Professional Clinical Role Responsible for the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care without supervision. On a shift-by-shift basis, take responsibility for a case-load of patients, where the post-holder is the named nurse. Co-ordinate and monitor the progress of patients along their critical pathway, reporting any variance from the pathway. Take named responsibility for co-ordinating individual patients discharge. Ensure that all nursing practice within the clinical area complies with Trust Nursing policies and procedures. To comply at all times with the NMC Code (2015). To communicate effectively and liaise with all health care staff as appropriate. To encourage and maintain good relationships with Medical Staff and other members of the Primary care & Social Services teams in order to provide the best care. Consolidate and extend own clinical skills in all aspects of nursing, furthering own professional knowledge in a rapidly changing environment. To ensure that all issues relating to the implementation of clinical governance are addressed on the unit. This includes maintaining and reviewing the standards of care on a regular basis, implementing changes to improve the service where necessary following complaints, ensuring systems are in place to manage all risk and to regulate professional practice. All staff must be made aware of their own individual responsibilities as regards clinical governance. Provide clinical leadership and development support to the nursing team. Where issues of clinical competence are identified, work with the Ward Manager to overcome them. Pro-actively respond to potential complaints, to prevent formal complaints from occurring. To continue to develop services within the ward in conjunction with Matron and Senior Sister. Represent the department at committees and meetings. Practice Development To participate in the systematic monitoring and evaluation of nursing practice within the clinical area, ensuring that it is evidence-based. In conjunction with the ward team, participate in the development of action plans which aim to enhance the quality of practice using the results of audits undertaken. Participate in the evaluation of the changes made in practice. To assist the Senior Sister in the implementation of the Trust Nursing & Midwifery strategy and Corporate Objectives within the clinical area, and monitor its impact on practice. Managerial Role To deputise for the Senior Sister as required. This may involve taking on the leadership of specific projects, attending meetings, and enhancing the service offered to patients. To provide clinical and managerial leadership and guidance to the Nursing team. To regularly co-ordinate the shift as the nurse in charge as per Trust Guidelines. Within that responsibility; plan, organise and deploy staff according to competencies and workload in order to meet patient needs. To take lead responsibility for a team of qualified nurses and Healthcare Assistants, supporting their personal and practice development. This includes regular appraisals and performance management where appropriate. Take responsibility for recruiting and retaining team members in conjunction with the Senior Sister. To assist the Senior Sister in: The recruitment and selection of nursing staff. Co-ordinating the off-duty roster Induction of bank/agency and new staff to the clinical area. To ensure adequate supply of medical and surgical equipment, linen and any other type of equipment required in the absence of the Ward Manager. To liaise with Matron/Head of Nursing/Private Patient Manager/Hotel Service Manager, reporting any changes in the ward which may affect patient care and practice in the absence of the Senior Sister. Education Role Participate in the implementation of induction/development programmes for newly qualified/appointed staff in conjunction with the Senior Sister and the rest of the team. In conjunction with the Senior Sister and other Junior Sister/Charge Nurse, identify the training/development needs of staff within the clinical area, and put together a development/action plan, which seeks to meet those needs. Facilitate the implementation of clinical competencies within the clinical environment. Facilitate the implementation of clinical supervision within the clinical area, providing clinical support where appropriate Act as a mentor & preceptor to junior nursing staff. Professional Role To maintain own personal & professional development, keeping CPD folders up to date. This job description is an indication of the type and range of tasks that are expected of the postholder, and other duties may be required, in line with the role and the banding. It will be reviewed and amended from time to time in consultation with the postholder to take account of changing organisational need.