Analytical & Judgement Skills To use clinical judgement on problems requiring investigation and analysis regarding service users condition To assess and manage risk associated with the working environment ensuring appropriate Trust policies and procedures are followed accordingly Planning & Organisational Skills occasionally take charge of the ward if required to do so (except under preceptorship). When in charge of the ward to ensure the consistency and continuity of all care programmes, unit policies, and budgeting issues. To act up in the absence of the Deputy Ward Manager, if required (except under preceptorship). Physical Skills To supervise and maintain the safe custody, control and administration of drugs and take appropriate action/measures to provide safe administration as prescribed to service users, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures. To use a range of therapeutic techniques when managing service users with challenging and unpredictable needs, including when this leads to aggressive incidents Responsibility for Service User Care To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the clinical care of people with mental health problems, as appropriate to the clinical specialty, using evidence based practice. To act as named nurse to an identified group of service users. To co-ordinate all co-workers assigned to his\her group of service users and ensure they are fully conversant with all aspects regarding the service users care and treatment. To ensure that assessments and care plans reflect the psychological, emotional, social care, treatment, intervention, risk management and physical healthcare needs of the service user. To maintain close liaison with all disciplines\staff involved in a service users care and report on progress and effectiveness to the Multi Disciplinary Team. To provide a nursing perspective and representation in ward rounds, case conference, etc and to prepare reports on service users as required. To demonstrate and serve as an example for all clinical activities to appropriate grades of staff. To maintain sufficient personal awareness of clinical developments and practice, nursing research and clinical audit as required. Service Development and Improvement To personally practice and deliver skilled nursing care working with the framework of agreed policies and procedures be aware of, and adhere to, policies and guidelines at all times, and in particular those in relation to service users valuables, finance, budget policy. To participate in any formal monitoring, review or quality systems developed by the Trust or unit. This will include clinical supervision, individual performance reviews and standard setting. To ensure effective reporting and communication with line managers and multi-disciplinary team regarding service user care, incidents, health and safety issues and service deficits. To encourage and partake in the development and trial of new ideas and methods on the ward for improving the quality of care and promotion of morale. To carry the Unit bleep when required, (except under preceptorship) particularly outside of office hours. When in charge of the unit to ensure the consistency and continuity of all care programmes, unit policies, and budgeting issues. Financial & Physical Resources To order supplies for the workplace as necessary and ensure their use is kept within budget To follow procedure for handling patient money and valuables. Human Resources To provide support to all team members to ensure the smooth running of the ward To allocate and monitor work delegated to staff and supervise junior staff. To participate in all teaching activities for both registered and non registered members of staff including induction. To assist in the setting of objectives and act as mentor for student nurses seconded to the unit if appropriately trained. To maintain a personal and professional profile in accordance with Post Registration Education & Practice (PREP) and assume individual responsibility for maintaining current awareness of developments and trends in Mental Health nursing, maintaining a high level of professional knowledge and expertise through in-service training opportunities, supervision and post registration courses. Information Resources To maintain meaningful and accurate service user records on a day to day basis. ensure that all service user records comply with issues relating to confidentiality and safe storage. Research & Development To participate in research projects and data collection. Freedom to Act To undertake work as guided by the NMC Protocols and Code of Conduct To work within Codes of Practice and Professional Guidelines To co-ordinate shifts effectively on a day to day basis Physical Effort To ensure the patient care needs are carried out to a high standard as reflected in the care plan To ensure the active de escalation and diffusion techniques are used to minimise risk of physical aggression. If physical restrain is required this must be carried out using recognised Strategies for Crisis intervention & Prevention techniques and adhere to policy and procedure. Mental Effort To provide written reports as instructed by senior colleagues regarding service users To respond to emergency situations as they occur and ensure appropriate support networks are used as necessary To be creative in finding solutions to problems as they arise Working Conditions To provide effective care to service users patients who present with a range of complex, often challenging needs that could be unpredictable in nature. Security The post holder will be fully conversant with all aspects of security concerning the Unit and that they are correctly implemented. Any identified difficulties with security will be reported to registered staff. Additional Information: Knowledge and Skills Framework: The post holder will be expected to meet the requirements of the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) appropriate outline for the post. Approved outlines are available on the HPT e-ksf local library Health and Safety The post holder has a duty of care to themselves and to others with whom they come into contact in the course of their work as laid down in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any subsequent amendment or legislation. Infection Control All Trust staff will: Act as a role model and champion for the highest standard of all aspects of infection prevention and control and implementation of all Infection Prevention and Control Trust polices and guidelines. Demonstrate respect for the roles and endeavours of others, in implementing good standards of hand hygiene. Value and recognise the ideas and contributions of colleagues in their endeavours to reduce the incidence of healthcare associated infection. Equality and Diversity Hertfordshire Partnership Trust is committed to providing an environment where all staff, service users and carers enjoy equality of opportunity. This includes recognising diversity of staff, service users and carers and not treating anyone less favourably on grounds of age, ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, culture, health status, relationship status, disability, sexuality, social background, trade union affiliation or any other unreasonable grounds. The Trust will strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination. We recognise that this requires not only a commitment to remove discrimination, but also action through positive policies to redress the inequalities produced by past discrimination. Confidentiality All staff must be aware of the Data Protection Act 1984, and its subsequent amendments, which is now in force. This means that protection of data about individuals is a requirement of the law and if any employee is found to have permitted unauthorised disclosure, the Trust and the individual may be prosecuted. Standards of Business Conduct and Conflicts of Interest The Trust has adopted a Standards of Conduct Policy, which reflects NHS Management Executive Guidelines. It is the responsibility of staff to ensure that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain or seek to advantage or further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties. Staff should be informing their line manager if they are working for any other organisation to ensure that this Trust complies with the Working Time Regulations. Information and Records Management To comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Department of Health Code of Confidentiality in line with Trust procedures. To adhere to the Trusts policies on records management including creation, use, storing and retention and disposal of records. Adhere to the Trusts Corporate Identity (using the standard templates available on nww.hpt.nhs.uk). Organisational Change As services develop and change, the post holder may be required to undertake other responsibilities within the Trust.