Charge Nurse

• Will function as a supervisor to named nurse as allocated, takingresponsibility for ensuring that named nurses formulate appropriatecare plans.
• Will ensure all staff are fully conversant with all aspects regarding the service user's care and treatment.
• Will identify the individual care needs of allocated service users, plan, implement and evaluate all care programmes in conjunction with theunit's nursing team and the MDT.
• Will maintain close liaison with all department\staff involved in a service user's care and report on progress and effectiveness to the MDT.
• Will participate in ward rounds, case conference, etc and will prepare reports on service users as required.
• Will be aware of all policy documents and legal requirementsconcerning the unit and ensure that these are adhered to, eg MHA,administration of drugs and implement appropriately.
• Will demonstrate and serve as an example for all clinical activities toappropriate grades of staff.
• Will be fully conversant and ensure compliance with NMC codes ofconduct and practice, relevant legislation and policies and procedures.
• To participate in assessment, with management, care planning, andreview of all individuals referred to unit as appropriate, with the relevant discipline

• Will exercise leadership and develop a good working relationship with colleagues in the MDT and the unit as a whole.
• To ensure that the Trust policies/procedures, NMC guidelines andprotocols are adhered to at all times.
• To monitor and review sickness/absence, in partnership with the team leader.
• To participate in the recruitment and selection of junior staff.
• To participate in positive, regular clinical supervision and formal appraisal systems in line with the Trust policy.
• To contribute to the orientation/induction programmes for new staff and to the training/development programmes for all staff and students.
• Ensuring the physical environment is conducive to developing andmaintaining a therapeutic environment consistent with the well being of both service-users and staff.
• To develop regular teaching sessions within the clinical environment.
• To act as a mentor to student nurses, providing ongoing support.
• To act as site nurse in charge out of hours on a rotational basis
• Will be required to act up in the absence of the Team Leader.
• To take charge of the Unit as required.

Essential

• RMN/RLDN or Dip/ Bsc (Hons) in Mental Health/ Learning Disability Nursing
• ENB 998 / Preceptorship and Mentorship

Essential

• Relevant experience at Band 5 or equivalent
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Experience of working in other secure services

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively within a multi- professional team.
• Confidence to work autonomously, use own initiative, and make decisions in complex situations.
• Ability to deal with distressing circumstances and challenging behaviour.
• Experience of risk assessment and management.
• Ability to cope with an unpredictable work pattern and frequent interruptions.
• Understanding of legal frameworks such as MHA.
• Supervision skills

Desirable

• Implementing quality improvement initiatives.

Essential

• Ability to work flexibly according to client / service needs.
• Receptive to changing environments and an ability to promote positive approaches to implementing changes according to service and client need.
• Leadership qualities
• Ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Positive approach to work
• Attention to detail.