Scope and Limits of Authority - Responsible and accountable for planning, implementing and evaluating physical, social, psychological, emotional and spiritual care for the patient/carer on a day-today basis; referring to the sister as and when required. The post holder is required to contribute to the supervision of junior/new members of staff in conjunction with the sister. In absence of a Sister takes charge of the team and the inpatient unit as required. Helps foster a supportive working environment and maintenance of staff morale through mutual regard and respect. In absence of a Sister, maintains a skilled nursing presence so as to facilitate a team approach to nursing intervention and multi-disciplinary team working. Is aware of all Hospice policies & procedures and collaborates with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure they are adhered. Works closely with the Sisters to ensure clinical standards of care are achieved and participated in the audit of clinical care. Promotes a safe clinical environment for all patients, visitors and staff, adhering to health and safety standards and infection prevention procedures. The post holder has no direct budget responsibility but must be aware of cost implications and make effective use of resources. Job tasks Professional. To be a safe practitioner and work within the NMC Codes of Conduct and Practice, maintaining registration and PREP; also ensuring that all staff within their sphere of responsibility follows the codes. Responsible for offering `out of hours advice to other health care professionals. Management of pharmacy provision. Maintaining an overview across all patients within the unit. To practice safely according to the charitys policies, procedures and competencies. To be responsible for maintaining a personal awareness of professional developments in nursing in general but particularly in palliative care and to undertake relevant further education. Maintain quality of care by organising self and others, in assessing, planning, implementing and accurately documenting care, in accordance with the hospice philosophy Acts as patient advocate. Managerial Responsibility: To maintain a safe environment within the ward areas and to ensure that all equipment is clean, safe and maintained in good working order. Attend monthly nurse team meetings (when available) for updating of all aspects of clinical and Organisation information and for support of colleagues. Also to attend meetings called by the Chief Executive Officer. To participate in clinical governance and other corporate change projects as delegated. Act as a shift leader in the absence of a Sister, taking overall responsibility for the hospice and its environment, including: - Undertaking all admissions and discharges, ensuring procedures and standards applied - Booking of bank staff in order to ensure staffing quotas maintained - Providing work allocation across the team - Providing advice and support to all staff within the team - Deployment and support of volunteers working in the clinical area - Respond to any managerial changes or crisis quickly and to contact Lead Nurse, Director of Nursing or the Chief Executive at home for confirmation of the action taken or to request further assistance - To meet with delegated staff every 6 weeks to review performance and complete 121s - Under the guidance of Senior Sister/Sister conduct annual performance reviews in order to monitor the performance of delegated staff and provide professional development Educational To attend mandatory training To update professional specialist palliative care knowledge by attending in-house and external courses, education sessions and conferences. To attend appropriate courses leading to recognised post registration qualification To act as a mentor/supervisor to Health Care Assistants Act as a link nurse for a specialist topic, appropriate to specialist palliative care, liaising with the general hospital and community colleagues Participate in agreed audit and research programmes. Act as a mentor/supervisor to nurses new staff, those attending courses or student nurses on placement.