Registered Nurse

Under the supervision of the Senior Staff Nurse and Ward Sister,

the Post Holder is responsible for the assessment, development, implementation

and evaluation of programmes of patient care.

To maintain agreed standards of care and to take an active part

in the planning and implementation of clinical audits in order to improve

nursing practice.

JOB DETAILS: Staff Nurse

REPORTS TO: Ward Sister

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services

JOB PURPOSE: To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in

providing a high standard of specialist palliative care to patients and their

families.

Under the supervision of the Senior Staff Nurse and Ward Sister,

the Post Holder is responsible for the assessment, development, implementation

and evaluation of programmes of patient care.

To maintain agreed standards of care and to take an active part

in the planning and implementation of clinical audits in order to improve

nursing practice.

DIMENSIONS: To work primarily within the In-patient specialist

palliative care unit.

To give qualified nursing support to other aspects of the

specialist palliative care service when necessary.

The Post Holder has no direct budget responsibilities, but must

be aware of cost implications and make effective use of resources.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL: Registered General Nurse on Part One or Two of the

Register

DESIRABLE: Palliative Care Modules in Specialist Palliative Care

To be working towards a Diploma in Nursing

1 To be a safe practitioner and work within the M & NC Code

of Professional Conduct

whilst ensuring that those within the Post Holders sphere of

responsibility do the

same.

2 To liaise with appropriate members of the multi-disciplinary

team in order to ensure co-ordination and continuity of care. To adhere to the

guidelines and protocols.

3 To work with the team to meet agreed standards and objectives

in order to deliver physical, emotional, social and spiritual support to the

patients and carers.

4 To ensure care is delivered in a style appropriate to the

patients individual needs.

1 To participate in further training and to maintain a

commitment to professional development.

2 To contribute to the team development.

3 To assist with in-service training as required for both staff

and volunteers.

1 To act as a role model for junior staff and provide

encouragement for motivation in order to achieve clinical goals for service.

2 To complement the leadership role of the Senior Staff Nurse

and Unit Sister and to maintain high standards and ethos of care in her

absence.

3 To take responsibility for various aspects of ward management

as designated by the Senior Staff Nurse in order to maintain an efficient

service and develop own management skills.

4 To support the volunteers working within the Hospice.

5 To actively participate in ward meetings and ensure that

accurate information is fed back to the appropriate members of the

multi-disciplinary team.

6 To keep concise records in terms of patient documentation,

staff records and his/her own portfolio.

1 To be aware of his/her accountability and limitations and when

necessary to extend appropriately his/her sphere of responsibility as he/she

sees fit in order to ensure safe practice.

2 To participate in an annual staff appraisal or as appropriate.

3 To be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of more

junior staff members in order to provide appropriate support.

4 To demonstrate his/her clinical ability by constantly

reflecting on his/her practice and using research as an integral part of such

practice.

1 To actively participate in clinical audit as a means of

monitoring and improving standards of care.

2 To act as a change initiator/agent when a need to change

practice in order to improve quality has been identified.

3 To support the clinical team in setting, monitoring and

developing standards of care, policies and procedures.

The Post Holder will have the most frequent contact with:

1 Patients, their relatives/carers.

2 All staff and volunteers.

3 The Community Team, other professionals and external agencies.

4 Students on Clinical Placements.

To be actively aware and support Clinical Governance by:

1 Supporting senior staff in promoting high quality patient care

and standards of professional practice already in place including clinical

audit.

2 Ensuring good liaison within the multidisciplinary team.

3 Providing motivation and support for team members.

Our vision is for all people living with terminal illness in Cornwall to be able to access the care and support they may need at the time and in the place that is right for them and their families.

We aspire to deliver the highest possible quality care and support to our patients and their families. We will strive to develop and secure the resources necessary to achieve this, now and in the future.

Our employees and volunteers are essential to the care we provide. In return, for joining a team of people having such a positive impact on others, we provide:

A chance to make a real difference

Supportive working environment

Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities

Generous annual leave entitlement of 35 days including bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Life Assurance

Non-contributory medical cash plan, with the option to include your family members

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced sick pay scheme

Experience

Essential: - - Post qualification experience - Experience of working within a nursing team

Desirable: - - Palliative care experience

Qualifications

Essential: - - Registered General Nurse qualification at Diploma level

Desirable: - - Working towards Nursing Degree - Completion of Palliative Care Course/or training - Teaching course/qualifications