KEY DUTIES To be aware of the confidential aspects of the post. Breaches of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action that may involve dismissal. The post holder should also be aware that, regardless of any action taken by the employing authority, breaches of confidentiality could result in civil action for damages. All employees must fully comply with the relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work. They must also understand and implement St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Statement of Policy on Health and Safety at Work and the Trust corporate Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. You are required to follow all applicable rules and procedures relating to Health and Safety at Work and to take all responsible precautions to avoid actions. All staff will be treated with respect by management, colleagues, patients and visitors and equally staff will treat management, colleagues, patients and visitors with the same level of respect. Staff will be supported to challenge any discriminatory behaviour that may be based on difference in race, disability, language, culture, religion, sexuality, age, gender of employment status. CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure individualised care plans are in place for all patients in the designated clinical area. Work within and monitor standards of care within the defined policies, procedures, standards and protocols of the ward and directorate to ensure adherence to and delivery of a high quality service. To ensure privacy and dignity of patients is paramount and not compromised. Regular audit of adherence to ward privacy and dignity guidelines. Ensure effective communication processes are in place to meet the needs of patients, relatives and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Responsible for setting an agreed standard of patient care and ensuring its delivery, monitored by audit Sets a high standard of record keeping regarding patient care which is comprehensive, concise, valid and audited on a regular basis. Responsible for implementing strategies which enable quality targets to be met utilising recognised audit tools. Provide clinical and professional advice to members of the nursing team. Practice at all times within the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Practice. To attend Trust Statutory and Mandatory training as required and any other training courses relevant to the post. To present an appearance which gives a positive image of the Trust and a manner which is appropriate and inspires confidence To ensure fulfilment of the requirements for professional updating and maintain a personal record for future registration purposes. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES To ensure that the recording of patient care is comprehensive, concise and in line with the NMC Record Keeping guidance. Ensure IT systems are current eg ADT TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES To maintain an effective learning environment for all staff, contributing to the training and assessment of staff To act as a role model and expert practitioner, providing support and guidance to nursing staff To participate in the annual performance review of identified staff Band 5 and below in order to identify their training and development needs To participate in an annual performance review to identify the post-holders personal development needs To personally ensure fulfilment of the requirements for professional updating and to maintain a personal record for future registration purposes LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES To deputise for the Ward Manger as requested. Responsible for the management of daily operational responsibilities in the absence of the ward manager including work allocation, deployment and supervision of staff to ensure the smooth running of the ward. Effectively and efficiently contribute to the management and forward planning of nursing resources to ensure that appropriate skill mix is maintained at all times. Lead, support, counsel and appraise grades of staff at Band 5 and below within the nursing team to ensure development needs are identified and a cohesive multi-disciplinary approach is maintained. Sets the standard required for the safe keeping of patients property and valuables. Ensure that equipment is maintained in safe working order and stock managed within the available financial resource. Resolve complaints/issues timely and effectively at local level. Investigate and action plan formal complaints in conjunction with the Ward Manager. To monitor Sickness and Absence at ward level and work closely with the Ward Manager to ensure employees comply with policies/procedures relating to this. To identify options for cost improvements and support and monitor their implementation. To participate with the Ward Manager / Matron in the recruitment, orientation, development and retention of all staff required. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY To support ward manager to marinating effective budgetary control Raise financial awareness Actively support CIP RESEARCH & AUDIT Contribute towards the setting, maintaining and monitoring of standards of care within the Department by leading and participating in surgical audits