Senior Sister / Charge Nurse - EAU2

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Sister/Charge Nurse to join our friendly team on the Emergency Assessment Unit2/Ward 4 at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital as a Band 7 Ward Manager. We are a 25 bedded Emergency Assessment Unit specialising in a variety of acutely unwell patients. You will be responsible for day to day running of the department, with the support of the band 6 team.
Emergency Assessment Unit2/ward 4 work closely with the emergency department and the corporate site and bed management teams in order to ensure flow through from the ED to Emergency Assessment Unit2/ward 4 and then to the wards. You will also manage patient groups as required and be responsible for the nursing and care needs of those individuals, The post holder carries continuing responsibility throughout the 24 hour period for the assessment and delivery of care for patients. They are also accountable for resource management of the area including budgets, capacity and patient pathways.
Provide excellent standards of nursing care and expertise, both in delivering direct patient care and in the support of other staff caring for the higher needs and dependency of our patients.
To supervise, manage and teach other nursing and non-nursing staff, acting as an excellent clinical role model and team leader to ensure quality care is delivered.
The post holder will have responsibility for the delivery and monitoring of high standards of nursing care to all patients on the ward in accordance with relevant evidence based professional practice and Trust policies., 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.
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., · Participates as an active member of the nursing team, accountable for your practice and role modelling the highest standards of care to all members of the team
· Provides excellent clinical and management supervision to all members of the ward team.
· Communicates proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.
· Leads in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of patients admitted to the Ward / department in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols.
· Actively involves others in communications between patients, their relatives and the multi-disciplinary team both within organisation and with external stakeholders to ensure excellent communication.
· Ensures own practice is conducted within the Trust /unit and ward policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety in addition to monitoring staff adherence to them.
· Has in-depth knowledge of infection control policies, local divisional strategy with practical experience and principles in relation to the clinical environment, patient care, the prevention of cross infection, outbreak management, good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning.
· Ensures the correct advice is available and given to patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection.
· Initiates emergency treatment where necessary and co-ordinates other staff in this process.
· Ensures that there is a process for communicating to all staff including temporary staff and pre-registration students of local emergency procedures.
· Works within and monitors the team's adherence to the medicines management policy. Demonstrates a full understanding of requirements for ordering, receipt, storage and administration of all type of medication. Has oversight of issues and risks associated with medication administration and systems in place to address these.
· Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages staff to facilitate and enable individuals to assist in their own recovery.
· Ensures there is information and advice available within own area on the promotion of health and prevention of illness
LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION
· Responsible for 24 hour management and leadership of a designated ward maintaining an appropriate management style that maintains good morale, a team approach to work and a culture which fosters innovation and change.
· Demonstrates the values of the organisation and the NHS Constitution. Can articulate a compelling vision for the department/organisation.
· Sets standards for the ward ensuring that high standards of nursing care, ward cleanliness, nutrition etc., are maintained so that the patients experience is excellent.
· Responsible for workforce planning and the recruitment and retention of staff. Leads and contributes in the interview and recruitment process and conducts exit interviews.
· Ensures the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients, relatives and colleagues is respected at all times.
· Ensures respectful interactions when communicating 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.
· To hold and maintain the designated budget. Exerts influence and control of the overall ward/department expenditure.
· Ensures all staff undertake the necessary clinical and mandatory training required of their related area and that any related competencies are signed off; i.e. preceptorship, medication administration, venepuncture and medical equipment.
· Ensures new staff (including temporary/bank and agency staff) are welcomed to the ward and undertake the local induction and orientation programme.
· Represents the team and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feeds back information appropriately. Ensures there is a method of communication that reaches all staff within the team considering different working patterns.
· Undertakes performance reviews and holds individuals to account by effectively challenging poor performance and documenting actions and outcomes in staff personal files.
· Articulates clear instructions or actions, outlines the related quality standards expected and provides a balanced feedback on a one to one basis.
· Manages sickness absence and conducts return to work interviews.
· Participates and leads in Nursing and Clinical Audit on the ward.
· Ensures that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team in line with the organisation policy.
· Contributes to and oversees the safe and effective discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.
· With due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures. Uses local data to ensure the environment is safe for patients, relatives, carers' and staff.
· To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users to the trust. To act as a positive role model to the Team. Proactively seeks patients', carers' and families' feedback on the service provided by the team.
· Maintains competent computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems.
· Investigates complaints, drafts responses as required and implements changes as a result of these investigations within the time frames stipulated.
· Ensures that the ward/department is clean in line with the hygiene code; by monitoring as appropriate in partnership with the housekeeping services and Estates manager as required to maintain required standards.
· Prepares for external audits or inspections, e.g. Care Quality Commission visits.
· Escalates concerns to senior /managerial staff to bring to their attention any problems identified.
· Plans duty rotas to meet the short and long term requirements of the clinical area considering the needs of the patients and the skill mix requirements in relation to acuity and dependency. Escalates and records concerns with regard to staffing within the appropriate timescales.
· Responsible for Quality Performance Monitoring.
· Implements service improvement activities as required based on local intelligence i.e. Incident /Audit data.
· Respects the Equality and Diversity of Clients and Team.
· As part of on-going development:
· Deputise for the Divisional Matron/Lead Nurse as necessary
· Take part in the Senior Nurse 555 roster
PROFESSIONAL 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 professional/educational/training needs are identified and maintains own mandatory and professional updating in order to maintain clinical and professional credibility. Maintains professional portfolio.
· Undertakes clinical study to fulfil professional registration requirements 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.
· Contributes to the development of policies, procedures and guidelines as appropriate.
· Will seek out 'Best Practice' to generate new ideas and generate change.
· Understands how their department relates to the overall objectives of the organisation and the wider health economy
EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBLITIES
· Has a well-developed understanding of clinical practice with effective supervision, mentoring and assessment skills.
· Provides clinical advice as required to staff, patients and carers which promotes evidence based clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.
· Participates in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, pre professional and student nurses in the ward environment.
· Conducts a training needs analysis based on staff appraisal and local service requirements annually.
· To identify own Personal Development needs, clinical competency deficits, education and development needs at their personal appraisal with their divisional matron.
· Takes part in education and training programmes appropriately and feeds back knowledge gained to their team.
· Evaluates training their own staff have undertaken to effect service improvement and that individuals have gained new knowledge or skills.
· Has the overarching responsibility for Educational Audit.
· Responsible for the availability of local Educational resources.
· Ensures that sufficient number of Mentors are available and that these Mentors are updated annually and have completed their Triennial review.
· To ensure that all staff have a Personal Development Plan and meet their personal objectives. Supports the education and development of all staff including students.
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.