Band 6 Junior Sister/ Junior Charge Nurse - Infectious Diseases Unit

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has become available on ward 28 -- Infectious Diseases -- for a full time/ permanent Band 6 Sister/Charge nurse

Wards 28 is a regional specialist unit for Infection & Tropical Medicine

Our dedicated teams cater for a range of specialist, rare and complex diseases such as MERS, Malaria, Typhoid & TB. We strive for the highest standards in our staff and the service and we aim to provide the best possible care to our patients and their families.

The ideal candidate will have 2 years' experience at band 5. They will be motivated, enthusiastic and have a real passion to care for patients with a variety of different infections and diseases and the challenges this may bring

The post holder will pay a key role in effectively managing the day to day running of the Department by allocating staff appropriately, managing patient flow, reviewing duty rotas and ensuring appropriate skill mix is maintained.

The post holder will deputize in the absence of the lead person who has 24 hour responsibility.

We also encourage informal visits and queries to Leanne Poole ( Ward manager) or Frances Shorthouse ( ward Manager) 0121 424 0628

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Tropical Medicine and Infection Unit at the Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham for compassionate and enthusiastic Band 6 Junior Sister/ Charge Nurse Registered Nurses to join our supportive and friendly team. We are a 47 bedded unit with dedicated and supportive staff that have an interest and passion in Tropical Medicine and Infection.

We are extremely passionate about getting it right for patients and their families and in order to achieve this we are looking to employ enthusiastic, motivated and compassionate Band 6 Junior Sister/ Charge nurse . As a member of our team, you will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary teams. You will take charge of the ward on a daily basis, ensuring flow throughout, supporting colleagues with the challenges that we face on a daily basis, and deputize for the ward manager in their absence

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Ward 28 is an extremally busy and dynamic ward specializing in Infectious Diseases. Our team take care of patients with complex infections acquired in the community and healthcare settings. We have expertise in the management of resistant tuberculosis, complex HIV, viral hepatitis, orthopedic bone & joint infections and infections acquired during travel to tropical regions.

This post is a full time position- 37.5 hours per week . Shifts consist of long days, early shifts/late shifts and night shifts.

Informal discussions are welcome.

Job responsibilities

1.Clinical leadership and team working

As a visible, clinical nurse leader, promote teamwork within a multi-professional environment. Leading and ensuring planning and delivery of care is aligned to the professional values of care, compassion and respect. Demonstrating critical analysis and decision-making skills when undertaking, leading and or supervising the delivery of consistent high-quality evidence-based care. Ensure care is aligned to the professional values of care, compassion and respect. Influence and facilitate change within the practice setting

2.Evidence"based, clinically effective practice

Responsible for carrying out clinical practice within designated clinical area(s) ensuring high quality, current evidence-based nursing care underpins all actions and interactions with patients

Act as a change agent, developing clinically effective practice through effective use and integration of evidence-based practice, setting implementing and monitoring evidence-based standards of care, policies, procedures and protocols through regular audit. Be accountable in ensuring all delegated clinical/documentation/activity and audits are completed and submitted in a timely manner, make changes to care delivery as required to sustain and improve practice standards

To achieve and maintain clinical skills and competencies specific to the post/department/role, facilitating the development and achievement of competence in others

Advise on the promotion of health and the prevention of illness. Assess educational and information needs of patients, their families and carers and staff and devise plans to ensure needs are met

Use professional judgement to intercede and act as patient advocate to clarify plans of care and treatment. Observe changes in patient's attitude, behaviour and emotional state, physiological observations and report/escalate findings

3.Patient safety

Promote a clean and safe environment by ensuring compliance with legislation / policies and procedures, health care associated infection prevention, clinical governance, including risk management and critical incident reporting

Act to avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of patients and escalate as required

Accountable for the correct administration and custody of medicines according to the Trust Policy to include the safe administration of medicines, controlled drugs, intravenous drugs, transfusion and blood products

