Job summary Merrivale Ward is a stroke unit comprising of 8 HASU beds and 20 ASU beds. We admit patients directly to the ward from ED who have suffered an acute stroke. We offer a Mechanical Thrombectomy service for the whole Peninsula region, and undertake Thrombolysis on eligible patients This is an exciting time as the stroke service expands and develops, and we are looking for Registered Nurses with excellent leadership qualities to join the team. There are many opportunities for learning and development, and this is an excellent speciality for career progression Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification. Main duties of the job The ideal candidate must show a commitment to high quality patient care and excellent team work along with a genuine interest in the care of stroke patients & development of the Stroke Service. You will be expected to work internal rotation including evenings, weekends and night shifts and have strong leadership skills, with ability and enthusiasm to continually improve our service while supporting the staff, students, patients and relatives. We are looking for someone who is an excellent communicator and team worker -flexible and motivated, along with a positive attitude to introducing new initiatives to facilitate the change and taking an active management role which you will be required to demonstrate at interview. You must have demonstrable experience as a registered nurse with some experience in caring for stroke patients As a team we are dedicated to delivering high quality care for our patients and currently have an exciting and ongoing programme for improvement, which allows us to constantly review our practice and pathways. We have a dedicated Clinical Educator who works alongside the teams in practice, ensuring that all staff have the competencies and education required to undertake all the tasks required About us We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted. Date posted 24 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 216-EG-M6965272 Job locations Derriford Derriford Road Plymouth PL6 8DH Job description Job responsibilities 1. Continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs and setting standards by: Assisting in developing the nursing resource within Acute Stroke Unit Ensuring staff work within national and locally agreed policies and procedures. Working closely with MDT to manage the demand for acute beds Assisting with recruitment and retention of staff, including sickness and absence, appraisals and staff training in line with Trust policies Planning off-duty rotas to make effective use of staff. Participates in clinical research and audit and contributes to development of knowledge within field of expertise. Supports and advises junior staff who wish to undertake audit and research. Role modelling good behaviours and managing those who fall below expected standards of behaviour Clinical Delivery of Infection Control practice as defined by National recommendations and local policies. Teaching staff to understand their responsibilities e.g. environmental cleanliness, maintenance and use of all equipment within clinical setting Ensuring staff understand and implement actions and responsibilities e.g. environmental cleanliness, maintenance and use of all equipment within clinical setting With support from the Ward Manager, lead the investigation and follow up of all clinical incidents and complaints ensuring that any corrective action is implemented. Acts as a role model for excellence, maintaining own clinical competence and active NMC registration. Identifying and interpreting complex patient needs in relation to their disease and proposed treatment. Actively participating in MDT meetings to ensure timely and best outcomes for the patients Reporting and documenting all relevant nursing/patient needs, communicating changes with other health care professionals in the multi-disciplinary team with ongoing responsibility for patient care, both verbally & in writing, as they occur. Providing and delivering health information, education & promotion within the clinical area and advise patients, family, and others in a manner which maintains an individuals privacy & dignity. Communicates highly sensitive and emotive information about patients conditions to patients and significant others. Identifies, assesses and meet the educational and training needs of patients and carers. Engage & interact with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patients care, planning as outlined in the ward philosophy. Work closely with the Stroke Specialist Nurses Supports patients, their families & carers in association with other members of the MDT Safely administer all medications in accordance with Trust & NMC guidelines. Recognise, react to & manage appropriately emergencies related to this speciality.. Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring high standards and safe practice are maintained by: Adhering to the guidelines of the Health & Safety at Work Act. Utilisation of Trust Risk Assessment documentation, to ensure that Health & Safety / Clinical risk issues are identified and actioned in the ward area. Communication Establish and maintain effective communication channels within and outside the department by: Leading the establishment of a teamwork philosophy, empowering others to take part in the decision making process. Actively involved in regular Sisters Meetings Maintain good relationships between all members of staff, thus developing professionalism through the unit. Ensure good communication both verbally and via formal documentation with all members of the nursing and multidisciplinary team. Able to communicate effectively in demanding and challenging situations, Accept responsibility; be aware and able to locate all policies relating to good working practice within the clinical area and able to adhere to both by self and colleagues, and to challenge staff about their location. Ensure carers/family and visitors are aware of policies, standards/guidelines relevant to the patients care or clinical area. Provide specialist knowledge to other areas, when assistance/advice is required. Education To be responsible for the continuing assessment of performance and the identification of development needs of team members by: Participate in the induction and education of all new members of the team. Leading programmes to support staff in meeting revalidation requirements. Actively participating in the educational programme of all staff, including students, offering practical and clinical guidance and attending lectures and meetings as required. Constantly updating own knowledge, recognising the importance of a critical approach to research and developments in nursing For further details please see the attached JD & PS. Job description Job responsibilities 1. Continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs and setting standards by: Assisting in developing the nursing resource within Acute Stroke Unit Ensuring staff work within national and locally agreed policies and procedures. Working closely with MDT to manage the demand for acute beds Assisting with recruitment and retention of staff, including sickness and absence, appraisals and staff training in line with Trust policies Planning off-duty rotas to make effective use of staff. Participates in clinical research and audit and contributes to development of knowledge within field of expertise. Supports and advises junior staff who wish to undertake audit and research. Role modelling good behaviours and managing those who fall below expected standards of behaviour Clinical Delivery of Infection Control practice as defined by National recommendations and local policies. Teaching staff to understand their responsibilities e.g. environmental cleanliness, maintenance and use of all equipment within clinical setting Ensuring staff understand and implement actions and responsibilities e.g. environmental cleanliness, maintenance and use of all equipment within clinical setting With support from the Ward Manager, lead the investigation and follow up of all clinical incidents and complaints ensuring that any corrective action is implemented. Acts as a role model for excellence, maintaining own clinical competence and active NMC registration. Identifying and interpreting complex patient needs in relation to their disease and proposed treatment. Actively participating in MDT meetings to ensure timely and best outcomes for the patients Reporting and documenting all relevant nursing/patient needs, communicating changes with other health care professionals in the multi-disciplinary team with ongoing responsibility for patient care, both verbally & in writing, as they occur. Providing and delivering health information, education & promotion within the clinical area and advise patients, family, and others in a manner which maintains an individuals privacy & dignity. Communicates highly sensitive and emotive information about patients conditions to patients and significant others. Identifies, assesses and meet the educational and training needs of patients and carers. Engage & interact with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patients care, planning as outlined in the ward philosophy. Work closely with the Stroke Specialist Nurses Supports patients, their families & carers in association with other members of the MDT Safely administer all medications in accordance with Trust & NMC guidelines. Recognise, react to & manage appropriately emergencies related to this speciality.. Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring high standards and safe practice are maintained by: Adhering to the guidelines of the Health & Safety at Work Act. Utilisation of Trust Risk Assessment documentation, to ensure that Health & Safety / Clinical risk issues are identified and actioned in the ward area. Communication Establish and maintain effective communication channels within and outside the department by: Leading the establishment of a teamwork philosophy, empowering others to take part in the decision making process. Actively involved in regular Sisters Meetings Maintain good relationships between all members of staff, thus developing professionalism through the unit. Ensure good communication both verbally and via formal documentation with all members of the nursing and multidisciplinary team. Able to communicate effectively in demanding and challenging situations, Accept responsibility; be aware and able to locate all policies relating to good working practice within the clinical area and able to adhere to both by self and colleagues, and to challenge staff about their location. Ensure carers/family and visitors are aware of policies, standards/guidelines relevant to the patients care or clinical area. Provide specialist knowledge to other areas, when assistance/advice is required. Education To be responsible for the continuing assessment of performance and the identification of development needs of team members by: Participate in the induction and education of all new members of the team. Leading programmes to support staff in meeting revalidation requirements. Actively participating in the educational programme of all staff, including students, offering practical and clinical guidance and attending lectures and meetings as required. Constantly updating own knowledge, recognising the importance of a critical approach to research and developments in nursing For further details please see the attached JD & PS. Person Specification Knowledge & Experience Essential Extensive demonstrable experience at a senior level Demonstrable Management and leadership experience Desirable Demonstrable stroke experience Qualifications Essential NMC Registration Degree in Health-related subject/or equivalent demonstrable experience Leadership course or the willingness to undertake Desirable Second registerable qualification relevant to stroke Educated to Master's Level Recognised Teaching qualification Computer literate Aptitude & Abilities Essential Good organisational and communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels Effective influencing skills: in general and with senior health care professionals Teaching and mentoring skills Desirable Demonstrable experience of managing and controlling a budget Person Specification Knowledge & Experience Essential Extensive demonstrable experience at a senior level Demonstrable Management and leadership experience Desirable Demonstrable stroke experience Qualifications Essential NMC Registration Degree in Health-related subject/or equivalent demonstrable experience Leadership course or the willingness to undertake Desirable Second registerable qualification relevant to stroke Educated to Master's Level Recognised Teaching qualification Computer literate Aptitude & Abilities Essential Good organisational and communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels Effective influencing skills: in general and with senior health care professionals Teaching and mentoring skills Desirable Demonstrable experience of managing and controlling a budget 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 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 University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Address Derriford Derriford Road Plymouth PL6 8DH Employer's website https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)