Ward Sister/Charge Nurse - General Surgery

at  Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint a dynamic and confident senior nurse to join the general surgical department at Whiston Hospital.
Reporting to the Ward Manger, the post holder is expected to assist in all aspects of the clinical operation. 4C is a 33 bedded General Surgery and Colorectal Ward.
Successful applicants will need to be highly motivated and enthusiastic, have experience in general surgical nursing and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. We require an individual who is forward thinking, well organised with a positive attitude towards flexibility and change.
You will need current acute surgical experience at Band 5 level or above and have a proven track record of effective communication, leadership and clinical expertise.
An Enhanced DBS with barred lists for both Adults & Children is required for this post.
To act as clinical expert for nursing issues
To supervise junior staff in the delivery of safe competent care
Take appropriate action to address any issues or risk
Promote a patient focused multi-disciplinary approach to care in collaboration with carers, health care professionals and other AHPs
Ensure a safe and timely discharge / transfer of patients
Ensure that treatment prescribed by the medical team are carried out and that changes in patient condition are escalated as appropriate
Contribute to the Enhanced Recovery Programme and ensure adherence to its principles
Act as advocate for the patient, respecting dignity, wishes and beliefs.
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care.

KEY DUTIES

To act as clinical expert for nursing issues
To supervise junior staff in the delivery of safe competent care
Take appropriate action to address any issues or risk
Promote a patient focused multi-disciplinary approach to care in collaboration with carers, health care professionals and other AHPs
Ensure a safe and timely discharge / transfer of patients
Ensure that treatment prescribed by the medical team are carried out and that changes in patient condition are escalated as appropriate
Contribute to the Enhanced Recovery Programme and ensure adherence to its principles
Act as advocate for the patient, respecting dignity, wishes and beliefs.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain Professional Registration
Adhere to the NMC Code of Practice and The Scope of Professional Practice
To participate in the recruitment, orientation, development and any other personal issues related to staff as required
Optimum use of resources so that standards of care and safety are not compromised
Maintain effective communication systems, so that all staff can practice in an informed and professional manner
Maintain effective communication with patients, relatives, visitors and staff as required,
To investigate any untoward incident/complaint thoroughly. Liaise promptly with the Ward Manager, Matron or Directorate Manager
Deputise for Senior Nursing staff as directed
Be fully conversant with the Major Incident Policy and be prepared to support its activation as required
Ensure effective infection prevention and control methods are followed
Maintain effective allocation of staff utilising appropriate skill mix

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure that the recording of patient care is comprehensive, concise and in line with the NMC Record Keeping guidance
Ensure IT systems are current eg ADT

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

To maintain an effective learning environment for all staff, contributing to the training and assessment of staff
To act as a role model and expert practitioner, providing support and guidance to nursing staff
To participate in the annual performance review of identified staff Band 5 and below in order to identify their training and development needs
To participate in an annual performance review to identify the post-holders personal development needs
To personally ensure fulfilment of the requirements for professional updating and to maintain a personal record for future registration purposes

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility for designated nursing staff within the team including appraisals, HR management and support in clinical practice in conjunction with the Ward Manager
Responsibility for nursing staff within the team in the absence of Band 7/6