Professional/Clinical To be wholly accountable for his/her own actions in accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct. To act as an advocate for patients within the ward or department, to ensure a patient orientated approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines. In conjunction with senior clinical staff and specialist nurses, set monitor and evaluate standards of care for patients, and to take a lead role in clinical benchmarking. To advise on the promotion of health and prevent of illness, communicating effectively with patients, relatives and carers and ensuring that their education/information needs are met. To ensure that nursing care is based on sound and current research and initiate participate and promote nursing research and evidence-based practice. To liaise closely with members of the multidisciplinary team in developing integrated care pathways. To take a lead role in monitoring the patient experience through to discharge. To liaise with other agencies and organisation including voluntary sector. To ensure that all patient care is documented accurately and legibly and that information systems are maintained in a timely manner. To always ensure safe control and custody of drugs within the ward as per the Trusts policy. To check departmental equipment is correct and in working order, ensuring cleanliness after use and reporting defects promptly to the ward housekeeper, ensuring that the repairs are undertaken. To attend and participate in departmental meetings and ward rounds and help to promote new ideas and methods for the delivery of care and assist in their implementation through liaison and co-operation with the multidisciplinary team. To exercise a cost effect, high quality approach to patient care. Maintain up to date records. Ensuring that confidentiality is respected and that the NMC standards for Record Keeping are met. To ensure that infection control policies including hand washing are adhered to and to communicate any related issues to the appropriate person. Management Responsibility In conjunction with the Ward Manager and Quality Matron to provide clear and consistent leadership to a team of nurses, achieving and maintaining high morale based on sound organisation and clear relationships. To be responsible for the ordering, controlling and monitoring of resources within the ward, keeping with the agreed budgetary and establishment figures. Education & Professional Development To assess own educational needs via annual appraisal and PDP and take steps to keep up to date with clinical and nursing development in line with requirements of the Nursing & Midwifery Council. Participate in the education and assessment of staff undertaking courses. To facilitate the development of nursing staff within the ward to develop skills through mentorship, regular individual performance review and personal development plans. Assist the Ward Manager to ensure that clinical based teaching programmes are in place for ward staff and maintain accurate training records. In accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery Council Scope of Professional Practice continue to develop and expand your nursing role. To contribute to local and directorate teaching programmes and staff development initiatives including clinical supervision, for qualified and unqualified staff and students. To maintain a positive learning environment for all grades of nursing staff and students. Personnel Responsibilities In conjunction with the Ward Manager ensure that appropriate written induction programmes are available and utilised for all new staff within the ward. Assist with the implementation of, and work within the Trusts Personnel policies on all staff matters, including sickness, capability and disciplinary issues. To assist in the implementation and maintenance of clinical supervision for a peer group. Work with the Ward Manager in the recruitment, selection, appointment and retention of staff. Ensure that vacant posts are filled with a minimum of delay. To act as a role model, giving guidance, counselling and support to other staff and students. To ensure that new and temporary staff are fully introduced to the department and their duties and to actively participate in staff induction programmes. To actively participate in the business planning process. To allocate staff effectively making the best use of resources for effective and cost-efficient service provision. To provide information as required, including notification of incidents and accidents to staff, patient and visitors. To promote the ward as a centre of excellence and provide expert advice to other departments.