Divisional Lead Nurse Quality

Job overview

Alan Cummings Day Surgery Unit comprises 6 theatres and a 30-bedded ward, situated within the Princess Royal University Hospital premises in Farnborough. The unit is seeking a Senior Ward Nurse to work Mondays to Saturdays, including night shifts.

An exciting Band 6 full time opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced NMC Registered Nurse (Level 1) with excellent communication skills to develop their management abilities. This post is open to internal applicants only.

The successful candidate will work in a busy, fast-paced environment, caring for patients before and after their surgery, including those undergoing gynaecology, vascular, general surgery, breast, laparoscopic, dental, orthopaedics, urology, pain management, maxillofacial, paediatrics, and ENT surgery.

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Provide expert, holistic care of a high standard to perioperative patients and their relatives within King’s College Hospital.
• Take direct managerial responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of, or as delegated by, the Senior Nurse/Coordinator of the day.
• Assist in the leadership and development of an identified group of practitioners within the department.
• Act as a clinical resource within the department and across the Care Group as necessary.
• Act as a positive role model to junior members of staff.

Main duties of the job

• Assist patients with activities of daily living while encouraging independence, as appropriate.
• Demonstrate, encourage, and assist patients in undertaking therapeutic activities within the parameters of agreed care plans and under the guidance of registered practitioners.
• Monitor and record patients’ clinical observations, escalating appropriately to a registered nurse as required.
• Assist with patients’ nutritional needs, including eating, drinking, menu selection, meal delivery, and adherence to special diets according to individual needs.
• Help maintain up-to-date, comprehensive, and accurate records, both written and digital, in accordance with current legal requirements.
• Assist in the admission and discharge of patients, including completion of any necessary risk assessments.
• Undertake electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and point-of-care testing (e.g. blood sugar levels, urinalysis).
• After appropriate training, assist in the collection of specimens, including blood samples (via fixed central lines and established arterial lines – in specialist areas only).
• After appropriate training, insert, secure, and remove female catheters; empty drainage bags and accurately measure and record urinary output.
• After appropriate training, assist in the implementation of advanced wound care (e.g. skin closure using adhesive sutures, and wound drainage care).

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1.8 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.
• Demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of patients receiving treatment in the ward/department.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patients’ needs on an ongoing basis, coordinating care provided by all members of the clinical team.
• Accurately assimilate and interpret clinical information about patients’ conditions, promptly report changes, and initiate appropriate remedial action.
• Act as a resource for others, providing accurate information, advice, and support to the multidisciplinary team, patients, and their relatives.
• Ensure that accurate records are maintained, reflecting changes in the patient’s condition and the treatment delivered.
• Ensure that patients and their relatives are regularly updated with accurate information, presented in a way that is clear and understandable.
• Ensure that clinical guidelines are implemented and actively participate in auditing practice in collaboration with the Line Manager and Practice Development Team.
• Ensure that clinical practice is evidence-based, and assist in the development of policies and protocols within the clinical area when supported.
• Uphold high standards of nursing care in accordance with existing policies and procedures.
• Support the Ward Managers and Modern Matron in processes of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and assisting in implementing necessary changes.
• Contribute to the health education of patients and their families, ensuring they receive appropriate advice and support to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Actively support the implementation of the Trust Nursing Strategy and uphold the ethos of the local philosophy.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• 1st level Registered General Nurse
• Further professional studies relevant to the clinical area
• Mentorship programme or equivalent teaching qualification

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area.

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of leading change in a clinical environment

Skills

Essential criteria

• Communication skills – able to relate and communicate with patients and staff at all levels and from different professions. Adapts communication style as necessary and is able to work with and through others.
• Team building and working skills – able to lead a team to achieve results
• Problem solving skills – able to respond to unexpected issues and provide first line response and to identify appropriate sources of secondary support

Desirable criteria

• Computer literacy

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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