MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Values The post holder will uphold and display the Trust values of Innovation, Compassion, Accou.....
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Values The post holder will uphold and display the Trust values of Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. The Senior Sister/ Charge Nurse will be expected to: To lead the nursing workforce on a shift by shift basis, by taking charge of the department (or continuing accountability if this is delegated) Manage patient flows, ensuring safety and escalating potential issues appropriately Guiding the activity of nursing, medical and other staff to ensure rapid assessment, treatment and disposal of patients. Participate in educational and training programmes for junior nursing staff and students, including acting as a preceptor / mentor where required. Supervise staff to ensure that high standards of nursing care are delivered. Be able to work independently as an expert practitioner in all areas of the Emergency Department. DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT The post holder is part of a team with responsibility for the management of the Emergency Department on a shift basis. The overarching management of the nursing workforce and department is co-ordinated by the Lead Nurse / Matron in the Emergency Department. He/she will regularly take charge during his/her span of duty and will have undertaken responsibilities for aspects of the running and organisation of the department as directed by the Matron. They will also be expected to deputise for the Matron as required. The Nurse in Charge ensures: Available staff on the shift are deployed appropriately to meet changing demands. Patient flows are managed effectively in accordance with the Department of Health, ED Clinical Quality Indicators. That the activity of nursing, medical and other staff is guided to ensure the rapid assessment, treatment and disposal of patients. Staff are adequately supervised, supported and coached. That delegated responsibilities for staff appraisal and development are carried out. More junior staff are kept informed of developments. Staff are debriefed after stressful or critical incidents. Stock levels are checked and re-ordered to appropriate levels. Good relationships with other departments and outside agencies are maintained. Sickness is reported in accordance with Trust procedures. Staff discipline is maintained during the shift. Documentation is fully and properly completed. All required information is fully recorded on the clinical information system/notes. Departmental standards are monitored and enforced at all times whilst they are in charge of the shift. Patients are kept informed of potential waiting times. Patient safety is maintained. Incidents are documented and reported appropriately. Senior Management is kept informed of relevant matters. Advice is sort appropriately. EDUCATION AND TRAINING The Senior Sister / Charge Nurse participates in the development and delivery of educational and training programmes for more junior staff and student nurses and for clinical supervision to more junior staff. He/she provides on-the-job training to staff and assesses training needs of staff under his/her supervision. The Senior Sister / Charge Nurse will participate in the training of staff to: Respond appropriately to major incidents Develop their scope of professional practice such that they have the skills to undertake a variety of tasks including IV drug administration, venepuncture and cannulation, suturing, application of plaster casts, 12 lead ECG recording etc. Deal with patients who are potentially violent in accordance with Trust Policy and Guidance. Manage sick children and their carers who attend the department. Manage mentally ill patients, and have a good knowledge of the Mental Health Act and the issues that surround holding patients under Common Law vis--vis the Mental Capacity Act (2005) Effectively participate in CPR and the resuscitation of the severely injured. Identify and respond to common abnormalities on cardiac monitors SERVICE DEVELOPMENT The Senior Sister / Charge Nurse is expected to make recommendations for changes, which will improve the service in the Department. They also participate in the development and implementation of new working practices. MOTIVATION AND MORALE The Senior Sister / Charge Nurse has an important role in motivating staff and maintaining high morale. The Nurse in Charge must encourage a flexible approach to problems/situations and promote a can do attitude. The Nurse in Charge will encourage staff to adopt a positive, problem solving approach and to be proactive in resolving difficulties. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES The Senior Sister / Charge Nurse will develop competence in the use of hospital computer systems and in particular the Emergency Department EDIS programme. You will be required to rotate through all the shifts operating in ED. Personal Conduct All staff within the Emergency Department team are expected to treat other members of staff with courtesy and respect. The hospital rules and policies, including disciplinary procedure, apply to all staff without exception. The Nurse in Charge will always behave in a courteous manner with members of the public, patients and other members of staff. They will always be helpful, polite and welcoming. They will be proficient in communication skills with a positive body language and the ability to maintain eye contact. Uniforms will always be worn correctly. Study Leave Study leave will be granted at the discretion of the Emergency Department Service Manager.
