Nurse - Complex Care

We are a forward-thinking innovative, multidisciplinary team caring for patients with complex acute medical and social needs at our NHS Trust.

Caring for patients with complex needs, our team have experience in a wide variety of specialties, including learning difficulties and mental health conditions, providing a holistic approach to patient experience

Our nurses work within our multidisciplinary team to provide complex discharge planning and we’re proud of developing management experience within the team for those looking to progress to senior positions

We’re home to a palliative care initiative that has gained us national recognition and awards, including Palliative and Hospice Care Team of the Year award at the British Medical Journal

We give our nurses the opportunity to learn about complex and acute medical conditions in a supporting caring environment; our dedicated Practice Development Nurses support bespoke professional development opportunities across our complex care wards and Complex Assessment Unit

 

 Nurse Complex Care

 

Package 

Grade                          NHS Band 5

Contract                      Permanent

Hours                           Full time: Up to 37.5 hours per week

Salary                          £24,907 - £30,615 per annum pro rata

 

Job Summary

· The post holder will be designated on a regular basis to take charge of the ward/department in the absence of the ward manager or senior nurse after two years in post and on an occasional basis within the first two years in post.

· The post holder will work within and lead a clinical care team.

· The post holder will take personal responsibility and accountability for ensuring that Trust and local policies and procedures are known and followed and will ensure duties are carried out in accordance with the advisory guidelines and practice set out in the NMC code of Professional conduct.

 · The post holder will be responsible for assessment, planning, provision, maintenance and evaluation of patient care.

· The post holder will take responsibility for the supervision and guidance of other staff including health care assistants and students on a daily basis.

· The post holder will actively contribute to the provision of a good learning environment by taking on the role of mentor/assessor for learners eg. Student nurses and support worker roles.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

· Organise and participate in the delivery of high standards of evidence based nursing care

. · Take regular responsibility to carry out required planned, direct patient care to a high standard without direct supervision in accordance with established nursing procedures and policies.

· To report to the appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team any significant changes in a patient’s condition or situation.

· Responsible for taking charge of the ward/department on a regular basis in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility.

· Take personal responsibility as a team leader for the delivery of care of patients in a defined area. · To contribute towards health promotion for all patients by providing education, support and advice, as necessary Ensure referral to appropriate professionals or agencies as required.

· Ensure the safe ordering, administration and custody of patients’ medication according to Trust policies and procedures. · In the absence of senior staff be responsible for delegation and supervision of appropriate work to other qualified staff, health care assistants and students

· Where relevant to be responsible for and assist in co-ordinating discharge planning in partnership with the multidisciplinary team

 · Where relevant, responsible for the admission, assessment and preparation of patients undergoing treatment or investigations.

· Escort patients to other wards or departments as required.

· To take personal responsibility for ensuring that patients are treated with courtesy at all times, the individual needs of patients are respected and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

 · Liase effectively with other disciplines or departments as appropriate.

· To be able to act in emergency situations and to be familiar with emergency procedures including fire and resuscitation. To be responsible for the support and direction of junior staff in such situations according to Trust policy.

· To be responsible for ensuring provision of a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients, relatives, visitors and colleagues.

 · Ensure the readiness for use of special equipment and the availability of nursing supplies in conjunction with the senior ward nurses.

 · Ensure the safe custody of patients’ valuables and property according to Trust policies.

 · Report to nurse in charge/line manager all complaints, incidents or accidents involving self, staff, patients, visitors and complete relevant documentation according to Trust procedure.

· Be responsible for reporting and documenting any broken or damaged equipment according to Trust policy.

· To have detailed knowledge of Manual handling regulations particularly with regards to the moving and handling of patients. To be responsible for ensuring that assessment of patients’ manual handling needs are carried out and ensure junior staff and students follow these requirements in the course of care delivery.

 · Ensure safe storage and disposal of substances hazardous to health in accordance with Trust policy. Ensure availability of facilities for disposal of sharps, toxic/cytoxic waste in accordance with trust policy.

· In support of senior staff or ward manager assist with monitoring and report to ensure stock levels are maintained and that the correct quantities are in supply.

 · Monitor the use of supplies by junior staff to promote efficient use of all supplies.

· To be aware of the directorate bleep holding function.

 · To have an awareness of the requirements for staffing the ward or department.

 · Undertake aspects of ward administration as agreed by the ward /department manage.

 · Report reliably any episodes of sickness for self or that are reported to you to the Registered nurse in charge to enable skill mix to be maintained.

                          

Education / Training / Qualification

• RGN, with current live Registration
• Teaching and assessing qualification (998 or equivalent) or willing to undertake after 2 years post registration (secured a position on this type of course)

 

 Work Experience

• Expectation to undertake training for extended roles required by the ward / department. i.e. IV drug administration, Cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs, male catheterisation, PCA and Epidural training
• Ideally currently working in a hospital setting, as a Qualified Nurse or a Qualifying Student

 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Advanced communication skills, verbal & written, to include report writing and record keeping.  
• Excellent interpersonal skills with patients and multidisciplinary team
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Ability to undertake shift work (flexible options available)
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Sound knowledge of the guidelines set out in the NMC code of professional conduct and current Nursing Issues
• Sound knowledge of Trust Policies & practices including manual handling, health & safety and infection control.
• Basic computer / IT skills and expectation to develop these in line with the needs of the service i.e. IHS, Acis, Email use
• Ability to organise own workload.
• Time management/Basic Problem solving skills

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

• Flexibility/ punctuality.
• Able to work within a diverse community of patients and health care professionals