Band 6 Charge Nurse - Weston Super Mare

Job overview

Juniper Ward is a 18-bed, mixed-sex unit based in the grounds of Weston general hospital.

Like all mental health inpatient units across the UK, an increase in the level of acuity and complexity of people’s illnesses when they are admitted to us means that our nursing staff are truly on the front line of mental health care.

We are looking for an experienced nurse with a passion for providing a standard of care that can really change people’s lives, just when life has become its most challenging. We welcome registered nurses with the resilience, determination and commitment to keep delivering the inpatient care that our service users deserve.

Joining us as a Charge Nurse - You will need to be a clinician with a passion for working to get the best out of other staff and leading a team. You will be confident and good at taking the initiative. You will provide reassurance to your team members and be able to provide advice or know where to find it.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

• To provide, and supervise the delivery of high standards of nursing care to service users, in accordance with up-to-date evidence-based professional practice and AWP policies.
• To provide clear clinical leadership to Staff Nurses and Health Care Assistants working on the ward.
• Ensure the continuity of care for service users and full implementation of Trust policies.
• To supervise Band 5 staff and below in developing, implementing and assessing individual programmes of care. An integral part of the role is to undertake appraisals, clinical supervision and teaching.
• Responsible for specific “management duties” within the ward,  which are commensurate with their grade, you will be expected to provide general management in the absence of the Ward Manager.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To carry out clinical practice within the designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality evidence-based nursing assessment, care planning, interventions and evaluations for patients is provided. This will include:

Undertaking a comprehensive, patient-focused, nursing assessment and prepare care plans in consultation with the service user to provide the best nursing care.

Carry out clinical audit to evaluate and improve clinical services in partnership with service users.

Ability to administer medicine within relevant Trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, MHA 1983.

Ensure all others apply these, to support safe practice.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the key elements of relevant mental Health legislation.

Be familiar with the NMC's 'The Code': Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives. Recognise own competencies and to address any limitations to ensure safe practice.

To implement and encourage others to implement research-based practice.

Supervise junior and unqualified staff.

Implementation of care and rehabilitation programme.

Evaluation of effectiveness of care provided in partnership with users.

Ability to undertake risk assessment and develop risk management strategies for Individual service users.

To use own specialist skills, knowledge and resources to provide mentoring opportunities for staff within designated areas and promote positive attitudes towards mental health. This will include:

Regular provision of advice and mentoring to staff.

Function as a preceptor and mentor to new staff enabling their full integration into the service.

Develop junior staff through teaching or training activities.

Support the provision of an appropriate learning environment for pre- and post-registered students, novice practitioners, and new team members as directed.

To maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure that practice reflects best practice, remains evidence based, is current and responsive to meet changing patient and NHS service needs, as outlined in the NHS Plan (2000).

Implement the legal rules, statutory regulations and professional responsibilities relating to practice as outlined in the NMC's 'The Code': Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.

Take responsibility for post-registration education and for continuing professional development as outlined in NMC Standards.

To receive clinical supervision in accordance on a contracted and regular basis from an identified Senior Practitioner, as per trust Clinical Supervision Policy.

To be aware of the need for appropriate management support and supervision from the people manager, and to maintain records of these meetings.

Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).