Please see job description for full details. Leading/Managing Care Ensure a high standard of nursing is delivered by self and others based on an assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care, identifying priorities and realistic goals involving patients, relatives and the multi-disciplinary team. Utilise leadership skills ensuring that the ward runs smoothly in the absence of the Ward Manager. Assist and support the Ward Manager in the safe, effective management of the area including management of personnel, facilities and the associated systems and processes. Supervise and monitor the work of staff within the ward, ensuring that practice is evidence based and agreed protocols adhered to. Co-ordinate care across the ward/department deploying staff and prioritising as necessary. Ensure that staff rotas are planned in advance to provide adequate staffing and skill mix. Identify when shortfalls occur, or are likely to occur, taking appropriate remedial action. Assist the Ward Manager to manage resources within agreed budgets as set by the Clinical Manager. Assist the Ward Manager in the recruitment and selection of staff following agreed personnel policies. Be fully conversant with all policies and procedures, including major incident, fire, health and safety, disciplinary, complaints and grievance and follow these as necessary. Assist the Ward Manager to identify and manage performance issues including attendance, professional conduct, capability etc. Actively promote professional development amongst staff within the area. Assist the Ward Manager to ensure that all staff have agreed objectives and personal development plans. Carry the area bleep in the absence of the Ward Manager. Delivery of Care Act as a role model in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individual programmes of care for patients. Review and evaluate the care given by other team members, ensuring that realistic goals are set in partnership with the patient, and interventions enable the achievement of optimal outcomes. Identify the need for changes to practice and the implications (including budgets). Agree these with the Ward Manager and lead agreed practice change. Ensure an approach to care which recognises the needs and views of patients and their carers, and which places the patient at the centre of all activities. Ensure an approach to care which minimises clinical risk and maximises clinical effectiveness. Ensure clinical and other untoward incidents are reported through the Trusts incident reporting mechanism and that staff are supported in this process. Assist in the investigation of clinical incidents and errors and to identify and support any required change to nursing practice. Assist in the investigation of complaints through the Trusts complaints procedure, using these as a learning opportunity and support the Ward Manager to change practice as a result, when appropriate. Assist the Ward Manager in the setting of evidence-based clinical practice standards, guidelines and protocols, which are regularly audited. Support the development of multidisciplinary clinical audit at ward level.