Registered Nurse-Band 5

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE
 

The chief responsibility of the post holder will be to act as a team leader for the delivery of patient care and the maintenance of a safe environment. The post holder will be expected to understand the necessary administrative systems of the ward and to utilise existing documentation. The post holder must be willing to support the staff development programme and have a commitment to teaching pre and post-registration students.

1.            CLINICAL
 

1.1               To keep up to date with current developments relating to the ‘Scope of Professional Practice’, nursing developments, and NHS strategies; and to continue to develop specialist clinical knowledge.

1.2               To contribute to the continuing development of good working relationships between the various hospital departments and within the trust.

1.3               When appropriate, to liase with the Sister/Charge Nurse and Senior Nurse, Lecturer/Practitioner and the multi-disciplinary team.

1.4               To assess, plan, deliver and evaluate patient care to a high standard. Ensure that care and assessments receive appropriate documentation for all patients in the team or ward as appropriate.

1.5               To maintain patient safety and ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of supervision, and to ensure that adequate supervision is arranged for breaks.

1.6               To support the Charge Nurse/Ward Sister and in his/her absence, deputise for him/her.

1.7               Promote effective communication with patients, relatives, significant others and the multi-disciplinary team.

1.8               To be responsible for the requisitioning and monitoring of repairs.

1.9               To undertake the administration of intravenous medication following completion of appropriate training and instruction.

1.10           If appropriate, and following appropriate instruction and training, to undertake phlebotomy and patient cannulation.

1.11           To ensure physical assessment and monitoring of the patients are undertaken for the team/ward in the absence of a Charge Nurse/Ward Sister.

1.12           To ensure senior nursing staff are updated on patient progress.

1.13           To contribute to the continuing development of good working relationships between the multidisciplinary team within acute medicine and within the Trust.

1.14           To have good understanding regarding team work, working effectively within the multidisciplinary team.

2.            MANAGEMENT
 

2.1               To assist the Charge Nurse/Ward Sister with the general management of the unit.

2.2               To be aware of the health and safety regulations, which may affect staff working in the area and to take appropriate action

2.3               To ensure that all the issues relating to confidentiality and the safe keeping of records are maintained.

2.4               To understand and utilise appropriate administration systems.

2.5               To prioritise team or ward workload as appropriate.

2.6               To understand and adhere to all relevant trust policies and procedures.

2.7               To maintain a safe clinical environment for patients and staff.

2.8               To co-ordinate self-rostering of off-duty within team and liase with the Charge Nurse/Ward Sister.

2.9               To support new initiatives and development within the ward/division/speciality.

3.            EDUCATION
 

3.1               To act as an effective role model.

3.2               To participate with the supervision, preceptorship, guidance and counselling of student nurses.

3.3               To promote the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for the nurse in practice to be able to evaluate their own clinical performance.

3.4               To participate in educational initiatives for the specialities.

3.5               Assist in the orientation of new staff to the hospital.

3.6               To become a resource person for the speciality.

4.            PROFESSIONAL
 

4.1               To be accountable for nursing care given.

4.2               To keep abreast of current trends and developments in professional matters.

4.3               To take responsibility for own professional growth and to develop agreed action plan with a more senior nurse.

4.4               To participate in own performance appraisal with a senior member of the team.

4.5               To undertake staff appraisals as appropriate.

4.6               To promote the principles of and participate in Clinical Supervision.

4.7               To develop skills and to act as a Clinical Supervisor.

4.8               To at all times act in accordance with the NHS Trust and Nursing and Midwifery Council guidelines.

5.            GENERAL
 

5.1               To safeguard at all times, confidentiality of information relating to patients and staff.

5.2               To avoid behaviour which discriminates against service users and your fellow employees/potential employees on the grounds of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or disability.

5.3               Be aware of the responsibilities placed upon you under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), and to ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, service users and visitors.