Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

• To participate in the monitoring and evaluation of standards of care, using ‘Essence of Care’ as a framework, ensuring that Corporate and nursing objectives are achieved.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care, providing support to other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• To act as team leader in the supervision of the professional work of nursing staff at Band 5 and below, exercising good leadership and control.
• To take charge of the ward on a regular basis.
• To liaise with all patients and their relatives and ensure that they are kept informed of treatment and progress and to participate in the provision of advice and support.
• To adopt a pro-active role in meeting the Clinical Governance agenda.
• To promote evidence-based practice and to take an active part in any relevant research / audits being undertaken.
• To participate in the discussion of clinical developments with the Matron and Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and to assist in the implementation of changes benefiting the standards of care to patients.
• To inform the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse of any complaints or adverse events received, reporting on what action has been taken, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• To ensure compliance with Infection Control standards, in line with Trust policy.
• To organise the reception of patients and visitors in accordance with recognised procedures.
• To ensure patients and relatives have access to medical staff to discuss treatment and progress.
• To arrange the care of patient's property, with their permission, in accordance with policies and within the limitations of hospital responsibilities.
• To teach patients and relatives about continuing treatment programmes, limitations of illness or self-monitoring of disease process and supply information about specialist self-help agencies and to support patients and their families.
• To train nurses at Band 5 and below in clinical and management skills.
• To participate in the induction / in-service training of staff who are new to the ward area.
• To train and supervise junior staff in collaboration with the Education and Training Team.
• To inform the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse of any training and development needs at appraisal or as identified.
• To participate in the Continuous Assessment of Practice for pre / post registration course members and the assessment of competencies.
• To act as facilitator for trained members of staff undertaking professional development programmes as necessary.
• To adhere to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct at all times.
• To assist in the planning of duty rotas, organising 24-hour nursing cover and adequate skill mix, acting on shortfalls in staffing levels which will affect the standards and delivery of patient care and informing Senior Sister / Charge Nurse.
• In the absence of the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse, to undertake counselling of ward staff and nurses in training on personal and professional matters.
• To attend meetings on matters pertaining to the ward or Care Group as agreed with the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, provide feedback, and carry out actions as required.
• To take on a specific area of interest / project / audit and develop a ward resource for this.
• To take part in change management and project management within the Unit.
• To develop skills in undertaking staff appraisals for a specific group of staff.
• To be aware of allocated budgets and out-going costs and to promote cost effectiveness within the ward area/Unit attending relevant finance meetings in the absence of the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse.
• To participate in the recruitment and selection process of new staff and relevant induction programmes.
• To have a Care Group overview, as bleep holder.

You will expected to cover a variety of shifts including weekends, nights and bank holidays.

We require the successful candidate to work flexibly including days and nights, weekends and bank holidays to meet service demand.

We would highly recommend an informal visit before applying.

If you enjoy the challenge of working in a busy environment and are looking for a challenge, then this is the post for you.

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential Criteria

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Significant post registration experience / qualification / training, including experience and knowledge within relevant speciality
• Ward management experience
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Experience in an acute hospital setting
• Provide evidence of supporting / managing a range of learners in practice
• Provide evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
• Ability to demonstrate clinical decision making and judgement
• Commitment to the post and Care Group responsibilities
• Commitment to continuing professional development

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in handling adverse events and complaints
• Appraisal skills
• Act in the role of Practice Assessor or supporting the progression of learners / supporting challenges as needed
• Some insight into budget management

Skills and Competencies

Essential Criteria

• Microsoft Office skills
• Communication
• Self-motivated
• Problem solving
• Delegation
• Leadership
• Motivational
• Teamwork
• General IT skills
• Prioritisation
• Working under pressure

Trust Values

Essential Criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together