Job description

Job responsibilities

Management and Leadership

To support the Ward Manager and Ward Sisters in the delivery of patient care and developments within Hospice Services.

To work flexibly across the organisation including rotation to all shifts and through all departments as required to support the delivery of nursing care within the Hospice.

To organise the team in the absence of a more senior member of the team deploying staff appropriately according to their skills and experience.

To work collaboratively alongside volunteers on a day-to-day basis giving guidance and instruction to the volunteer team members as required.

Support the Ward Manager and Ward Sisters in implementing and reviewing clinical practices to ensure that they are cost effective.

To support the Ward Manager and Ward Sisters promoting new ways of working which support and contribute towards service and corporate objectives and improvement programmes

To contribute to and influence the total patient experience and journey through collaborative working and effective communications with all members of the multi-disciplinary team throughout the hospice.

To ensure agreed polices within area of responsibility are adhered to.

In the absence of the Ward Manager and Ward Sisters be a point of contact by ensuring that they are a visible, accessible to patients, relatives for assistance, advice and support.

To act as a role model for other staff.

To ensure that high standards of cleanliness, tidiness and decor are maintained in their designated area. To ensure environmental standards are adhered to.

To work with external agencies and community services.

To support the Ward Manager / Community Services Manager / Ward Sister/ Community Lead Nurses in the process of change demonstrating professionalism and integrity.

Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain

Patient Care

To be a competent practitioner demonstrating clinical expertise.

To deliver all aspect of care relative to their patient group.

To ensure the use of approved manual handling techniques in delivery patient care, including the safe use of mechanical and non-mechanical manual handling aids.

Communication and Relationships

To report changes in patient progress effectively, both verbally and in written form. Ensure that accurate, legible and holistic nursing records according to NMC guidelines and unit guidance are maintained.

Where appropriate interpret and present clinical information to patients and their relatives, demonstrating highest levels of interpersonal and communication skills ensure that patients and their carers have sufficient relevant verbal and written information during the patients stay.

To demonstrate sensitivity in dealing with complex and confidential information from patients, families and colleagues, giving advice and support when necessary. Respond appropriately to the information given.

Actively contribute to departmental meetings.

Ensure good working relationships and effective communications between all members of the multidisciplinary team ensuring a high standard of co-ordinated patient care.

Education, Professional Development and Training

To take every reasonable opportunity for maintaining, developing and acquiring competencies and skills for self-development.

To participate in the supervision, training and effective mentorship of other staff.

Research and Audit

To participate in, promote and disseminate relevant research findings to support clinical practice and education within the department.

Use of information

Maintain and update Hospice information systems to support patient care.

To be conversant in the use of electronic communication systems, personal computer systems, normal office equipment and systmone.

Health and Safety

Be aware of and follow policies and procedures around incident reporting and the identification of risks.

To contribute to the departments implementation of a Health and Safety management monitoring structure and as far as is reasonably practical within the designated area of responsibility maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and relatives.

The post holder will work in a safe and responsible manner by demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of all Health and Safety policies and the implementation of safety measures

The postholder will, be fully conversant in the Hospice Infection Control polices and ensure that infection control polices; protocols and procedures are adhered to.

Although the Hospice has a Zero Tolerance position in relation to violence and aggression the post holder may on occasions be exposed to verbal / physical abuse and should be fully conversant with the Hospice Policy for dealing with these situations.

Decisions. Judgement and freedom to act

To work to ensure high standard of services are delivered.

To work independently to ensure delivery of quality services within area of responsibility. Works within polices, protocols and professional standards. Seeks further advice and support for actions that effect areas outside their area of responsibility.

To be accountable for decisions affecting their sphere of responsibility.

Professional Conduct

To adhere at all times to uniform policy.

To adhere NMC guidelines and Hospice policies and procedures.

To report appropriately any observed lapses in professional conduct to the Matron in line with Hospice policy and NMC guidelines.

At all times to act as ambassador for Severn Hospice to patients, relatives, to colleagues and members of the public.

Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain

This job description is a summary of the main responsibilities of the postholder, and not an exhaustive list of duties to be undertaken. The duties may be redefined in accordance with the demands of the service. Any redefinition will be subject to discussion between yourself and your manager and be within your level of competence.

Supplementary Information and Requirements

All new Hospice employees are on a 6 month probationary period (excluding bank staff)

A DBS Disclosure will be requested in the event of an individual being offered the post.

