Supporting Clinical Excellence Take responsibility for the management and organisation of the clinical area when on duty to support the achievement of our vision and values.Participate as an active member of the nursing team, accountable for your practice. Act as an effective role model and resource/advisor to colleagues in the delivery of nursing care.Assist in leading the team in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care ofpatients admitted to the ward in accordance with Trust and directorate/speciality pathways. Ensure that the care given reflects the hospital and departmental philosophies, standards and protocols.Has in-depth knowledge of infection control policies, with practical experience and principlesin relation to the clinical environment, patient care, the prevention of cross infection, outbreakmanagement, good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning.Undertake the Trust Corporate and Directorate specific development and competencyprogrammes.Undertake any expanded roles deemed necessary following the Trusts policyExpansion of Professional Practice for Registered Healthcare Practitioners.Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan ofpatients and ensure accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.Actively involve patients, relatives and carers in the necessary treatment and encourage staff to facilitate and enable individuals to assist in their own recovery. Advise patients, relatives and friends, as appropriate, on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.Contributes to and oversee the safe and effective discharge planning of patients informingthe discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.Support and participate in Pathway to Excellence revalidation, demonstrating thephilosophy of the accreditation programmeAssist the Ward Manager in facilitating the teaching, mentoring and assessment of staff and other disciplines, ensuring that nursing practice reflects current clinical developments and is based on sound evidence.Promote a healthy, positive and safe environment for patients and staff.Leadership Responsible for assisting with the management and leadership of the ward, demonstrating an appropriate management style that maintains good morale, a team approach to work and a culture which fosters innovation and change.Set high standards of nursing care for the ward, audits effectiveness and be supportive of change. Lead by example with drive and enthusiasm, responding appropriately to the needs of patients, families and carers.Represent the ward and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feed backinformation appropriately.To ensure the environment is safe for patients, relatives, carers and staff.To be a visible, accessible and assertive figure to whom staff, patients and relatives can turnfor assistance and guidance.In the absence of the Sister, be a pivotal figure drawing together the multidisciplinary teamtowards their shared goal of excellence in patient care.Constructively challenge practices as necessary, which may impact on patients care and or staff wellbeing.Work in partnership with the senior nursing team and other Sisters to ensure the nursingstrategy objectives are achieved.Set high standards of nursing care and ensure this is maintained so that the patients experience is excellent.Represent the team and organisation at professional meetings as requested and feed back information appropriately. Ensure there is a method of communication that reaches all staff within the team considering different working patterns.Ensure due regard to Risk Management policies and procedures. Uses local data to ensure the environment is safe for patients, relatives, carers and staff. Supporting Patient Excellence In the absence of the Sister, be a visible presence and act as the first point of contact forpatients, relatives, and staff to address concerns and complaints.To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users to the trust.Work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of patients and theirfamilies/carers.To monitor activity and patient dependency, escalating any concerns appropriately.Adopt an open learning culture from clinical incidents and patient/staff feedback andimplement improvements as necessary.Co-ordinate the patients discharge arrangements in accordance with the Trusts LocalDischarge Policy.To support patients and their families, ensuring their physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs are identified and metTo identify and meet the educational needs of patients and their carers. People/Management Excellence Assist the Ward Manager in monitoring and appraising the performance of staff within their sphere of responsibility.Participate in monthly ward meetings and any staff meetings.Attend directorate/divisional meetings in absence of Ward Sister, feeding back any learning or new informationBe a leader, achieve good morale, with open communication between all disciplines of staff.Assist the Ward Manager to create and maintain positive working relationships within the multi-disciplinary team.Act as a change agent to promote innovation and high standard of practice.In the absence of Sister, ensure the clinical area has adequate assessors/supervisors tofacilitate student placements. Professional Responsibilities Be responsible for their own development, maintaining a professional portfolio and keeping themselves updated on current nursing issues.Be responsible for their own actions and be bound by the NMCs Code of Professional conduct and all approved Trust policies.Will maintain own skills and knowledge and demonstrate clinical excellence and high standards of practice to other staff.To develop effective working relationships within the directorate/division to promote effective communication and a seamless service for patientsTo demonstrate advance practice in planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care, documenting the outcomes of consultations in the hospital notes.In all aspects of work, challenge and demonstrate an ability to work across organisational and professional boundaries.To identity own personal development needs to work at advanced level and take appropriate action to ensure that these are met. Quality Assurance and Monitoring Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area, sharing any learning with the other surgical wards/areas.Contribute to audit initiatives and encourage changeParticipate in setting and reviewing standards for practice and evaluating outcomes as part ofthe clinical governance agenda.Maintain and promote an awareness of evidence-based practice and participate in itsimplementation.Drive research and service improvement/ development programmes withinthe ward/directorate.Ensure all agreed action plans from national and local strategies, benchmarking standards, such as ward Assessment & Accreditation, and clinical audits arecompleted. If these are not maintained at a satisfactory level, then contribute to put strategiesin place to pursue their achievement. Supporting Financial Excellence Develop and maintain an understanding of budgeting, supported by the Sister/ Matron.Responsible for the effective and efficient use of clinical and physical resources, including bank and agency spends.Maintain e-roster in line with Trust policy.