Registered Nurse

• Provide specialist clinical care for patients with chronic renal failure requiring haemodialysis treatment within a nurse led unit
• Take responsibility for the holistic care of a group of patients and their families attending regular treatment sessions and assist in the organisation of work as required
• Be given the opportunity to take charge of the ward alongisde a Sister/ Charge Nurse to develop co-ordination and leadership skills
• Work within and lead a clinical care team
• 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
• Be responsible for assessment, planning, provision, maintenance and evaluation of patient care
• Take responsibility for the supervision and guidance of other staff including health care assistants and students on a daily basis.
• 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

• Ability to undertake clinical skills training in relation to haemodialysis and carry out high quality nursing care.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a nursing and multi-professional team.
• Ability to deal with emergency situations in relation to changes in patient condition whilst on haemodialysis and take prompt and appropriate action.
• Good communication skills with both patients and nursing colleagues within the unit, establish and maintain relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team who works at a distance in the main unit.
• Contribute to the provision of a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to those who contribute to patient care. Including community colleagues.
• Ability to teach and demonstrate nursing skills and supervise new staff, learner nurses and Healthcare Assistants promoting high standards of nursing care.
• Accountable for own actions and of the actions of HCAs and students under your supervision.
• Ability to undertake the physical skills required to provide holistic direct nursing care to patients within a ward environment.
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload, demonstrating initiative and contributing to the provision of a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Negotiate with patients haemodialysis regimes.
• Ability to understand and support patients deal with the impact of a chronic illness, provide reassurance and advice in relation to treatment options and general health awareness considering individual lifestyles.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual patients care. Carry out haemodialysis treatment for a defined case- load of patients.
• Take personal responsibility for the care of named patients in a defined clinical area and act as a named nurse and the NMC Code
• Report to Ward Manager or deputy any significant changes in patient condition during treatment sessions, which may require immediate intervention or treatment adjustment.
• Regularly review, (monthly), monitor and assess patients condition, reporting changes to the nurse in charge or consultant as appropriate for routine review.
• Carryout patent care without direct supervision in accordance with established nursing procedures and policies as set out the NBT.
• Occasionally take charge of the ward in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility.
• Demonstrate nursing skills and supervise new staff, learner nurses and healthcare assistants.
• Complete all competencies in relation to haemodialysis and renal nursing as appropriate to the unit setting.
• Be able to prioritise own allocation of work and patient care within the unit.
• Be able to communicate accurately and appropriately with the multi-disciplinary team via telephone, fax, email and proton systems.
• Review patients biochemistry monthly, ensuring appropriate samples are taken and results reported where necessary to the consultant for the unit.
• Ensure all patient assessments and care plans are reviewed and updated following any changes to patient treatment including admissions to hospital.
• Assist in arranging admission/discharge or transfer of patient from the unit, both as an emergency and for routine treatment, when necessary, into the acute ward area or within the Trust as appropriate.
• Provide verbal reports on the condition of patients and maintain local written reports on patients for nursing staff and other health care professionals in line with North Bristol NHS Trust Policies and Procedures and the NMC standards for records and record keeping.
• Check the readiness for use of specialised equipment and maintain the availability of nursing supplies, including routine stock orders.
• Ensure all Trust Policies and Procedures are known and followed.

Essential

• Registered Nurse with current live NMC registration/ pin
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

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

Essential

• Expectation to undertake training for extended roles required by the ward / department. i.e. IV drug administration, Cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs, clinical history taking and physical examination competency
• Ideally, currently working in an acute hospital setting, as a Qualified Nurse or a Qualifying Student

Desirable

• Recent renal haemodialysis experience

Essential

• Advanced communication skills, verbal & written, to include report writing and record keeping
• Basic computer / IT skills and expectation to develop these in line with the needs of the service i.e. Lorenzo, ICE, EDMS etc
• Time management and basic problem-solving skills
• Ability to organise own workload

Desirable

• Sound knowledge of Trust Policies & practices including manual handling, health & safety and infection control.