Nurse Adult Services

at  St Andrews Hospice

Purpose of Job To work as a key member of the clinical multi-disciplinary team. To contribute to the effective and efficient delivery of holistic care for patients with life limiting illnesses, their families and significant others. To promote the highest quality care and support for patients, their families and significant others. To work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team using initiative in planning patient care.
To be motivated, enthusiastic and forward thinking in developing a holistic focussed service. Main responsibilities Under the direction of the Clinical Lead Nurse/Lead Nurse, ensure that patients care is assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated within a holistic, patient centred approach and to continually review and update nursing care plans and documentation. Observe and report accurately any obvious changes in a patients condition physically or emotionally and liaise with the Clinical Lead Nurse or Lead Nurse with changes, which may affect nursing care. To ensure the highest clinical standards and quality of care are maintained contributing to and sustaining a caring and friendly environment.
Following successful probationary /preceptorship period, manage the unit for the span of duty as the Nurse in Charge when required To be the key worker to designated families and deliver care prescribed with optimum attention to detail. To negotiate any changes in care with the patient, the family and other professionals, To promote the delivery of effective communication amongst all disciplines, patients and carers, communicating sensitive information to patients and families in a considerate and confidential manner. Work flexibly alongside the patients and families and acknowledge that they are the experts in their care and following discussion, allow the family to choose the level of involvement of the care team. Liaise with the patients doctor, other health professionals and members of the Partnership multi-professional team prior and during the patients admission to the Adult Inpatient unit, referring to these services where appropriate.
To coordinate referrals to other specialist agencies according to the assessed need of the patient. To work as an autonomous clinical expert in palliative care developing skills and knowledge in all aspects of palliative care, especially assessment of symptoms and their management and maintaining an advanced level of clinical and technical expertise. This will include drug management, use of syringe drivers, and feeding pumps, whilst acting always within the NMC guidelines and St Andrews Hospice Policies. To develop skills in communication both pre and post bereavement with patients, families, their significant others, and colleagues within the Hospice multi-disciplinary team.
To review and evaluate documentation used by the nursing team and to ensure that this is accurate, legible and appropriate, ensuring confidentiality at all times. To plan and implement comprehensive care plans and ensure that all staff are following said care plans appropriately. To communicate via the patients records, including SystmOne, and maintain store and retrieve appropriate records. Receive and transmit information pertaining to patient care to others within the multi-disciplinary team.
To initiate and take responsibility for the reporting and investigating of incidents and complaints, ensuring the appropriate action is taken, the situation is diffused and the process is communicated effectively in conjunction with the Clinical Lead/Lead Nurse. To remain aware of current Health & Safety legislation in relation to the environment and to ensure compliance is maintained in accordance with the relevant Hospice policies and procedures. To work effectively within a team of nurses and other health-care professionals to help ensure the smooth running of the unit to deliver a high level of care. To apply intellectual, practical and ethical judgment to complex decision-making.
To promote high staff morale by inspiring a shared vision and common goal. To develop and maintain key working relationships with the multi professional team to facilitate discussion of complex issues involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of palliative care. Conduct ones self in a professional manner, being a role model and leading the staff, to ensure standards of patient care and the clinical environment are kept to a high standard. To provide support and direction to the nursing assistants and volunteers and act as an associate mentor for students, within Adult services.
Through this process, teaching may be undertaken on a one to one basis or to a variety of groups. To be involved in the collection of data and evidence to support audit and quality outcomes (Hospice Governance) as requested by the Lead Nurse or Director of Adult Services. To undertake the updating of policies and procedures in line with government proposals, national and local guidelines, as required by the Lead Nurse/Director of Adult Services Take responsibility for own continued professional development by keeping up to date with mandatory training, professional developments and evidence based practice. To undertake additional responsibilities to enhance the smooth running of the Service Personal Professional Responsibilities To be able to manage own workload along that of others, by ensuring appropriate prioritisation and delegation utilising the most effective skills and capabilities.
To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities, which will enable enhanced contribution to meet the objectives of the Hospice Business Plan. Partake in external and in-service training, developing expertise in palliative care To attend and participate in mandatory training relevant meetings on a regular basis Management of People Direct: When in charge of a shift, all staff and volunteers during that span of duty. Indirect: Other clinical staff and volunteers when a situation arises that requires clinical direction, under the guidance of the Clinical Lead Nurse, Lead Nurse or Director of Adult Services. Contacts & Relationships Regular contact with staff, volunteers and managers to ensure optimum service levels Frequent contact with distressed patients and relatives and exposure to patients who are agitated and confused To act as a point of reference for peers and subordinate staff for general departmental queries.
Follow processes to satisfy the requirements of the Hospice policies and procedures and the Care Quality Commission regulations and standards. To continually seek to improve systems within the Hospice, by means of constructive suggestions via personal contact, written communications and meetings Take part in regular staff meetings, which may be on an informal or formal basis. To provide an internal consultancy/specialist advisory role. To maintain clear communications with inter and multi-disciplinary teams.
To attend and participate in external palliative care planning meetings, as directed by the Wellbeing Services Coordinator/Head of Support & Wellbeing. Frequent exposure to bodily fluids, including blood

Please refer the Job description for details