Research Nurse

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Band 5 or 6 Scrub practitioner / Team Leader interested in developing their teaching, mentoring and assessment skills to apply for the role of Clinical practice Facilitator (CPF).

The post holder will work across designated sites to support the delivery of high-quality clinical education, training and practice development for registered and non-registered staff, as well as students on placement within:

· Elective Orthopaedic (ORP) Theatres at Orpington Hospital

· Newlands Day Case Unit (DCU) at Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup (QMS),

specialising in ophthalmic surgery

· Surgical Pre-Operative Assessment (POA) Clinic at Orpington Hospital

Working under the supervision of the Practice Development Operating Department Practitioner (PDODP), the CPF will contribute to workforce development, support learners in practice, promote evidence-based care and help maintain safe, effective and consistent standards of clinical practice across the designated perioperative services.

The post holder will be expected to spend a minimum of 50% of their time per week clinically (not included in staffing numbers), supporting students, new starters and existing staff through supervision, teaching and competency development. The remaining time will be allocated to supporting education delivery, documentation, competency tracking and service improvement activities.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will report directly to the PDODP and will work closely with:

• Senior nursing leadership (e.g., Theatre Clinical Coordinators, Matrons, Lead Nurse and care group leads)
• Registered Nurses (RNs), Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs)
• Perioperative Healthcare Assistants (PHCAs) and Healthcare Assistants (HCAs)
• Pre-registration and post-registration students
• Multidisciplinary theatre, anaesthetic and surgical teams
• Various practice development teams across the Trust
• Corporate education leads, education providers and higher education institution lecturers
• Representatives of various corporate departments – ICT (Information and Communications Technology), Estates, Facilities, EBME (Electrical and Biomedical Engineering)
• External suppliers and industry representatives

The post holder will foster effective working relationships and contribute positively to learning culture within clinical environments.

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

Clinical Education & Workforce Development:

• Support the PDODP and senior nursing leadership in promoting a positive learning environment that supports professional development for all staff groups.
• Provide day-to-day clinical supervision, including mentorship and support to students, new starters and existing staff within theatres, day case unit and POA settings.
• Assist in the delivery of local induction programmes for students and new staff, ensuring appropriate introduction to clinical areas.
• Support the PDODP in maintaining and updating the comprehensive training needs analysis for all existing staff members.
• Contribute to the delivery and evaluation of teaching sessions, clinical skills and equipment training and competency assessments, including but not limited to monthly academic half-days.
• Support staff in achieving speciality-specific competencies through supervised practice, coaching and feedback.
• Work with corporate and practice education teams, as directed by the PDODP to plan and allocate student placements and monitor their progress.
• Support mentors / Practice Supervisors and Practice Assessors in facilitating effective learning experiences for students.
• Regularly monitor compliance reports and allocate protected time for staff to undertake statutory and mandatory trainings to maintain best practice in clinical areas and ensure acceptable and safe level of compliance.
• Assist in the development of learning contracts / objectives and evaluation of progress / outcomes for staff with performance and capability issues.
• Maintain accurate records of training, competency progression and learning activities as directed by the PDODP and senior nursing leadership.
• Contribute and support education and networking events run by corporate education team.
• Participate in recruitment and retention initiatives locally and Trust-wide.
• Act as a positive role model in compliance with statutory and mandatory training requirements.

Person specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Extensive post-registration experience of working in perioperative practice or operating theatre department – in at least one perioperative discipline (i.e., anaesthetics, scrub and recovery)
• Experience of supporting students or new starters in clinical practice

Desirable criteria

• Experience in leading a clinical team or taking charge of a clinical area as team leader
• Experience in surgical pre-operative assessment and knowledge of perioperative pathways

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• NMC Registered Nurse / HCPC Registered ODP
• First degree in Nursing / Operating Department Practice
• Recognised post-registration teaching, assessing or mentoring qualification – qualified Practice Supervisor / Practice Assessor
• Evidence of clinical expertise and specialist skills in Perioperative Practice (i.e., anaesthetics, scrub and recovery) through formal qualification at degree level (Level 6)

Desirable criteria

• Leadership or management training

Skills and Competencies

Essential criteria

• Excellent interpersonal and strong communication skills
• IT skills, proficient with using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, PowerPoint)

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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King's College Hospital is part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC), a pioneering collaboration between King's College London, and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts.