Job summary Are you a registered nurse with experience in managerial leadership, looking to make a meaningful difference? In this role, you'll be pivotal in inspiring and motivating a team of nurses and healthcare assistants within our inpatient unit to deliver a high standard of specialist palliative care. Main duties of the job You will create, lead and maintain a nursing culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovation whilst influencing Pilgrims strategy and direction. You will be responsible for improving the patient experience and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care can flourish and be measured. About us Pilgrims Hospices provide care and support for patients with life limiting illness, and their families, in wards and private rooms thoughtfully designed for comfort and care. As well as caring for their medical needs, we support our patients to feel comfortable and happy, whether by spending time in our beautiful gardens, having pampering days, playing a board game with their loved ones, eating their favourite meal, or whatever is special to them. Date posted 06 January 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number B0497-25-0000 Job locations Pilgrims Hospice Hythe Road Willesborough Ashford Kent TN24 0NE Job description Job responsibilities Inpatient Unit - Senior Ward Sister MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ROLE Responsible for providing professional and managerial leadership to the inpatient unit team POSITION IN ORGANISATION Reports to: Head of Nursing Line Manager for: Ward Sisters, Inpatient unit Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants Band: 7 Location: The post is predominantly ward based, however you may be required to travel between sites Job Statement The Senior Ward Sister is responsible for providing inspirational and motivational clinical leadership to a team of nurses, to deliver a high standard of specialist palliative care nursing in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team on the inpatient unit. This includes assessment of patient and family needs in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team, as well as providing expert clinical advice both internally and externally. The post holder will create, lead and maintain a nursing culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovation whilst influencing Pilgrims strategy and direction. The post holder will be responsible for improving the patient experience and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care can flourish and be measured. In conjunction with the Hospice Services Manager the post holder will have responsibility for the safe management and security of the inpatient unit, on a daily basis, which may include weekends when required. To act as a senior member of the care team, influencing development of the organisation. The post holder will manage resources efficiently and effectively within agreed budgets and will be involved in budget setting. DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Clinical Responsibilities / Clinical Management Ensure that planning, implementation and evaluation of total care of the patient and family is individualised, evidence based and of the highest standard and quality. To be a leader and proactive role model with presence within the inpatient unit, integrating with the multi professional team, maintaining an overview of patient care, acting as a resource and offering guidance and support. At regular intervals, monitor the effectiveness of clinical care provided to patients and their families in the inpatient unit by undertaking quality checks, ensuring that working practices are followed at all times and that clinical services are delivered appropriately. Participate in clinical ward rounds on a regular basis to ensure knowledge of patients. Attend the multi professional team meetings to provide expert opinion on patient and clinical care issues. Attend or chair meetings both within the hospice and externally as required. Ensure the promotion of the safety, well being and interests of patients, staff and visitors to the clinical area. Lead on the identification of risks which may impact upon patients and the delivery of a high quality clinical service. Promote awareness of risk management amongst junior staff and colleagues. Ensure staff give support and advice to patients families and other health care professionals contacting the hospice, both in and out of hours, and document appropriately Use complaints and concerns positively and proactively to review and improve the quality of the service and lead on the development and progression of action plans arising from complaints. Ensure the Senior Nurse Manager or Clinical Lead is informed of any significant changes in the day to day situation of the inpatient unit. 2. Professional Leadership Demonstrate effective leadership skills and provide regular team meetings, supervision of staff, and ensuring annual appraisals & PDPs for the nursing team are completed within the time required. Demonstrate the necessary skills to establish and maintain high level effective communication to patients, relatives and members of the multi professional team. Work across all shift patterns to ensure high visibility, effective leadership and management of the nursing team. In conjunction with senior colleagues within the multi professional team respond positively to change initiatives, demonstrating awareness of the implications and acting as an effective change agent. Ensure that communication within the team is a two way process, supporting and empowering staff to make suggestions or decisions around aspects of improvement to the patient experience. Actively establish and develop relationships with internal and external agencies and organisations as part of a wider system of promoting Pilgrims Hospice with key stakeholders. Supervise and evaluate nursing documentation continuously and implement any required actions to ensure high quality professional documentation; ensuring all documentation is accurate, up to date and review dates are in place and achieved. In conjunction with Senior clinical colleagues and the wider nursing team, ensure that clinical policies and procedures reflect best practice, professional codes of conduct, The Care Quality Commission Standards In conjunction with the leads for Infection Prevention, Tissue Viability and Manual Handling ensure all clinical areas adhere to Pilgrims Policies and best practice guidelines. Ensure that regular team meetings are held to ensure dissemination of information and a two way forum for communication, and that minutes are circulated in a timely fashion and actions are completed. Together with Senior Nurse Manager and senior nursing team set standards / competencies of nursing care and ensure that these are maintained at optimum level. Take responsibility for accessing regular clinical supervision / reflective practice. Ensure that the care given is fully compliant with the CQC and CCG standards at all times. Actively contribute to the delivery of Pilgrims Hospices Patient Service Strategy Be aware of and accept responsibility for own clinical practice. Maintain and continue personal development in symptom control, leadership and management, teaching and communication skills. 