BHSCT - Band 6 Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse, ICU/HDU

Advertised role location: TOWER BLOCK
Official document: Band 6_Deputy Sister-Charge Nurse, Adult Critical Care, BCH (doc)
JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse

LOCATION: Adult Critical Care Service BCH

BAND: 6

REPORTS TO: Sister/Charge Nurse Band 7

RESPONSIBLE TO: Lead Nurse

Job Summary / Main Purpose

The post holder is responsible for the assessment, the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for critically ill adults in their care, in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team.
They will work without supervision.
They will act as an effective clinical role model.
The post holder will be designated to take charge of the unit on a rotational basis.
The post holder will ensure the supervision and professional development of all registered nurses, students and support workers for whom they are responsible.
Maintain a safe clinical environment conducive to patient care.
Assist the Band 7 sister / charge nurse with the management of the clinical team.

Main Duties / Responsibilities
For each of the following, the postholder will;

Clinical Responsibilities
Be responsible for the assessment of patient care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of plans of care, ensuring high standards of evidence based care using a defined model of care.
Competently manage critical care therapies i.e. endotracheal tubes, artificial ventilation, invasive monitoring (e.g. haemodynamic, intracranial pressure), inotropic therapy, paralysing agents and sedation, continuous renal replacement therapies etc.
Analyse and interpret complex data derived from patient monitoring and plan appropriate care.
Demonstrate clinical expertise by role modelling person-centred practice.
Undertake all nursing procedures in accordance with Trust policies and ensure that these procedures and policies are understood and adhered to.
Communicate with patients and significant others with empathy and reassurance regarding, assessment, care and treatment.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive nursing records using appropriate documentation.
Liaise with the multidisciplinary team (and the Critical Care Outreach team) to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for patients being discharged to referring hospitals/ or ward.
Ensure adherence to the DHSS and NMC guidelines for the safe handling, administration, storage and custody of medicinal products.
Supervise junior registered staff, or non- registered staff, in all aspects of care. Ensure that staff have the knowledge, skills and resources to carry out care delegated to them.
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to promote good communication and a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.
Participate in auditing clinical practice.
Work with the band 7 sister/charge nurse in support of any team projects or management responsibilities.
Maintain own personal and professional development in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and within the Scope of Professional Practice.

Management Responsibilities
In the absence of the band 7 sister/charge nurse be responsible for the day to day effective and efficient management of nursing, clerical and support staff within the department.
Assist with the recruitment and selection of staff. Be involved in ensuring the appropriate application of BHSCT human resources policies and contribute to the development and implementation of strategies for retaining staff.
Be responsible on a rotational basis if required for scheduling duty rotas, annual leave, study leave, monitoring, absences and use of temporary staff.
Assist the Band 7 sister/charge nurse to ensure unit is managed in a cost effective manner.
Assist the band 7 sister/charge nurse in the management of sickness and absenteeism and takes appropriate action in line with trust Policy.
Assist the band 7 sister/charge nurse to ensure staffing, skill mix, agreed activity targets and clinical standards are maintained in a financially credible manner.
Observe any signs of ill health and stress factors in staff and report concerns to band 7 sister/charge nurse.
Act as an appropriate and visible role model at all times.
Act as an effective mentor and preceptor for registered staff and non – registered nurses.
Liaise with other hospital staff and departments to promote and maintain effective working relationships, ensuring high standards of care and service.
Ensure that there is effective communication systems in place to allow staff to keep abreast of developments in the organisation.
Maintain a safe environment for all staff, patients and visitors and ensure that all equipment is safe and in working order.
Show awareness of budget implications and maximises cost effectiveness in the use of resources such as stock, equipment and temporary and agency staff.
Be responsible for reporting incidents and potential risks to the Band 7 sister/charge nurse.

Assist in the investigation of accidents, incidents and complaints. Implement corrective actions where necessary, under the direction of the Band 7 sister / charge nurse, in accordance with Trust Policies.
Participate in the development and implementation of new initiatives.
Be responsible for ensuring confidentiality and safekeeping of patient records.

Leadership
Act as an appropriate and effective visible role model at all times.
Act as an effective mentor and preceptor of pre, non-registered and registered, supervised practice and return to practice staff as required.
Act as an effective mentor for nurses undertaking post registration courses, both from within intensive care and nurses from other areas, participating in the assessment of their practice.

Educational Responsibilities
Assist band 7 sister/charge nurse and clinical educator in establishing an active learning environment for all grades of staff within the intensive care unit allowing staff to develop to their full potential.
Attend mandatory training and participate in continuing development and appropriate education.
Assist band 7 sister/charge nurse and clinical educator to ensure all staff attend mandatory training and receive continuing development and appropriate education and maintain accurate records of training.
Be involved in the dissemination of information regarding new or updated clinical practices, guidelines and policies to all nursing staff and their implementation.
Participate in local teaching programmes.
Provide relevant health education and information about patient’s treatment in hospital.

Research & Development
Be aware of the research process and current trends. In collaboration with the band 7 sister/charge nurse participate in audit of agreed clinical guidelines of practice, policies and benchmarks within area of clinical responsibility.
Participate in the review, development and audit of research-based policies and procedures relating to Intensive Care.

Professional Responsibilities
Always behave in a manner that is professional, positive and polite.
The post holder is required to act in accordance with NMC ‘Code of Professional Conduct’ with particular reference to limitations of competence and conduct.
Participate in personal development planning.
Keep abreast of updated clinical practices, guidelines and policies.
Be responsible for ensuring that s/he remains aware of current developments in nursing, the HPSS and relevant specialist clinical practices.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
This includes:-
Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse / Band 6

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Critical Care / ACCTSS & Surgery

Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria

Method of Assessment

Qualifications
Registration
Experience

Registered Nurse Part 1, Adult of the live NMC Register.
4 years’ post registration experience in critical care. To include 1 year as a band 6 staff nurse critical care.
And
A Post-Registration qualification within critical care.
Evidence of personal and professional development.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Evidence of the ability to manage change.
Evidence of ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
Previous experience of managing people and resources.
Excellent interpersonal skills.

Shortlisting by Application Form
And
Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Qualifications
Registration
Experience
Degree in nursing or healthcare related subject.

Shortlisting by Application Form

NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role