Senior Staff Nurse - ITU

PRINCIPAL DUTIES
Clinical Responsibilities
Carries out a full range of registered nurse duties, including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the patient's condition. Maintain the privacy and dignity of all patients whilst adhering to hospital and department policies, reporting any difficulties you have not been able to solve to Ward Manager
Maintains a safe environment when caring for patients, including those patients requiring frequent levels of monitoring
Assist and advise staff, both registered and unregistered in the delivery of patient care
Monitors all patient care and treatment, maintaining high standards and quality at all times
Carries out instructions from the nurse in charge and implements treatments ordered by members of the multidisciplinary team
Is able to prioritise nursing care, recognise deterioration in a patient's condition and escalate to the site team/clinician immediately
Maintains accurate, contemporaneous and legible written records of care
Ensure effective communication with all levels of staff including the whole multidisciplinary team
Under the direction of the Ward Matron, demonstrates clinical skills to pre and post registered nursing staff
Adheres to the agreed procedures as identified, and promotes by example, a high standard of good quality nursing care in the department
Fosters good relationships with other departments, the multidisciplinary team and visitors to the unit. Helps to achieve and maintain high morale for both staff and patients

Professional Responsibilities
To keep up to date with current developments in nursing and ensure evidence-based practice
Adheres to HCA's uniform and dress code policy
Personal appearance, hygiene, and attitudes provide patient and/or staff positive assurance
Responsible as a trained nurse for the control and administration of drugs within the regulations outlined in the HCA Medication Management Policy and the NMC and completes the hospitals Intravenous and oral drug competency programmes
Participates in and leads ward projects, enhancing the standards of care
Assist in the updating of Professional practice/procedures in line with current research
Help maintain an environment conducive to the allocation of nursing students and other staff in training
Contribute and participate in the development of nurses and nursing practice across the hospital
Report to the Ward Manager accidents/incidents and be aware of the hospitals policy for voicing concerns
Patients, visitors and staff are dealt with sensitively and professionally with due regard to ethnic origin, culture, religion and sexual orientation
The dignity of the patient is maintained
The rights of the patient are protected and maintained
Verbal and non-verbal communication is maintained with all patients
Optimum use is made of working time
Ensure they meet the requirements for revalidation

Education and Training:
Attend all mandatory training and ensure that updates are booked in a timely fashion and agreed by the Ward Manager
Take equal responsibility for their own appraisal and Initiate own development within agreed parameters
Be involved in and lead any aspects of training that need to be cascaded to the whole team such as moving & handling/infection control
Help induct new staff with a formal induction programme
Act as mentor/preceptor for pre and post registration staff
Be prepared to extend knowledge and skills by rotation to other areas in consultation with the Ward Manager
Help in the implementation of group policies and ensure that the hospitals policies are adhered to
Be prepared to be trained and use any information technology that is brought into your area
Be involved in ensuring correct usage of equipment and assist in the training of others as required

Quality, Risk and Governance
Engage in ward audits and develop and disseminate outcomes and action plans where appropriate
Promote a culture of appropriate incident reporting on the ward
Adhere to HCA's policy on complaints investigation and handling

Management Responsibilities
Participates in the management of the ward team including delegation of work on a day to day basis for junior staff
Provide feedback to the Ward Manager on individual staff progression or identify any concerns and document
Be the named nurse responsible on a shift for the continuing care of patients within the unit, ensuring that relevant policies are adhered to and that patients receive all the care/investigations in a timely fashion and to a high level
Is aware of responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act reporting via the appropriate system any faulty or damaged equipment or practices in the ward or department that could be detrimental to the health and safety of patients and staff
Potential hazards in the workp