3. People Management and Development Ensure that the inpatient unit has an appropriate establishment and skill mix and that duty rotas meet the needs of the clinical area at all times. Support the management of nursing staff and ward based volunteers on a daily basis, including induction, recruitment, appraisals, performance management involving line manager if areas of concern are identified. Work collaboratively to develop and implement staff clinical competencies. To monitor the performance of the deputy ward sister through effective performance review and empower the deputy sister to manage performance related issues of team members. Ensure all nursing staff are fully compliant with all aspects of statutory and mandatory training. Ensure identification of relevant, appropriate ongoing training requirements for all inpatient nursing staff and that there is a training plan in place to facilitate individual training needs in line with Pilgrims service objectives. Monitor the evaluations and outcomes of student placements; put any actions in place that are identified to ensure the placement remains a preferred choice from the local university. Act as a role model and mentor, demonstrating positive attitudes and behaviour at all times as per Pilgrims Behaviours and Values Framework. Accept direct line-management responsibility for the inpatient unit flexi bank nurses and HCAs ensuring they receive all ward and organisational communications and comply with training and performance requirements. Take responsibility for the training, orientation and probationary evaluation of all newly appointed nursing staff. Deliver and participate in teaching sessions in areas of expertise within the hospice and externally if required. Take responsibility for your own professional development, including keeping up to date with relevant clinical, professional and management issues at local and national level. Ensure that you are fully compliant with the requirements of professional revalidation. 4. Finance / Resource Management Ensure that inpatient unit patient equipment is used and maintained in a safe and serviceable condition and that faults are reported promptly. Monitor the use of flexi bank and additional hours, being mindful of keeping within the agreed budget and highlighting excess use to the Senior Nurse Manager for Inpatient Services. 5. Audit, Research and Policy Development Engage in research, audit and quality initiatives, encouraging participation and awareness within the nursing team. In collaboration with the MDT lead audit programmes ensuring wide ownership and active participation across the inpatient unit nursing team Implement any learning from audit and research projects Assist the lead nurses for Infection Prevention and Tissue Viability with conducting ward audits such as hand hygiene compliance, mattress and environmental audits, sharps adherence and commode cleaning audits. To contribute to the development of new policies and the review of existing policies and procedures. To be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of compliance against policies and procedures, including issues arising from complaints or incidents. Job description Job responsibilities Inpatient Unit - Senior Ward Sister MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ROLE Responsible for providing professional and managerial leadership to the inpatient unit team POSITION IN ORGANISATION Reports to: Head of Nursing Line Manager for: Ward Sisters, Inpatient unit Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants Band: 7 Location: The post is predominantly ward based, however you may be required to travel between sites Job Statement The Senior Ward Sister is responsible for providing inspirational and motivational clinical leadership to a team of nurses, to deliver a high standard of specialist palliative care nursing in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team on the inpatient unit. This includes assessment of patient and family needs in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team, as well as providing expert clinical advice both internally and externally. The post holder will create, lead and maintain a nursing culture which is open to change, new ideas, concepts and innovation whilst influencing Pilgrims strategy and direction. The post holder will be responsible for improving the patient experience and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care can flourish and be measured. In conjunction with the Hospice Services Manager the post holder will have responsibility for the safe management and security of the inpatient unit, on a daily basis, which may include weekends when required. To act as a senior member of the care team, influencing development of the organisation. The post holder will manage resources efficiently and effectively within agreed budgets and will be involved in budget setting. DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Clinical Responsibilities / Clinical Management Ensure that planning, implementation and evaluation of total care of the patient and family is individualised, evidence based and of the highest standard and quality. To be a leader and proactive role model with presence within the inpatient unit, integrating with the multi professional team, maintaining an overview of patient care, acting as a resource and offering guidance and support. At regular intervals, monitor the effectiveness of clinical care provided to patients and their families in the inpatient unit by undertaking quality checks, ensuring that working practices are followed at all times and that clinical services are delivered appropriately. Participate in clinical ward rounds on a regular basis to ensure knowledge of patients. Attend the multi professional team meetings to provide expert opinion on patient and clinical care issues. Attend or chair meetings both within the hospice and externally as required. Ensure the promotion of the safety, well being and interests of patients, staff and visitors to the clinical area. Lead on the identification of risks which may impact upon patients and the delivery of a high quality clinical service. Promote awareness of risk management amongst junior staff and colleagues. Ensure staff give support and advice to patients families and other health care professionals contacting the hospice, both in and out of hours, and document appropriately Use complaints and concerns positively and proactively to review and improve the quality of the service and lead on the development and progression of action plans arising from complaints. Ensure the Senior Nurse Manager or Clinical Lead is informed of any significant changes in the day to day situation of the inpatient unit. 2. Professional Leadership Demonstrate effective leadership skills and provide regular team meetings, supervision of staff, and ensuring annual appraisals & PDPs for the nursing team are completed within the time required. Demonstrate