Professional/Clinical Role To be responsible for the assessment of care needs, the development,implementation and evaluation of programmes of care without supervision To pro-actively co-ordinate the patients discharge or step down arrangements in accordance with Trust Policy 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 of Conduct (2008) To communicate effectively and liaise with all health care staff as appropriate To demonstrate a collaborative approach to planning care through effective communication and decision making between the multi-disciplinary team, patients and significant others Consolidate and extend own clinical skills in all aspects of nursing, furthering own professional knowledge in a rapidly changing environment Provide clinical leadership and development support to the nursing team Where issues of clinical competence are identified, work with the to address them Contribute to the local resolution, investigation and follow action of any informal or formal complaints To prioritise own work and others to ensure the ward/department is managed effectively To provide specialist knowledge and expertise within ward/department Participate in and lead quality initiatives to promote and ensure that nursing care is evidence and research based 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 thechanges made in practice To assist the Ward Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in the implementation of the Trust Nursing & Midwifery Strategy and Corporate Objectives within the clinical area, and monitor its impact on practice To assist the Ward Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in the monitoring of audits and the Trust dashboards. Managerial Role Manage the ward/department in the absence of the Ward Senior Sister/Charge Nurse; coordinating the team and delegating appropriate duties To liaise with Head of Nursing/Clinical Service Manager/Service Manager, reporting any changes in the ward which may affect patient care and practice in the absence of the Ward Senior Sister/Charge Nurse. To provide clinical and managerial leadership and guidance to the nursing team 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 Ward Senior Sister/Charge Nurse To assist the Ward Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in:o The recruitment and selection of nursing staff.o Co-ordinating the off-duty rostero 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 Senior Sister/Charge Nurse. Education Role Participate in the implementation of induction/development programmes for newly qualified/appointed staff in conjunction with the Ward Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and the rest of the team Undertake the regular performance review of staff, setting clear and achievable objectives appropriate to the grade and role In conjunction with the Ward Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and other Sisters/Charge Nurses, identify the training/development needs of staff within the clinical area 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 nursing staff Ensure nursing staff attend mandatory training Professional Role To maintain own personal & professional development, keeping revalidation folders up to date Act as a credible clinical role model Practice in a confident and competent professional manner