Report incidents and near misses promptly and take effective action

Ensure standards of care and record keeping is in accordance with, Trust and National policies, procedures, standards and guidance

Utilise the clinical and workforce dashboards in practice to support service improvement initiatives

4.Co-ordination of the patient journey

Ensure effective and efficient patient journey by supervising the planning and coordination of the admissions / discharges, outpatient review of the episode of care including the smooth transition to other settings, promoting safe, timely and effective discharge and optimising communication

Ensure effective handover of patients between shifts / health care professionals using a range of communications aids

Ensure patient feedback is encouraged and utilised to improve patient experience

5.Promote a culture of person-centred care

Support the development of a culture of person-centred care. Act as advocate for patients within the area, to ensure a patient focused compassionate approach to the delivery of care

Be highly visible within the ward/department, communicating regularly with staff, patients, relatives and or carers to promote transparency of services for patients and staff. Promote a caring environment which respects individual's values and beliefs and promotes, equality and diversity, ensuring patients are enabled to be partners in their care, management and treatment

In conjunction with the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse use patient, carer and family feedback to develop services in response to feedback. Ensure that staff are aware of concerns and complaints which relate to service provision and learning points/actions are disseminated

Ensure people are treated as individuals and uphold their dignity; listening to and responding to their preferences and concerns, respecting the right to privacy and confidentiality whilst ensuring people are treated equally

6.Role Model

Act as a visible role model setting and maintaining expected standards of personal behaviour and appearance and ensure effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, carers and relatives. Practice in a consistent manner which demonstrates clinical practice skills of the highest standard

Lead by example, develop yourself and other staff, influence the way care is provided, and be open and responsive to the needs of others. Work alongside staff to support development

Ensure that the nursing team take responsibility for the care they provide, communicate clearly, work cooperatively with others, share skills knowledge and experience with others in a manner which meets the requirements of organisational policies, procedures and guidelines

Undertake staff appraisal and support staff to develop personal development plans which are effective. As required support staff to undertake professional revalidation processes

Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in ensuring and maintaining robust communications process within and external to your team. Participate in and lead team meetings at an appropriate frequency. Where required record and circulate minutes of these and encourage the exchange of ideas

Take all reasonable care of health and safety at work for you, your team and others and undertake delegated tasks required by the departmental manager in relation to Health and Safety record keeping, risk assessment and aspects of procedural compliance

Be proactive in risk assessment, management and mitigation whilst maintaining accurate records. Manage clinical incident reporting, ensuring staff are fed back to

Be conversant with Trust policies, procedures and systems for Safeguarding including the assessment of Mental Capacity, the process for consideration requests for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) and application of the principles of Prevent (counter terrorism awareness)

Develop and maintain a supportive working relationship with senior nursing staff responsible for the practice setting. Ensure they are made aware of changes to circumstances which may affect safe competent practice, which could impact on patient experience or adverse incidents

7.Learning and development

Motivate, develop and support the learning and development of all staff including support staff, including mandatory and statutory training and education

Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in creating a learning environment that supports effective learning for staff/students including provision of clear induction and orientation programmes for newly appointed staff

Participate in a training needs analysis to support standards of care and practice

Teach and supervise practice as required using proven and credible methods. Contribute to/ lead on the development of teaching materials as required

8.Managing the practice setting

In the absence of the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse manage the practice setting or an area within the setting, sign staff time sheets, manage and coordinate nurse staffing rotas and demonstrate effective use of resources. Comply with Trust standing financial instructions and understand trends and expenditure, taking steps to support the local pay controls in place for all resources

Ensure the department has adequate resources/equipment to provide an effective service. Ensure equipment is safe and in working order by ensuring where required proactive and reactive maintenance contracts are in place

Support workforce planning and staff deployment by interpreting and monitoring trends, and through efficient staff rostering. Plan and maintain appropriate staffing levels and skill mix in line with the agreed funded establishment, taking into account role and competence of staff when planning and delegating work. Understand and mitigate any workforce risks. Utilise the clinical and workforce dashboards in practice to support service improvement initiatives with maintaining a safe practice setting being mindful of the patient dependency and acuity