the necessary skills to establish and maintain high level effective communication to patients, relatives and members of the multi professional team. Work across all shift patterns to ensure high visibility, effective leadership and management of the nursing team. In conjunction with senior colleagues within the multi professional team respond positively to change initiatives, demonstrating awareness of the implications and acting as an effective change agent. Ensure that communication within the team is a two way process, supporting and empowering staff to make suggestions or decisions around aspects of improvement to the patient experience. Actively establish and develop relationships with internal and external agencies and organisations as part of a wider system of promoting Pilgrims Hospice with key stakeholders. Supervise and evaluate nursing documentation continuously and implement any required actions to ensure high quality professional documentation; ensuring all documentation is accurate, up to date and review dates are in place and achieved. In conjunction with Senior clinical colleagues and the wider nursing team, ensure that clinical policies and procedures reflect best practice, professional codes of conduct, The Care Quality Commission Standards In conjunction with the leads for Infection Prevention, Tissue Viability and Manual Handling ensure all clinical areas adhere to Pilgrims Policies and best practice guidelines. Ensure that regular team meetings are held to ensure dissemination of information and a two way forum for communication, and that minutes are circulated in a timely fashion and actions are completed. Together with Senior Nurse Manager and senior nursing team set standards / competencies of nursing care and ensure that these are maintained at optimum level. Take responsibility for accessing regular clinical supervision / reflective practice. Ensure that the care given is fully compliant with the CQC and CCG standards at all times. Actively contribute to the delivery of Pilgrims Hospices Patient Service Strategy Be aware of and accept responsibility for own clinical practice. Maintain and continue personal development in symptom control, leadership and management, teaching and communication skills. 3. People Management and Development Ensure that the inpatient unit has an appropriate establishment and skill mix and that duty rotas meet the needs of the clinical area at all times. Support the management of nursing staff and ward based volunteers on a daily basis, including induction, recruitment, appraisals, performance management involving line manager if areas of concern are identified. Work collaboratively to develop and implement staff clinical competencies. To monitor the performance of the deputy ward sister through effective performance review and empower the deputy sister to manage performance related issues of team members. Ensure all nursing staff are fully compliant with all aspects of statutory and mandatory training. Ensure identification of relevant, appropriate ongoing training requirements for all inpatient nursing staff and that there is a training plan in place to facilitate individual training needs in line with Pilgrims service objectives. Monitor the evaluations and outcomes of student placements; put any actions in place that are identified to ensure the placement remains a preferred choice from the local university. Act as a role model and mentor, demonstrating positive attitudes and behaviour at all times as per Pilgrims Behaviours and Values Framework. Accept direct line-management responsibility for the inpatient unit flexi bank nurses and HCAs ensuring they receive all ward and organisational communications and comply with training and performance requirements. Take responsibility for the training, orientation and probationary evaluation of all newly appointed nursing staff. Deliver and participate in teaching sessions in areas of expertise within the hospice and externally if required. Take responsibility for your own professional development, including keeping up to date with relevant clinical, professional and management issues at local and national level. Ensure that you are fully compliant with the requirements of professional revalidation. 4. Finance / Resource Management Ensure that inpatient unit patient equipment is used and maintained in a safe and serviceable condition and that faults are reported promptly. Monitor the use of flexi bank and additional hours, being mindful of keeping within the agreed budget and highlighting excess use to the Senior Nurse Manager for Inpatient Services. 5. Audit, Research and Policy Development Engage in research, audit and quality initiatives, encouraging participation and awareness within the nursing team. In collaboration with the MDT lead audit programmes ensuring wide ownership and active participation across the inpatient unit nursing team Implement any learning from audit and research projects Assist the lead nurses for Infection Prevention and Tissue Viability with conducting ward audits such as hand hygiene compliance, mattress and environmental audits, sharps adherence and commode cleaning audits. To contribute to the development of new policies and the review of existing policies and procedures. To be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of compliance against policies and procedures, including issues arising from complaints or incidents. Person Specification Experience Essential - Experience of successful team leadership as a senior post holder - Previous experience at Band 6 or equivalent within a palliative care or comparable setting - Experience of introducing change in a clinical service. - Experience of working with a patient-centred philosophy of multi-professional team working. - Experience of formal and informal teaching - Experience of standard setting and audit Qualifications Essential - Registered Nurse - Healthcare Leadership Training - Qualification or working towards a Healthcare Management qualification or equivalent. - Relevant degree or working towards - Independent Prescriber specific to Palliative Care; or willing to complete within one year of start date. Person Specification Experience Essential - Experience of successful team leadership as a senior post holder - Previous experience at Band 6 or equivalent within a palliative care or comparable setting - Experience of introducing change in a clinical service. - Experience of working with a patient-centred philosophy of multi-professional team working. - Experience of formal and informal teaching - Experience of standard setting and audit Qualifications Essential - Registered Nurse - Healthcare Leadership Training - Qualification or working towards a Healthcare Management qualification or equivalent. - Relevant degree or working towards - Independent Prescriber specific to Palliative Care; or willing to complete within one year of start date. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent Address Pilgrims Hospice Hythe Road Willesborough Ashford Kent TN24 0NE Employer's website https://www.pilgrimshospices.org/jobs (Opens in a new tab)