To work with the multi-disciplinary team and registered nursing staff to contribute to the ongoing assessment of patients, providing and monitoring care in line with the service pathways and as agreed with supervisor. To monitor the condition and health needs of patients within the hospice in partnership with the wider multi-disciplinary team. To use breadth of knowledge to provide holistic and person-centred care and support for hospice patients, bridging the gap between Clinical Support Nurses and Staff Nurses by working independently under the leadership of the registered nursing staff and working within all aspects of the nursing process.
Key Objectives
1. Promote and maintain the philosophy of the hospice.
2. Make decisions based upon knowledge and experience and be accountable for those decisions in the absence of the senior members of staff.
3. Promote and maintain high quality patient care by acting as a role model for more junior staff.
4. Ensure that all nursing care is carried out in accordance with Nursing & Midwifery Council Scope of Professional Practice.
5. Assist in the delivery of Specialist Palliative Care to patients/families.
Act in accordance with Bolton Hospice policies, procedures and protocols and within expected values and behaviours. Ensure standards are maintained at all times.
Professional / Clinical Practice
Work in accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery Council Code of Conduct. Under the supervision of and working in partnership with a registered nurse, provide and monitor a high standard of nursing care based on evidence, contributing to the ongoing assessment of patients and working collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team.
Provide compassionate, safe and effective care and support to patients in a range of care settings. Monitor the condition and health needs of hospice patients on a continual basis, in partnership with patients, families and carers, ensuring appropriate escalation to a registered nurse when required. Support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical and behavioural health and wellbeing. Promote comfort and wellbeing by ensuring that patients' personal and social needs, as well as nursing needs, are met.
Routine Procedures
Safely undertake the following routine procedures to meet patients' nursing needs, to include: venepuncture, ECG recording, measuring and interpreting blood glucose levels, recording and interpreting vital signs, continence care, bladder and bowel care, pressure area care, wound care, nutrition, hydration, foot care, skin integrity, mood identification (as outlined in the NMC Nursing Associate Skills Annex).
Identify and report changes in a patient's condition to a registered nurse. Prioritise and manage own workload, recognising where elements of care can safely be delegated to other colleagues, carers and family members. Provide and receive sensitive information concerning a patient's medical condition. Work with the registered nurses and engage with other agencies and community teams to ensure a safe, individualised approach to the admission and discharge of patients.
Record Keeping
Maintain accurate, contemporaneous patient records, in line with hospice policy and the NMC Code. Provide effective evidence-based care for service users under the supervision of registered nurses, in order to perform non-complex activities, in line with clinical governance and professional standards. Comply with NMC regulations relating to revalidation, in order to maintain NMC registration. Ensure accurate record keeping.
Medicines Management and Administration
Adhere to Bolton Hospice Management of Medicines Policy. Recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions. Undertake safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines, in accordance with hospice policy and the NMC standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates.
Administer medicines via the following routes, in line with NMC Standards and hospice policies: oral, topical, rectal, subcutaneous and intramuscular. Comply with hospice policy in relation to any safety-critical medicines to be administered by Nursing Associates. Monitor the condition and health needs of hospice patients, following administration of medication. Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes related to medicines management.
Evidence Based Care, Quality and Standards
Identify relevant sources of evidence to inform practice. Critically consider and analyse own practice, in light of best available evidence. Contribute to surveys, audits, research activity, as required to own role, supporting recommended changes in practice. Ensure patients' risk assessments are carried out daily. Manage risk effectively.
Have an awareness of the complaints procedure. Ensure equipment is maintained as appropriate, and necessary records are maintained.
Education and Training
Comply with mandatory competencies, in line with hospice policy. Engage in a preceptorship period that includes achieving the Nursing Associate Medicines Management Competency Framework.
Maintain own continuing professional development, in accordance with NMC CPD requirements and contribute to formulation of own objectives and personal development plan. Undertake a regular KSF review. Support, supervise, teach (where appropriate) and act as a role model to Trainee Nursing Associates, student nurses, Clinical Support Nurses and new staff members, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback. Contribute to the maintenance of the learning environment.
Adopt a reflective approach to own practice with a view to continually improve. Undertake further training as required, prior to carrying out any additional duties identified as relevant to the role, to comply with hospice policies and procedures. Keep up to date with issues in nursing and nursing research, especially those relating to palliative care nursing.
Clinical Governance
Work with the clinical team to ensure that high standards of treatment and pathways of care, which are evidence-based, documented and monitored, are in place.
Manage clinical risk issues in collaboration with the Senior Staff. Promote the safety of patients, staff, visitors and volunteers at all times.
Communication
Communicate effectively and with dignity and respect to all patients, relatives and others, giving consideration to potential barriers to understanding. Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions when sharing information, delegating or handing over responsibility for care.
Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes. Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints, following Bolton Hospice policies and procedures. Contribute to a culture where all staff feel safe to raise their concerns and where speaking up about any concerns is a normal part of the routine. Promote the contribution of nursing within the multi-disciplinary team.
Develop good communication and professional liaison with all other personnel and agencies involved in the service delivery of palliative care. Attend and participate in organisational meetings to ensure awareness of developments within the area of practice and organisationally. Help create an environment which reflects the Hospice's philosophy and its specialist palliative care approach. Promote effective communication between members of the multi-disciplinary team and users of the service.
Promote positive communications and relationships with the public.
Other
The post holder may be required to rotate onto nights, or to different departments in the hospice, to reflect the needs of the service. Any other requirements as appropriate to the post and location.
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