Ensure registered health care professionals uphold and maintain professional standards of practice and behaviour and dress according the Trust dress code

Participate in the recruitment of staff. Engage in attendance and performance management of staff ensuring any concerns are identified, reported, actioned in accordance with the relevant Trust policy and procedure

Be aware of and take appropriate action in regard of deteriorating patient condition, clinical emergencies, cardiac arrest, fire and major or internal incidents which affect business continuity

9.Service Development

Work cooperatively in partnership with others in planning, reviewing and developing the service/ward/department

Contribute to innovation and take a proactive approach to service redesign or review, ensure these are linked to organisational priorities and support improved outcomes

Support the Senior Sister(s)/Charge Nurse(s) and the wider team through the process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive, professional integrity, balance and perspective. Ensure consistent application of any organisational policies and procedures

Support the development of and be responsible for implementation of new ways of working, to include updated nursing practice and/or standards

Seek opportunities for personal and team development

1.Clinical leadership and team working

As a visible, clinical nurse leader, promote teamwork within a multi-professional environment. Leading and ensuring planning and delivery of care is aligned to the professional values of care, compassion and respect. Demonstrating critical analysis and decision-making skills when undertaking, leading and or supervising the delivery of consistent high-quality evidence-based care. Ensure care is aligned to the professional values of care, compassion and respect. Influence and facilitate change within the practice setting

2.Evidence"based, clinically effective practice

Responsible for carrying out clinical practice within designated clinical area(s) ensuring high quality, current evidence-based nursing care underpins all actions and interactions with patients

Act as a change agent, developing clinically effective practice through effective use and integration of evidence-based practice, setting implementing and monitoring evidence-based standards of care, policies, procedures and protocols through regular audit. Be accountable in ensuring all delegated clinical/documentation/activity and audits are completed and submitted in a timely manner, make changes to care delivery as required to sustain and improve practice standards

To achieve and maintain clinical skills and competencies specific to the post/department/role, facilitating the development and achievement of competence in others

Advise on the promotion of health and the prevention of illness. Assess educational and information needs of patients, their families and carers and staff and devise plans to ensure needs are met

Use professional judgement to intercede and act as patient advocate to clarify plans of care and treatment. Observe changes in patient's attitude, behaviour and emotional state, physiological observations and report/escalate findings

3.Patient safety

Promote a clean and safe environment by ensuring compliance with legislation / policies and procedures, health care associated infection prevention, clinical governance, including risk management and critical incident reporting

Act to avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of patients and escalate as required

Accountable for the correct administration and custody of medicines according to the Trust Policy to include the safe administration of medicines, controlled drugs, intravenous drugs, transfusion and blood products

Report incidents and near misses promptly and take effective action

Ensure standards of care and record keeping is in accordance with, Trust and National policies, procedures, standards and guidance

Utilise the clinical and workforce dashboards in practice to support service improvement initiatives

4.Co-ordination of the patient journey

Ensure effective and efficient patient journey by supervising the planning and coordination of the admissions / discharges, outpatient review of the episode of care including the smooth transition to other settings, promoting safe, timely and effective discharge and optimising communication

Ensure effective handover of patients between shifts / health care professionals using a range of communications aids

Ensure patient feedback is encouraged and utilised to improve patient experience

5.Promote a culture of person-centred care

Support the development of a culture of person-centred care. Act as advocate for patients within the area, to ensure a patient focused compassionate approach to the delivery of care

Be highly visible within the ward/department, communicating regularly with staff, patients, relatives and or carers to promote transparency of services for patients and staff. Promote a caring environment which respects individual's values and beliefs and promotes, equality and diversity, ensuring patients are enabled to be partners in their care, management and treatment

In conjunction with the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse use patient, carer and family feedback to develop services in response to feedback. Ensure that staff are aware of concerns and complaints which relate to service provision and learning points/actions are disseminated

