Job Purpose To support the Registered Nurses in providing evidence based, individualized specialist palliative nursing care to inpatients adhering to statutory regulations and Hospice policies. Tasks and Responsibilities Clinical To work collaboratively with Registered Nurses in the delivery of quality holistic nursing care for patients. To be responsive and available to the patients needs as appropriate. To report changes in condition noticed in patients and work with the multi-professional team to adapt care appropriately. To contribute to the keeping of accurate and relevant records by recording the care provided. To provide a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment for patients, ensuring privacy and dignity are maintained at all times. To ensure the patients dietary needs are met by helping patients with their meal choices, issuing meals and feeding patients as appropriate. To care for the deceased patient by administering last offices and ensuring the safe and timely removal of the body from the hospice. Communication To establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with multi-disciplinary teams within St Barnabas House and in the community. To communicate effectively with patients, carers and the bereaved to establish and maintain trusting relationships. To offer a high level of emotional support to patients and/or carers particularly during admission, breaking of bad news and time of death, recognising own limitations and referring to the Registered Nurses as appropriate. To contribute to bereavement care offered to families by contributing to bereavement interviews and reporting any concerns related to risk assessment to the Registered Nurses. Specific Interventions To perform clinical observations i.e. temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respirations, observing for any abnormalities and reporting accordingly. To take a droplet of blood as part of the measurement of the patients blood sugar, reporting and recording as appropriate. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse performing simple aseptic dressings. Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse plan and update care plans as appropriate. Health and Safety To act at all times to promote the safety and wellbeing of patients. To ensure the Ward environment is free from hazards and all nursing equipment is safely and appropriately stored. To attend mandatory training. To ensure the safe storage and use of hazardous substances according to COSHH regulations. To contribute to Health and Safety risk assessments and actions required as a result, as appropriate. Education To attend mandatory training. To develop and maintain own knowledge and skills in palliative care. To act as a mentor for Ward Volunteers and visiting Nursing Assistants. To take part in formal educational activities under the guidance of Ward Sisters and the Head of Education. To contribute to the in-patient unit resource files. Flexibility This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the role. The post holder may be required to carry out other duties commensurate with their banding and competence. The post holder may have tasks or responsibilities delegated to them, appropriate to their level of competence. They may also be expected to delegate tasks or responsibilities to other employees within the team, as appropriate.