JOB SUMMARY To work within the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), providing physical, psycho-social and spiritual care to patients and their families admitted to the IPU, with rotation to the Community Team and occasional CCU cover. To participate as a member of the nursing team, carrying out all relevant forms of care in conjunction with other team members. Regularly to have responsibility for managing the nursing care delivery on specified shifts, and to participate actively at MDT meetings and decision making. CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Assessment To accurately assess the needs of patients and their families. To identify priorities of care. To refer on to the appropriate professionals, as necessary. To have an understanding of safeguarding principles and to be able to apply these within everyday practice and intervention/within your role. Planning To identify realistic goals of care with patients and their families. To develop a plan of care with patients and their families. To record explicit care plans which act as effective tools for other members of the multi-professional team. To organise own time and equipment to deliver a high standard of nursing care. To liaise effectively with all members of the Hospice multi-professional and community teams. To assist in the management of the CCU clinics as required. Implementation To give skilled/specialist care to patients and their families. To administer all drugs and treatments within Hospice and NMC guidelines. To communicate effectively with patients, families and other members of the Hospice multi-professional and community teams. Evaluation To ensure the care given is to the agreed standard. To measure the effectiveness of the plan of care in achieving identified goals. To revise and update care plans in the light of the evaluation. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES To be familiar with the role and responsibilities of the IPU Team Leader and to deputise in their absence, as necessary. To take on the shift coordinator role when required, within IPU and CCU and to be part of the RN rotation programme to the Hospice Community Team. To participate in the development of clinical standards and clinical audit, working within the clinical governance framework of the Hospice. To attend relevant meetings, providing effective communication to ensure continuity of patient care. PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES To recognise indications of staff stress and to facilitate staff support. To participate in the recruitment of staff as requested. To supervise and participate in the induction of all new staff. To take on a mentor role to new staff, as requested. As requested, to participate in professional placements and lay person visits to the IPU. To recognise the value of volunteer contribution and play an active part in their support & development where appropriate EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To maintain an awareness of research and relevant findings and in conjunction with the multi-professional team, work towards this being applied to practice. To participate in education programmes as required. To give feedback from attended education programmes/study days to the multi-professional team. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT To devise with the IPU Team Leader a personal development plan in line with the Hospice objectives and personal needs. To maintain and increase personal clinical skills. ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To work at all times within the policies and guidelines of the Hospice and act within NMC guidelines at all times. To uphold the Hospice and individual team values at all times. To ensure effective use of resources. To play an active part in the development and maintenance of good relationships with all who have business with the Hospice. To respect at all times the confidentiality of information covering patients, staff and volunteers. To promote the Hospice philosophy of care towards patients, relatives and visitors. Because of the special nature of the Hospice and its work, the post holder may on occasion be asked to undertake other duties to help maintain our high standard of care. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT NECESSARILY EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE LINE MANAGER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POST HOLDER.