Sister / Charge Nurse

• To adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and adhere to this at all times.
• To demonstrate clinical expertise in care of any patients receiving treatment in the ward / department 3
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the needs of patients on the ward / department on an ongoing basis, co-ordinating the care given by all members of the clinical team.
• To accurately assimilate and interpret clinical information about the patient’ condition, promptly report changes and instigate remedial action as appropriate • To act as a resource person to others, providing accurate information, advice and support the multidisciplinary team, patients and their relatives.
• To ensure that accurate records are maintained reflecting both changes in the patient’s condition and treatment delivered.
• To act as a mentor to junior staff members, responsible for orientation, supervision and ongoing development of junior and student nurses in conjunction with the departmental manager and relevant practice education team.
• To act as a preceptor, responsible for completing competency documents for junior staff within agreed timeframes .
• To act as a practice supervisor and practice assessor to nursing students undertaking further education as requested and required. Ensuring a positive learning experience and facilitating the development of their clinical skills.
• To contribute to the wider educational activities within the directorate – ensuring attendance at and contributing to the delivery of educational activities within the directorate • To promote and encourage the application of research and evidence based practice.
• To participate in any research projects conducted in the clinical area as appropriate.
• To manage the clinical workload effectively, ensuring care is prioritised appropriately 4 .
• To contribute positively towards the delivery of a cost effective service, adjusting staffing levels to meet demand and assisting the ward manager to keep within agreed resources • To assist with the ongoing organisation of the ward / department, co-ordinating activities of the clinical area.
• To liaise with the MDT, Bed managers and site managers to ensure optimal bed usage at all times, facilitating timely admission and discharge if patients.
• To act as a team leader to an identified group of staff, monitoring and documenting the development of their clinical skills .
• To develop own skills in recruitment and retention, sickness management and performance manager as determined by the line manager.
• To actively support the process of patient safety and quality – ensuring incidents are reported appropriately and helping identify ways of preventing errors and accidents to both patients and staff .
• To make a positive contribution to service development affecting the clinical area and positively influence others to adapt to change .
• To actively promote patient experience, assisting in resolving (informal) complaints and supporting the ward / departmental manager to investigate formal complaint.
• To work within and accept responsibility for maintaining agreed levels of clinical competence.
• To keep up to date with NMC, Trust and directorate values and adhere to these at all times.
• To be a fully active and committed member of the multidisciplinary team operating in the directorate .
• To demonstrate an insight into own professional development, contributing to the process of identifying own educational needs and clinical training needs in conjunction with the ward / department manager .
• Participate in own individual performance review and after suitable training to be responsible for undertaking for own team of staff.
• To ensure own educational commitment is at least sufficient to maintain revalidation requirements and ensure own mandatory training certificates are current.

Essential

• Registered Nurse (part 1 register)
• Evidence of continued professional studies related to area of speciality
• Teaching qualification such as practice assessor or mentorship

Essential

• Demonstrate clinical expertise relevant to area
• Demonstrate interest and commitment to the professional development of others
• Able to contribute to the development of students, nurses and self
• Able to contribute to develop the workplace as a learning environment
• Awareness and understanding of current health issues and in particular demonstrate a good understanding of the NHS long term plan and other recent initiatives

Desirable

• Previous experience of leading change in a clinical environment
• An understanding of HR processes and issues pertaining to staff management
• An understanding of nursing issues in relation to finance management