Ensure people are treated as individuals and uphold their dignity; listening to and responding to their preferences and concerns, respecting the right to privacy and confidentiality whilst ensuring people are treated equally

6.Role Model

Act as a visible role model setting and maintaining expected standards of personal behaviour and appearance and ensure effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, carers and relatives. Practice in a consistent manner which demonstrates clinical practice skills of the highest standard

Lead by example, develop yourself and other staff, influence the way care is provided, and be open and responsive to the needs of others. Work alongside staff to support development

Ensure that the nursing team take responsibility for the care they provide, communicate clearly, work cooperatively with others, share skills knowledge and experience with others in a manner which meets the requirements of organisational policies, procedures and guidelines

Undertake staff appraisal and support staff to develop personal development plans which are effective. As required support staff to undertake professional revalidation processes

Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in ensuring and maintaining robust communications process within and external to your team. Participate in and lead team meetings at an appropriate frequency. Where required record and circulate minutes of these and encourage the exchange of ideas

Take all reasonable care of health and safety at work for you, your team and others and undertake delegated tasks required by the departmental manager in relation to Health and Safety record keeping, risk assessment and aspects of procedural compliance

Be proactive in risk assessment, management and mitigation whilst maintaining accurate records. Manage clinical incident reporting, ensuring staff are fed back to

Be conversant with Trust policies, procedures and systems for Safeguarding including the assessment of Mental Capacity, the process for consideration requests for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) and application of the principles of Prevent (counter terrorism awareness)

Develop and maintain a supportive working relationship with senior nursing staff responsible for the practice setting. Ensure they are made aware of changes to circumstances which may affect safe competent practice, which could impact on patient experience or adverse incidents

7.Learning and development

Motivate, develop and support the learning and development of all staff including support staff, including mandatory and statutory training and education

Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in creating a learning environment that supports effective learning for staff/students including provision of clear induction and orientation programmes for newly appointed staff

Participate in a training needs analysis to support standards of care and practice

Teach and supervise practice as required using proven and credible methods. Contribute to/ lead on the development of teaching materials as required

8.Managing the practice setting

In the absence of the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse manage the practice setting or an area within the setting, sign staff time sheets, manage and coordinate nurse staffing rotas and demonstrate effective use of resources. Comply with Trust standing financial instructions and understand trends and expenditure, taking steps to support the local pay controls in place for all resources

Ensure the department has adequate resources/equipment to provide an effective service. Ensure equipment is safe and in working order by ensuring where required proactive and reactive maintenance contracts are in place

Support workforce planning and staff deployment by interpreting and monitoring trends, and through efficient staff rostering. Plan and maintain appropriate staffing levels and skill mix in line with the agreed funded establishment, taking into account role and competence of staff when planning and delegating work. Understand and mitigate any workforce risks. Utilise the clinical and workforce dashboards in practice to support service improvement initiatives with maintaining a safe practice setting being mindful of the patient dependency and acuity

Ensure registered health care professionals uphold and maintain professional standards of practice and behaviour and dress according the Trust dress code

Participate in the recruitment of staff. Engage in attendance and performance management of staff ensuring any concerns are identified, reported, actioned in accordance with the relevant Trust policy and procedure

Be aware of and take appropriate action in regard of deteriorating patient condition, clinical emergencies, cardiac arrest, fire and major or internal incidents which affect business continuity

9.Service Development

Work cooperatively in partnership with others in planning, reviewing and developing the service/ward/department

Contribute to innovation and take a proactive approach to service redesign or review, ensure these are linked to organisational priorities and support improved outcomes

Support the Senior Sister(s)/Charge Nurse(s) and the wider team through the process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive, professional integrity, balance and perspective. Ensure consistent application of any organisational policies and procedures

Support the development of and be responsible for implementation of new ways of working, to include updated nursing practice and/or standards

Seek opportunities for personal and team development