Sister/Charge Nurse

at  The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust

To work clinically on the unit, initiating and promoting excellence in clinical practices as a role model to junior staff. Ensure high standards of nursing care are maintained and provided within a safe and caring environment. Prepare bay areas for admission of Post Anaesthetic patients ensuring all equipment is available, correctly assembled and functional. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care using evidence to rationalise care for both conscious and unconscious patients independently.
Contributes to creating a culture within Post Anaesthetic Care, which recognises and works in partnership with patients and their carers, involving them in all decisions relating to their care delivery. Act as the patients advocate where appropriate. Work in collaboration with other professionals to promote seamless patient care delivery. Process diagnostic tests and obtain samples as requested by medical staff.
Report results when available to appropriate staff. Identify and develop an individual area of expertise and disseminate this in different formats to meet the needs of the information to be delivered e.g.; verbal, newsletter, poster electronic. Overseeing and maintaining accurate patient and organisational records according to NMC and Trust guidelines. Having the freedom to act within clinical guidelines to ensure ongoing patient wellbeing.
Having the freedom to act within clinical guidelines in an emergency situation. Responsible for own and whole departments requirement to reduce hospital acquired infection and cross infection through the implementation of good practice e.g. effective hand washing; daily damp dusting of all bedside equipment; using protective clothing appropriately; rigorously applying standard (universal) precautions to minimise the transmission of infection. Responsible for ongoing cleanliness of patient and work areas, participating and overseeing activities where soiled and infected material and waste may be handled To be clinically competent in using all equipment available on the Post Anaesthetic Care area and be able to train others in its use e.g.
ventilatory support; invasive pressure monitoring; intravenous infusion devices; near patient testing; dynamic mattress systems. Constantly observe patients haemodynamic and ventilatory status, accurately record observations and take appropriate actions, relaying abnormalities to colleagues within the MDT. Safely care for patients with multiple infusion devices, maintaining accurate fluid balance. Use correct moving and handling techniques and appropriate equipment when moving or handling patients, stock and equipment which may be soiled or infected.
Assess patients level of consciousness, utilising appropriate tools. Report changes as appropriate. Safely care for aggressive and/or confused patients, maintaining a safe environment at all times for patients, staff and visitors. Participate in Clinical Procedures, e.g.
(not an exhaustive list) invasive line insertion intubation / extubation hand ventilation and is able to prepare all equipment and safely care for the patient during and after the procedure independently (procedures dependant upon individuals area of practice). Respond appropriately in emergency situations to support the multidisciplinary team, taking a lead role in a cardiac arrest situation within the Post Anaesthetic Care area. Sensitively care for dying patients and their families, provide information and support. Be involved in organ donation processes as appropriate.
Safely prepare patients for discharge. Communicate verbally and in writing relevant information to receiving wards, specialist clinical teams, patients, carers, and other disciplines. Transfer all level of patients (dependent upon individuals area of practice). Participate in internal rotation within the Post Anaesthetic Care areas to develop clinical knowledge and skills and ensure a safe patient and staff environment in times of peak activity.
Ensure self and team members achieve annual mandatory training requirements In conjunction with the Lead Nurse ensure all staff have an individual performance development pla

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