Job summary
Are you looking to use your clinical skills in a caring, supportive andencouraging environment where you will make a real difference to patients andthose important to them at a crucial time in their lives? Would you like towork in a supportive, friendly team and have the opportunity to developspecialist practice skills? If so, we are seeking registered nurses to join ourinpatient unit team.
At Prospect Hospice we are passionate about providing our employees witha supportive and engaging environment. In a recent staff survey 100% of staffsaid they would be happy with the standard of care provided if a friend orrelative needed treatment and 98% find the work they do has meaning andpurpose.
Hours: 30 hours per week over 7 days (with flexibility to work night shifts when required)
Main duties of the job
Our nurses are responsible for coordinating and delivering end of lifecare to patients with life limiting illnesses. It's all about giving ourpatients the best possible quality of life.
You will monitor symptom control issues and support patients indeveloping coping strategies for living with symptoms. Provide support forthose closest to the patient, as well as providing emotional and psychologicalsupport alongside other disciplines to provide a fully holistic andmultidisciplinary approach to patient care.
You must be able to demonstrate the highest standards of nursing care,be open to new ways of working, have a positive outlook, lots of initiative andwork well as part of a team. We have an excellent working environment with dayand night 1:4 RGN/patient staff ratios. Supported by an experienced team ofhealthcare assistants and lots of opportunities for further degree/masterslevel study and development programmes.
It's not essential to have any previous palliative care experience, asyou will receive a full induction and ongoing training and support.
There will be a requirement to work shifts in the community and workflexibly across both teams as needed.
About us
Prospect Hospice is an independent hospice supporting acommunity of 300,000 people in Swindon, Marlborough and North Wiltshire, andthe villages of Lechlade and Fairford in Gloucestershire.
It is the only dedicated provider of specialist end of lifecare services within it's locality. The Hospices multi-professionals teamssupport people in the community, in care homes, at the Great Western Hospitaland at the Hospice in Wroughton. Care is also extended to the families andfriends of patients.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Purpose & Scope
The registered nurse is responsible for providing planned nursing care for palliative care patients and their families, as part of the multi-disciplinary team on In-Patient Unit and out in the community.
The prime purpose is to deliver skilled and compassionate care to patients who have a life limiting condition, ensuring that care needs are met sensitively and appropriately, according to the wishes of the patient. A key element will be to care for patients at the end of life, supporting the philosophy of hospice nursing and planning and delivering care in accordance with principles of palliative care.
Another crucial aspect will be to engage with those closest to the patient, providing emotional and psychological support and referring to other teams within the Hospice for specialist advice and expertise.
The post holder is expected to carry out nursing care without direct supervision, and to make clinical decisions to support patients with changing specialist palliative care needs.
What is it like it to work here:
Since joining the IPU at Prospect Hospice, I have enjoyed being able to provide hands on, person centered care with lots of opportunities to learn with a knowledgeable, friendly and supportive team. Sarah, Registered Nurse.
Working here allows me more time with patients, to really focus on their needs and make their stay as pleasurable and comfortable as possible. We go out of our way to really personalise care for our patients to make them feel at home where nothing is rushed and they receive care at their own pace. I felt part of the team as soon as I joined and encouraged to develop my knowledge of palliative care, I feel that I make a difference every day. Sonia, Registered Nurse.
We offer a great range of benefits, including:
1. 27 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
2. Membership of the NHS pension scheme is available for existing members
3. Generous contributory pension scheme for all other staff
4. Discounts with local retailers, gyms and service providers including Blue Light Discount Card
5. A commitment to supporting your professional development
6. Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing team
7. Supportive induction, and training and development
8. Free parking on-site
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
9. Understanding of reflective practice.
10. Experience of working within more than one health care field.
11. Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements, including clinical audit.
12. Understanding of hospice nursing philosophy.
13. Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection principles.
14. Understanding and experience of multi-disciplinary working.
15. Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of developing ways to sustain coping, including use of support and supervision.
Desirable
16. General/specialist palliative care experience.
17. Good knowledge of palliative care or relevant specialist field.
18. Experience within a relevant specialist field of nursing.
Personal Qualities
Essential
19. Commitment to and ability to demonstrate Prospect Hospice values and behaviours at all times.
20. Have a track record of working inclusively and a genuine appreciation of the value of diversity.
21. Able to maintain the highest professional standards at all times, and act as a true ambassador for the Hospice and encourage others to do the same.
22. To be authentic, open honest and transparent.
Desirable
23. Emotionally able to work within the field of palliative care.
24. Flexible approach to working.
Qualifications
Essential
25. NMC Registered General Nurse.
Desirable
26. Diploma in palliative care.
27. Care of the Dying Person Module (Level 2), and commitment to progressing relevant level 2 or 3 study.
28. Evidence of continuing professional development within specialist palliative care.
Skills
Essential
29. Good communication skills, including listening, negotiating skills, communication of ideas and ability to provide advice to other health professionals at all levels.
30. Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to provide non-judgmental and empathic emotional support to patients whilst maintaining safe and appropriate boundaries.
31. Effective problem solving skills and judgment to know which decisions need to be referred on to a senior colleague or nurse on call.
32. Able to recognise own limitations and initiate appropriate onward referral.
33. Ability to manage time effectively.
34. Good IT skills.
Desirable
35. Audit and quality improvement abilities.