JOB PURPOSE To provide and be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individualised programmes of care. To deliver care without supervision. To take charge of the ward or department as necessary in the absence of the Sister or Charge Nurse. To participate in the in-service training, preceptorship and mentorship of junior staff, post basic learners and students. To take responsibility as the prime care provider for a group of patients. To promote confidence in our commitment to provide excellent compassionate patient care. To maintain personal development. 3. JOB DIMENSIONS The jobholder will work within an environment caring for adult patients and carrying out pre-assessments for surgery. Most of these will be conducted by telephone with some face to face consultations. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are: Patient-centred Collaborative Fair Accountable Empowered All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post: Commitment to maintain high standards of care in accordance with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) guidelines and policies. Commitment to own development and the development of junior staff. Commitment to the development of nursing within the clinical setting. Commitment to working in a multi-disciplinary team. Commitment to support, uphold and demonstrate the core values and behaviours of LTHT. Commitment to lifelong learning, to maintain personal development within the role. 7. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS Ability to act professionally at all times. Effective communication skills. Effective numeracy skills e.g. accurate drug calculations. Ability to organise self and others. Teaching and assessing skills Team player. Effective time management skills 8. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING An understanding of research and evidence based practice. An understanding of the organisation and working practices of the area. An understanding of the process and philosophy of preceptorship. An understanding of the training and development needs of junior staff and students. Following a preceptorship programme, or orientation, a structured appraisal will identify further development needs in line with the clinical area, personal and CSU objectives. Development opportunities will include: Completion of a recognised teaching and mentorship qualification (e.g. Supporting Learners in Practice (SLIP). Revision and expansion of professional knowledge base. Revision and expansion of knowledge base with regards to speciality. 9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Clinical Acts in accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct. Communicate with patients and carers to ensure they have access to appropriate information. Maintain and deliver compassionate patient focused care in accordance with LTHT guidelines, policies, values and behaviours. Maintain a safe working environment. Provide assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care for patients, ensuring documentation standards are upheld in accordance with NMC and LTHT guidelines, whether written or computerised. Promote and maintain positive relationships between all staff involved in the care of patients. Promote evidence based practice. Participate in the audit and evaluation of clinical practice in the interests of promoting and improving quality care through action on findings. Undertake duties on other wards or departments as and when required by service demands or patient need. Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies. Education and Training Contribute to the promotion of a positive clinical learning environment. Keep up to date with developments, advances and research in individualised patient care. Participate in research and or education programmes relating to professional nursing issues and practice. Complete mandatory training annually. Participate in annual appraisal. Participate in preceptorship and mentorship programmes Participate in teaching, supervising and assessing of student nurses and other supervised staff, where allocated. Undertake continuous professional and clinical development, constantly seeking opportunities to enhance skills. Managerial Demonstrate effective use of resources. In the absence of the Sister or Charge Nurse take charge of the ward or department and co-ordinate ward or department activities. Take responsibility for the prime care provider for a group of patients When in charge of the ward takes responsibility for reporting, investigating and responding to accidents, complaints, untoward incidents and other significant events. As delegated and directed by the Senior Sister or Charge Nurse, participate in, investigating and responding to accidents, complaints, untoward incidents and other significant events. Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes.