Staff Nurse - 30 hours per week

Qualifications

The post holder is required to have first level registration.  Previous Palliative Care experience would be an advantage. “Care of the Dying Patient and Family” course and teaching qualification would be desirable; however, a commitment to undertake at the earliest opportunity will be supported.

Overall Objective

To work within the framework of the Multidisciplinary team providing a high standard of care for the patients and support for their relatives and to assist in the nursing team development by keeping abreast of change, involving evidence base and directives from government/organisational policies. 

Job Profile

The staff nurse is responsible for assisting, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care under minimum supervision.  This includes supervision of both qualified and support staff, and of student nurses during their allocation.    The staff nurse will be expected to take charge of the Inpatient Unit (IPU) / Day Care on occasions.   Staff are expected to rotate between IPU and Day Care when needed. As IPU provides twenty four hour care rotation between days and nights will be required.

              Clinical Responsibilities

1.         To be a competent practitioner and work within the NMC code of professional conduct, also ensuring that all staff within the sphere of responsibilities follow the code.

2.         To promote evidence based practice and the development of specialist palliative care.

3.         To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care within the nursing team and ensure its documentation.

4.         To liaise with and provide relevant information to other members of the multidisciplinary team.

5.         To undertake administration changes in accordance with hospice policy

6.         To participate in clinical audit and risk management in order to improve practice.

7.         To demonstrate reflective thinking / action to develop your practice and standards on the unit.

Management Responsibilities

             1.         To take undertake responsibility for the management of the ward and patient care in the absence of the Senior Staff Nurse.

2.         To help maintain positive working relationships with each part of the integrated services within the Hospice.

3.         To liaise with all services ensuring safe Hospice discharges, and to facilitate the continuing care of patients in their own home.

4.         To ensure the promotion of safety, well-being and interests of patients, staff and visitors.

5.         To be familiar with Hospice policies and procedures, and know where they are kept in order to allow access to self or other staff if the need arises.          

6.         To monitor the nursing teams performance and to support Volunteers working in the clinical area.

Educational and Personal Responsibilities

1.         To be responsible for maintaining a personal awareness of professional developments in nursing and particularly in palliative care.

2.         To undertake appropriate further education that will meet both own needs and the organisation needs.

3.         To maintain prep requirements

4.         To contribute to the development of clinical supervision.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended as necessary. It will form the basis for annual staff appraisal.