Band 6 Sister / Charge Nurse - Ward 17

The unit cares for Stroke and medical patients and focuses on assessing patients with a range of different specialties, while delivering high standards of care and treatment. There are several expectations within the role of Junior Sister/Charge Nurse such as being competent in identifying acutely unwell patients and escalating appropriately. This would also include maintaining flow within the hospital and work accordingly with the multidisciplinary team., The post holder will be required to deputise in the absence of the Ward Manager and ensure a positive patient experience through the delivery of the high standards of patient care. As a Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, you should have the commitment and ability to support the Ward Manager and other Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses in the effective implementation of change. You will be required to facilitate effective management of clinical and non-clinical risk reporting in response to the service needs., Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job, To support and work with the Ward Manager and Matron to provide effective unit management. To take regular charge of the clinical area in the absence of the ward manager. To take responsibility for the assessments of the care needs; the development, implementation and evaluation of care to ensure the highest possible standards of care are received by patients. To supervise and teach other nursing and non-nursing staff, acting as an excellent clinical role model and team leader to ensure quality care is delivered to the patients.
Professional Responsibilities
+ To deputise for the Ward Manager and liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently.
+ Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.
+ To lead and support others in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures written and verbal advice is available to patient's relatives and carers.
+ Actively involve others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders and ensures excellent communication.
+ Ensure work with the Trust /unit and ward policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.
+ Have the in-depth knowledge with practical experience of good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning in conjunction with Luton & Dunstable University Hospital Trust policies and procedures.
+ Apply the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment.
+ Plan duty rotas to meet the requirements of the clinical area and the needs of the patients and takes into account skill mix requirements in relation to acuity and dependency.
+ Initiates emergency treatment where necessary and co-ordinates other staff in this process.
+ Ensures that all staff including temporary staff and pre-registration students are aware of emergency procedures to follow.
+ Leads in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients admitted to the Ward / department in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols.
+ Ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and reviews and regularly updates these standards.
+ Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages others to enable individuals to assist in their own recovery.
+ Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration, the ordering and maintenance of stock., + Has a well development clinical understanding and practice with effective assessment skills.
+ Provides clinical advice as required to staff, carers and junior colleagues which promotes clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.
+ Participate in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the ward environment
+ Supports the education and development of all staff including students.
Take part in education and training programmes appropriately and feeds back knowledge gained.
+ To identify own clinical competency deficits, education and development needs, through participation in the Trust appraisal process.
+ Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the ward manager for development planning.
+ Advise patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection.
+ Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
Management Responsibilities
+ Responsible for leading and co-ordinating the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Department Manager.
+ To assist with the management of the nursing team, under the direction of the ward Manager/ Matron.
+ Actively assists the Ward Manager in workforce planning, by supporting and participating in the recruitment and retention of staff.
+ Ensures the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients, relatives and colleagues is respected at all times.
+ Communicates sensitive/difficult information and subsequent support of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues as appropriate.
+ Ensures that all medical equipment is kept in a safe condition and is ready for use when required, and that faulty equipment is reported and/or replaced as necessary.
+ Ensure all staff have necessary mandatory training in relation to all equipment used.
+ Orientates new staff to the ward and helps to plan the ward/departmental orientation programme ensuring that all staff (including temporary/bank/agency staff) are inducted into the ward and given the appropriate information.
+ In conjunction with the Ward /Department Manager, ensures that an annual Training Needs Analysis is undertaken, which is communicated to the manager for Education
+ Represents team and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feeds back information appropriately.
+ Under direction of the Ward /Department Manager, assists with undertaking performance reviews and return to work interviews.
+ Participates and leads in Nursing and Clinical Audit on the ward.
+ Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team.
+ To contribute to the discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.
+ To be actively involved in the interview and recruitment process for ward staff
+ With due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures, is actively involved in maintaining a safe environment for patients, relatives, carers' and staff.
+ To work with the ward Manager/Matron to ensure the most effective use of resources with in a defined budget.
+ To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers and colleagues
+ Have basic computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems
+ Actively assists in the investigation of complaints and draft responses as required. Supports the ward manager in implementing change as a result of investigations.
+ Assisting in preparation for external audits or inspections, e.g. Care quality commission visits.
+ Liaises with senior /managerial staff to bring to their attention any problems identified.
Professional and Legal Responsibilities
+ To be conversant with policies and procedures relating to Fire and Health and Safety.
+ To report all accidents and complaints in accordance with agreed policies and assist in investigations of complaints and accidents as required.
+ Ensures own and others professional/educational/training needs are identified and maintains own and others mandatory and professional updating in order to maintain clinical and professional credibility.
+ Maintain professional portfolio.
+ Maintain clinical study to fulfil professional registration and show evidence of continuing professional development.
+ Ensures own and others practice is in line with NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.
+ To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.

Hyper Acute Stroke have a vacancy for an enthusiastic and keen team leader to take on the role of Junior Sister/Charge Nurse in Ward 17. We are looking for a dynamic Junior Sister/Charge Nurse who has the ability to lead, motivate the team and develop excellent evidence based stroke nursing and exceptional patient experience., The applicant should have the ability to work independently and within a team, with patient experience at the heart of their delivery of care . There should be evidence of self-development and a clear plan for the applicant's further development, along with the qualification to mentor students. When in charge the expectation is to lead, support and motivate your team to ensure high quality care is delivered. As a Junior Sister/Charge Nurse you will need to conduct investigations, manage staff sickness, deal with complaints and deputise in the absence of the Ward Manager.

+ To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.
It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.