PURPOSE OF POST
· To promote and ensure the delivery of high quality, evidence based care/best practice whilst acting as a role model to staff.
· To develop and manage a team of nurses within the mentor group system.
· To provide clinical leadership to the nursing team
· To provide support for the unit sisters/charge nurses and to contribute to the operational management of the unit/ward
· To co-ordinate the unit on a regular basis
Specific Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
· To practice as a professional nurse in a leadership role, demonstrating clinical expertise and competence in caring for cardiac patients whilst acting as a role model, supporting and supervising staff.
· To demonstrate a high level of clinical competence in the care of cardiac patients and to support, develop and supervise staff in gaining clinical competence and confidence. (Appendix one)
· To demonstrate a high level of clinical competence in the assessment and management of acute chest pain and in ECG interpretation.
· To exercise professional accountability at all times and to be aware of own development needs/limitations, actively seeking to address these.
To respond promptly to emergencies by taking immediate action, requesting assistance /support as indicated, maintaining control and assisting with the support of the patient/relatives and junior staff. (Appendix two)
· To manage emergency situations/crises with competence, supporting the patient, their relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team.
· To demonstrate use of highly developed/advanced communication skills to support patients and families in stressful situations, to manage conflict promptly and effectively and to support and promote effective working relationships within the multidisciplinary team.
· To demonstrate skill at interpreting complex clinical information, responding to changes promptly and appropriately and developing specialised plans of care in collaboration with other colleagues.
To demonstrate dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail in the preparing of specialist equipment for procedures to be undertaken within the unit/ward whilst adhering to Local and Trust policies, and supporting all staff to do the same
To be involved in writing, evaluating and auditing of guidelines, protocols and local policies
To ensure all equipment is stored, cleaned and operated safely according to Trust and Local policy and to train and supervise junior staff to do the same.
To adhere to COSHH and Infection Control guidelines and policies (Trust and Local), actively supporting all staff to do the same in order to prevent cross infection and identify and minimise potential hazards.
To utilise all resources efficiently and effectively (actively promoting this in others) and assist with the maintenance of stock levels for disposables and drugs through reporting, ordering and receiving items according to Local and Trust policy.
To hold a current ILS or ALS certificate, leading/participating in arrests where required. Provide support for all members of the multi-disciplinary team, including debriefing, with subsequent preparation of the patient for a safe transfer to an appropriate recovery environment if required.
To maintain accurate and legible patient records whilst maintaining patient confidentiality according to Trust policy.
To access, input and interpret computer data entries whilst maintaining confidentiality.
To demonstrate ability to concentrate for prolonged periods and to apply accuracy and attention to detail at all times.
To follow Trust policy for the management of patients’ property and valuables.
To lead a clinical resource group or project with support from mentor.
· To demonstrate and promote a patient centred style of practice
· To demonstrate a commitment to research based practice and clinical excellence
To review and prescribe medication, within the specialty, in accordance with the Non-medical Prescribing course at Master’s level.
To take a medical history and perform physical assessment on patients seen within the nurse led clinic environment.
· To contribute to a climate where staff members appropriately question and challenge practice, and where decision-making can be openly debated and discussed.
· To appropriately act upon and advise the unit manager when standards of practice, conduct or decision making raise concern.
· To appropriately report and manage adverse incidents according to local policy, and to support team members in doing the same.
· To contribute to the development of professional nursing practice within the unit, demonstrating a commitment to disseminating information and sharing experiences
· To adhere to the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional Practice at all times
To be flexible/willing to assist all areas within cardiac medicine e.g. at times of sickness or increased workload.
Education
· To demonstrate a commitment to personal professional development and maintain registration in line with NMC requirements (Appendix three).
· To complete mandatory study days as required by the Trust
· To be actively involved in, and support the unit education programme and clinical resource groups.
· To act as associate mentor or mentor to both undergraduate and post basic students and junior nurses, following completion of recognised training (annually updated), and to assist with the completion of relevant competencies with support from own mentor.
· To utilise the opportunity to undertake clinical supervision/coaching.
· To maintain the professional profile of the unit and facilitate communication links with other departments.
· To adhere to Trust, Directorate and unit policies, protocols and guidelines.
· To actively participate in projects that develops staff and the unit profile.
· To support the introduction of the Trust and department agenda for Clinical Governance.
· To act as a resource for colleagues, guiding their practice, assessing their competence and enabling and supporting their learning
· To ensure that new staff within the team are given an appropriate orientation programme.
· To complete agreed Local and Trust competency frameworks and take active responsibility for having an annual appraisal with a relevant personal development plan that is reviewed with your mentor.
· To lead and be actively involved in the education programme for the unit. To provide advanced health education for patients pre/following myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndromes and cardiac investigations/procedures.
· To identify factors, which might compromise the learning environment, seek appropriate advice and take remedial action as required.
· To participate in and support research projects undertaken within the unit
Management
· To maintain the professional profile of the unit and facilitate communication links with other departments.
· To adhere to Trust, directorate and unit policies, protocols and guidelines. Promoting awareness of the same in others.
· To act as a leader, recognising and valuing the skills and experience of each individual member of staff.
· To be involved in the recruitment of new staff following appropriate training and support.
· To demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach to work, tackling challenges constructively.
· To co-ordinate the unit, ensuring optimal allocation of staff to meet patient needs, promote staff development and facilitate continuity of care.
· To coordinate utilisation of beds in an effective manner, taking into account the needs of the department and trust.
· To manage one’s time efficiently, plan and prioritise appropriately and support the development of this skill in others.
· To develop one’s own management skills, and to encourage that development in others.
· To develop a professional profile and to assist team members likewise
· To participate in ongoing performance reviews of team members
· To assist in the monitoring of annual leave /study leave/sick leave, and to anticipate and plan for changes in order to ensure continuity of care and senior nurse cover for the unit
· To participate in the formulation of the duty rota which provides senior nurse cover, and to take appropriate action to cover for changes in workload /skill mix /staff sickness which will affect patient care /activity levels within agreed local policy
· To follow procedure for booking agency staff and checking/signing time sheets as per Unit policy
· To initiate and facilitate unit meetings, and to represent the unit at other relevant meetings
· To adhere to local and Trust policies and procedures and promote awareness in others.
Personal Development
· To contribute to the continuing development of professional nursing practice within the unit, embracing new ideas and changes for the benefit of patient care
· To keep up to date with clinical practice issues relating to the specific speciality.
· To take responsibility for own personal and professional growth and for maintaining a record of professional development experiences
· To complete agreed local and Trust competency frameworks and take active responsibility for having an annual appraisal with a relevant personal development plan that is review with the mentor at 3 monthly intervals.
· To have completed or be working towards completion of the unit assessment /competencies within a time frame agreed with unit manager with the support of a named mentor.
Trust Statements
Risk Management
The management of Risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
Staff should be familiar with the:
Major Incident Policy
Fire Policy
Laws governing Ionising Radiation (IRMER 2000)
And should make themselves familiar with the ‘local response’ plan and their role within that response.
Responsibility for Health & Safety
The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Statuary Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required. (Appendix four)
Infection Control
Infection Control is everyone's responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts' Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.
All staff employed by the trust have the following key responsibilities:
· Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and/or between each patient contact.
· Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust.
· Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmissible to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.