Health and Safety

In accordance with the Hospices Health & Safety Policy all employed persons while at work are required by Section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Appraisal

Employees are required to participate in the Hospices appraisal process as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse Exposure to workshops/study days re palliative care

Desirable

• Post registration module in palliative care Essential Elements in palliative care course

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to prioritise tasks according to changing needs and service capacity Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Excellent nursing skills Good understanding of palliative care philosophy Team Player Knowledge and understanding of the work of volunteers

Desirable

• Awareness of wider palliative care issues Awareness of NICE guidelines Awareness of issues around long-term conditions and co-morbidities

Aptitudes and Attributes

Essential

• Calm and reassuring Able to take instruction and document events during shift Sensitive Emotionally strong Able to solve problems Able to work on own initiative Good sense of humour To be positive and enthusiastic

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within an MDT Supervisory experience Experience in palliative care

Desirable

• Post-registration experience Experience of mentoring and assessing junior staff as appropriate

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Severn Hospice

Address

Severn Hospice Ltd

Apley Castle

Apley

Telford

Shropshire

TF1 6RH

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.severnhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Community Team is based in Severn Hospice, Bicton, Shrewsbury.

The provision of nursing care will: -

a) Enable patients to remain at home when home is their preferred place of care/death.

b) Support the avoidance of unnecessary and unwanted admissions to hospital or hospice, particularly in the last few days of life.

c) Be an addition to other statutory and voluntary services, and any other groups or individuals involved in the care of the patient.

The registered nurse will be one of a team, providing care and support to the patient within the home environment. They will ensure effective liaison and communication with both the Nurse Practitioners and key professionals involved in the patients care.

Individuals will need to demonstrate the ability to work alone at night and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. They will need to be flexible both in terms of their approach to the variety of tasks they will need to undertake and in terms of working hours.

The post holder will provide advice and support to patients and establish supportive relationships and presence with GPs and other community teams

To function as a competent clinical practitioner to deliver direct patient care in response to an immediate need.

The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and other care providers.

Clinical:

To accurately assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care of the patient and their carers within the home environment while working closely and liaising where necessary with the wider multidisciplinary team and out of hours services.

Ensuring that clear, precise documentation is carried out at all times with regard to patient care, informing the Community Services Hub of any significant changes in the patients condition and any relevant factors significant to the patient care plan.

To revise care plans depending upon patients changing condition using evidence-based practice.

Ensure the holistic physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and social -needs of patients and their families, carers are met.

To recognise situations where liaison with external agencies eg Health Hero / Shropdoc for Powys patients, may be appropriate.

To undertake duties and responsibilities delegated by the community team.

Undertake a role in palliative care through partnership with health care professionals and other agencies throughout Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Powys, providing support on all aspects of clinical palliative care.

Work autonomously as a competent nurse who uses evidence-based skills and translates expert knowledge directly into individualised holistic therapeutic patient care in the full range of settings across primary care.

Develops clinically effective and therapeutic relationships with patients and relatives using persuasive, negotiating, and motivating skills to communicate complex, contentious, and sensitive information. For example, end of life issues and difficult to accept conditions, considering barriers to understanding and challenging communication.

Demonstrates excellent communication skills in order to share sensitive and complex concepts with other professional and relevant organisations about a full range of palliative care issues.

To identify where complex grief patterns are present facilitating referral to specialist bereavement support services.

To demonstrate a clinical knowledge in palliative care, underpinned by accessing relevant training, updates and conferences as agreed with the Community Services Manager.

Personal

To always act in accordance with the Code of Conduct and all policies and directives issued by the NMC and the Severn Hospice.

To comply with lone worker policy.

To attend relevant meetings, providing effective communication to ensure continuity of patient care.

To attend such courses/lectures/in-service training as indicated by needs of the service and own personal developments as identified.

Keep abreast of current developments in clinical nursing.

To always respect the confidentiality of information covering patients, staff and volunteers.

To promote the Hospice philosophy of care towards patients and relatives

Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain

Responsibilities and duties may include other tasks as determined by the Community Services Manager.

This job description is intended as a guide to the range of duties covered and should not be regarded as inflexible. There is a mutual obligation to modify the description when changes in the work situation occur.

Supplementary Information and Requirements

All new permanent Hospice employees are on a 4-month probationary period.

A DBS Disclosure will be requested in the event of an individual being offered the post.

Health and Safety

In accordance with the Hospices Health & Safety Policy all employed persons while at work are required by Section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Appraisal

All employees are required to participate in the Hospices appraisal process.

Person Specification

Aptitudes and Attributes

Essential

• Happy to work alone
• Calm and reassuring
• Able to take instruction and document events during shift
• Sensitive
• Emotionally strong
• Team player
• Able to solve problems

Other Requirements

Essential

• DBS disclosure
• Prepared to work flexible hours inc. nights
• Willingness to undergo further training as required
• Car owner / driver
• Willing to travel within a 25 mile radius

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Competent in symptom control and syringe drivers
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent nursing skills
• Good understanding of palliative care philosophy
• Good listening skills
• Good counselling skills

Desirable

• Awareness of wider palliative care issues
• Awareness of NICE guidelines
• Awareness of issues around non-cancer patients

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (NMC Registered)
• Palliative care study days or courses

Desirable

• Care of the dying course

Experience

Essential

• Post qualification nursing experience

Desirable

• Palliative care in community experience

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Severn Hospice

Address

Bicton Heath

Shrewsbury

Shropshire

SY3 8HS

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.severnhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)