KEY DUTIES Communication & Responsibilities Provides and receives complex information, communicating sensitively and confidentially information relating to patients/clients (for example, care plan discussions with patients). Communicates in a compassionate and empathetic manner, using persuasion and reassurance Ability to recognise barriers to communication, and ability to modify communication style as and when required. Ability to effectively communicate whilst providing training to students. Demonstrate effective communications skills with the wider MDT team Clinical Skills To be responsible for planning and organising a defined caseload of patients on a continuing basis. To assess, plan, implement/deliver and evaluate patient care for a defined caseload and recognize signs of deterioration/change and respond according to protocol. Maintain appropriate levels of training for clinical skills as needed within scope of practice To maintain safe custody of drugs, ensuring that checking, witnessing and administration procedures are compatible with statutory and trust requirements. In the absence of Sister/Charge Nurse effectively respond to complaints/concerns and escalate as required To ensure clinical incident/near misses are managed and reported and escalated in a timely manner. To be part of the multidisciplinary team decision making, acting when required as the patients advocate in order to support the patients pathway. Work within the organisational policy, standard operating procedures and guidelines. To undertake risk assessments and implement risk reducing measures. To report and escalate to the Line Manager any deficiencies in the arrangements for minimizing risk. Ensure that privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times. Use of Resources To actively participate in the effective and efficient use of the ward/departmental resources and equipment, including stock management and care and maintenance of equipment. Handles patients valuables, ensuring safe storage and transportation Sign off agency timesheets in order to verify and record the hours worked. Liaise with the Roster Coordinator to ensure your personal roster is balanced within the roster period. To order and receipt goods in accordance with the Trusts financial framework. Team Development To deputise in the absence of the Sister/Charge Nurse. To manage own time and that of others, through delegations to ensure high quality service delivery. To act as assessor/supervisor for junior staff and students. To participate in the setting of yearly personal and professional objectives for self Support the departments appraisal process for junior staff, by providing feedback To be flexible in the delivery of safe staffing across the Trust and participate in redeployment requirements within scope of practice Personal Development To identify areas for self-development, areas of interest and training requirements within individual personal performance planning and development review. To maintain a professional portfolio and reflective diary for developmental purposes and revalidation. Support the rest of the team by recognising own and promoting self-help and wellbeing Develop a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environments Adopt a reflective approach to own practice with a view to continually improve RESEARCH & AUDIT To contribute to the collection of data for research and audit purposes. To identify audit topics relevant to the ward/department. To critically evaluate research before applying to clinic practice in order to enhance patient care.