Job summary Surgical Assessment Unit Band 7 Ward manager An exciting opportunity has arisen for a demonstrably experienced and highly motivated Registered Nurse to take on the role of Senior Sister/Charge Nurse band 7. This is on the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU), a 19 bedded emergency surgical ward, with nurse led triage and post take areas. We are seeking to recruit someone with the commitment to help us provide a high quality service for patients staying on the ward and to help to continue to develop the unit further. Working as a senior sister or charge nurse is a challenging job which comes with many rewards, if you are self-motivated, up for the challenge of being a leader for this Ward and have a keen interest in emergency surgical specialities then this job would suit you. The surgical directorate run block training study days to help ensure staff have protected time to complete mandatory training and to receive focused yearly updates on equipment and other competencies such as ANTT. Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome. Main duties of the job To provide Clinical Nurse Management, Clinical Leadership and expertise in all aspects of service delivery within sphere of responsibility To continue to provide leadership and guidance in working towards an amalgamated service both in the short and long term. The post holder, with support from the Matron, will ensure that high standards are developed, implemented, evaluated and maintained, with required change planned in accordance with the framework of Clinical Governance. To lead by example, acting as a role model to all members of the nursing team, leading care teams and creating a positive learning environment. To deploy and supervise all nursing staff effectively. Acts as an expert resource on Nursing care of patients within the specialities and holds a key role in the multidisciplinary team Delegated responsibility for the management of the pay and non-pay budget within sphere of responsibility. Responsible for recruitment from Health Care Assistant up to and including Band 6 Nurses. We are supportive of flexible working to improve an individuals work life balance and help ensure we have the excellent, skilled staff within the directorate. 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 25 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year Per Annum Pro Rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 216-LD-S7002596 Job locations Surgical Assessment Unit Derriford Hospital Plymouth PL6 8DH Job description Job responsibilities PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY1. Continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs and setting standards by: Managing and developing the nursing resource. Ensuring staff work within national and locally agreed policies and procedures. Compiling, implementation and evaluation of philosophies of care, ensuring support for the patient and his/her family and all staff members. Working closely with consultants and bed management teams to manage the demand of elective and emergency admissions. Manage all aspects of recruitment and retention of staff, including sickness and absence, appraisals and staff training in line with Trust policies. Development of policies and planning of specialist/new services either as part of the multi-disciplinary clinical/management team, or where appropriate as individual lead. Working closely with the service line management team in the area of responsibility to play an active role in service development and achievement of specialty based targets. Planning off-duty rotas to make effective use of staff. Being responsible as the delegated budget holder for efficient and effective usage of the available resources, working within budget and identifying savings with support from the Matron. Maintains and develops specialist protocols and policies for specialist area of care. Be a member of relevant professional association and attend regional/national meetings and conferences. 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. 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 Matron, 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. Providing Specialist Nursing advice to the multidisciplinary team. Identifying and interpreting complex patient needs in relation to their disease and proposed treatment. 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. Supports patients, their families & carers during the delivery of bad news, caring for the terminally ill and in the event of death. Safely set up & maintain subcutaneous & intravenous pumps and administer all medications in accordance with Trust & NMC guidelines. Be competent in the administration procedures relating to all blood products as per Trust policy. Recognise, react to & manage appropriately emergencies related to this speciality. Organise urgent admissions & transfers to the unit in accordance with Trust policies. Able to undertake the skill of apheresis 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, organising Ward Meetings and participating in Directorate forums as required. Playing an active role in the integration of Patient and Public Involvement. Effecting change in order to meet changing patient need. Providing Senior Nurse cover within the Directorate and deputising for Matron as required. To participate in the 355 rota/Major Incident Policy. 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, e.g. end of life issues. 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. EducationTo be responsible for the continuing assessment of performance and the identification of development needs of team members by: Ensuring that all new members of the team have a designated Mentor and participate in the induction and education of all new members of the team. Leading programmes to support staff in meeting PREP requirements. Actively participating in the educational programme of all staff, including students. Close liaison with the Practice Development Department, 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 All Job Holders are required to Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training. Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training. Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust. Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post. Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk. Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families. Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame. Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services. Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures. Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations. Assessing risks and implementing the necessary actions to minimise these risks within their sphere of responsibility. They must also enable staff to attend the relevant statutory and essential training. Managing attendance in accordance with the Trusts Attendance Management Policy. Ensuring all necessary risk assessments are carried out within their division, Service Line or department in liaison with relevant sources of specialist support and expertise within the Trust. They must also ensure that the risk management process is completed appropriately. Note This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines. Job description Job responsibilities PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY1. Continuing responsibility for the assessment of care needs and setting standards by: Managing and developing the nursing resource. Ensuring staff work within national and locally agreed policies and procedures. Compiling, implementation and evaluation of philosophies of care, ensuring support for the patient and his/her family and all staff members. Working closely with consultants and bed management teams to manage the demand of elective and emergency admissions. Manage all aspects of recruitment and retention of staff, including sickness and absence, appraisals and staff training in line with Trust policies. Development of policies and planning of specialist/new services either as part of the multi-disciplinary clinical/management team, or where appropriate as individual lead. Working closely with the service line management team in the area of responsibility to play an active role in service development and achievement of specialty based targets. Planning off-duty rotas to make effective use of staff. Being responsible as the delegated budget holder for efficient and effective usage of the available resources, working within budget and identifying savings with support from the Matron. Maintains and develops specialist protocols and policies for specialist area of care. Be a member of relevant professional association and attend regional/national meetings and conferences. 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. 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 Matron, 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. Providing Specialist Nursing advice to the multidisciplinary team. Identifying and interpreting complex patient needs in relation to their disease and proposed treatment. 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. Supports patients, their families & carers during the delivery of bad news, caring for the terminally ill and in the event of death. Safely set up & maintain subcutaneous & intravenous pumps and administer all medications in accordance with Trust & NMC guidelines. Be competent in the administration procedures relating to all blood products as per Trust policy. Recognise, react to & manage appropriately emergencies related to this speciality. Organise urgent admissions & transfers to the unit in accordance with Trust policies. Able to undertake the skill of apheresis 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, organising Ward Meetings and participating in Directorate forums as required. Playing an active role in the integration of Patient and Public Involvement. Effecting change in order to meet changing patient need. Providing Senior Nurse cover within the Directorate and deputising for Matron as required. To participate in the 355 rota/Major Incident Policy. 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, e.g. end of life issues. 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. EducationTo be responsible for the continuing assessment of performance and the identification of development needs of team members by: Ensuring that all new members of the team have a designated Mentor and participate in the induction and education of all new members of the team. Leading programmes to support staff in meeting PREP requirements. Actively participating in the educational programme of all staff, including students. Close liaison with the Practice Development Department, 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 All Job Holders are required to Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training. Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training. Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust. Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post. Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk. Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families. Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame. Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services. Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures. Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations. Assessing risks and implementing the necessary actions to minimise these risks within their sphere of responsibility. They must also enable staff to attend the relevant statutory and essential training. Managing attendance in accordance with the Trusts Attendance Management Policy. Ensuring all necessary risk assessments are carried out within their division, Service Line or department in liaison with relevant sources of specialist support and expertise within the Trust. They must also ensure that the risk management process is completed appropriately. Note This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Post basic critical care course Teaching / Mentoring qualification Current RN registration with the NMC Desirable Recent proven evidence of continued clinical development Experience Essential Demonstrable experience in a similar role Change management demonstrable experience Proven evidence of team leadership Desirable Recent proven evidence of continued leadership development Knowledge Essential Advanced ICU skills and proven knowledge Step 3 competency Desirable Step 4 competency Person Specification Qualifications Essential Post basic critical care course Teaching / Mentoring qualification Current RN registration with the NMC Desirable Recent proven evidence of continued clinical development Experience Essential Demonstrable experience in a similar role Change management demonstrable experience Proven evidence of team leadership Desirable Recent proven evidence of continued leadership development Knowledge Essential Advanced ICU skills and proven knowledge Step 3 competency Desirable Step 4 competency 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 Surgical Assessment Unit Derriford Hospital Plymouth PL6 8DH Employer's website https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)