Staff Nurse

at  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

We are seeking friendly, caring, and dedicated staff nurses to join our fantastic team on the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU). You can expect both a rewarding and challenging role, working with a wide range of acutely unwell oncology patients.
The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) is a 23-bedded unit specialising in the rapid admission, assessment, and treatment of Christie patients who become acutely unwell at home or on-site. We are a fast-paced unit with a high turnover of patients and see a variety of cancer-related issues such as sepsis, bowel obstructions, treatment reactions, and more. We offer a nurse: patient ratio of 1:4-6 and 8 weeks of supernumerary induction to familiarise yourself with the unit and our ways of working.
Oncology experience is not essential as acute care skills are more relevant to this area, however an interest in oncology nursing is desired.
The working hours for this role will be a mix of day and night shifts, however we will be open to flexible working requests.
We have a strong focus on professional development and would be keen to develop new members of staff with clinical competencies and appropriate training.
You should possess excellent communication skills, be willing to work flexibly as part of a team, and be committed to high standards of working.
As a Band 5 staff nurse on AAU, you can expect to use skills such as venepuncture, cannulation and line access, undertaking ECGs, IV administration (including 1-hour door-to-antibiotics for septic patients), blood transfusions, drain care, NG/PEG/RIG care, undertaking clinical observations and completing patient admissions.
We have a high standard of care on the unit, and we are looking for someone who will complement our team and who will provide compassionate and dedicated care to our patients.
The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) is committed to the Christie values of making a difference, acting with kindness, and connecting with people. We are a friendly team from all walks of life who strive to work together to provide excellent patient-centred care. We work hard, celebrate our successes, and learn from incidents together. Our multidisciplinary team of HCAs, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, tissue viability nurses, oncology specialists, and support staff all come together to make the unit a highly rewarding place to work, both professionally and personally.
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The staff nurse is responsible for their own personal development and maintaining a personal development plan
To complete the Ward introductory pack and preceptor pack
Complete Principles and Practice of Intravenous Skills Programme and Cannulation Skills Training and update annually
Annually attend all mandatory study days as per Trust and unit guidance

PERSONAL

Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote a good working relationship
Show professional and courteous manner when answering the telephone and other enquires
Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information both at work and outside of working hours
To be aware of and adhere to all policies including; sickness and absence, confidentiality, uniform and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work act and be familiar with all risk assessments pertinent to the AAU
Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy
To be aware of limitations and utilise the preceptor system for any issues that arise
To show respect for members of the team and endorse the AAU’s philosophy of giving mutual support
This job description is intended to reflect the main duties and responsibilities of the post holder but is indicative only. It may be reviewed in consultation with the post holder as circumstances change and develop

Professional
Manage and generally supervise the ward in the absence of senior staff.
Take individual responsibility for the nursing care of a group of patients as a registered nurse
Provide a supportive role within the Acute Assessment Unit for nursing, medical and clerical Staff
Undertake the nursing care of patients, ensuring privacy & dignity is maintained whilst being aware of physical and psychological needs
To give a clear and accurate update at change of duties and ensure accurate documentation of nursing interventions
To participate in the emergency care of patients and give any necessary instructions, including transfer information
Participate in nursing procedures appropriate to the department
Support and assist in the induction/training of junior staff/Health Care Assistant’s acting as mentor to designated staff
To welcome patients to the ward and its routine
Be able to act as ward co-ordinator and ensure the safe and timely through put of patients, liaising closely with triage/admission staff, medical staff and other wards
To liaise with medical and para medical personnel and community organisations
To highlight areas of improvement/development within the department and undertake relevant projects
To act as support for other ward nurses in relation to acute emergency care
Safely escort patients to other areas and collect blood products from key departments
Assist in the provision of meals / refreshments for patients whilst meeting their nutritional needs
Assist in the general housekeeping duties of the AAU
Help to maintain a safe environment and report faults/risks etc to the nurse in charge
Liaise with staff member responsible for stores/stationery and ordering and assist in the maintenance of stock levels
Handles patients personal possessions, ensure cash and valuables kept securely as per policy
Correct care and custody of controlled drugs and aid the safe storage of medicines
Assist medical staff with procedures
Carry out certain procedures such as cannulation and 12 lead ECG’s and be prepared to learn new skills