Ward Sister

**Job Summary**: To provide leadership for clinical services within the IPU including managing, planning and developing nursing services on the IPU under the guidance of Inpatient Unit Clinical Services Manager (IPU CSM) supporting the delivery of high quality, research based care. To lead, support, supervise the team, through the process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive professional integrity, balance and perspective. The team of WS/CN lead the management of the ward team and patient care on a daily basis, promoting a positive working environment, and works together with IPU CSM on identifying means of improving working practices and culture. To work with all members of the multidisciplinary team to support the implementation of services and initiatives that meet the organisational strategy and to ensure all aspects of care is maintained at a high standard.

To deputise for the IPU CSM when necessary at organisational meetings, to support the leadership and management of the Inpatient Unit with emphasis on quality and clinical standards. Pivotal to the post is the development of junior staff to ensure that care is patient focused and reflects current and emergent needs of the specialist palliative care patient The post holder must work in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code of professional conduct and Wirral Hospice St Johns Core Values and Policies and Procedures. Ward sisters will display confidence and self-motivation, excellent communication skills at all times, utilising clinical knowledge and experience, and acting as a resource to all nursing staff and other healthcare professionals, providing education as part of your role. Key Responsibilities Clinical and Professional Be responsible for co-ordinating a caseload of patients and staff on a shift, to ensure that all calls relating to palliative care enquiries are dealt with in a timely professional manner.

Put quality at the heart of practice by delivering evidenced based individualised and personalised care through holistic needs assessment, care planning and evaluation of care and all care interventions. In conjunction with other members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team assess plan, implement and evaluate patient care, utilising agreed assessment tools and approaches. Maintain accurate and legible records in accordance with professional and organisational guidelines utilising hospice records systems. To maintain collaborative working relationships and effective communications between all members of the multidisciplinary team, resolving conflict and working within the team to ensure a high standard of co-ordinated patient care.

Work with all members of the Inpatient team to identify the need for and manage appropriate referral processes for in internal or external professionals and services as required. Work as an autonomous practitioner with an expert knowledge in palliative care. Carrying out all relevant forms of care and interventions without direct supervision in accordance with organisational and professional guidelines and competencies. To achieve and maintain clinical competencies specific to the role and organisation, facilitating the development and achievement of competence in others.

To be a competent practitioner, leading innovation and demonstrating clinical expertise acting as resource and advisor of expertise to colleagues and patients in other clinical areas Ensure safe use of equipment and follow medical devices policy Work within agreed correct policy for all aspects of management of medication Be involved in the education of patients and their families regarding the various aspects of their health and wellbeing. Take a lead role in managing conflict, complex dynamics and first line complaints with patients and family members Managerial & Leadership In Support of the IPU CSM In discussion with IPU CSM to monitor and report on the nursing performance and implement action plans to address areas for improvement. The ward sister supports the CSM in leadership, education, and to improve quality, operational clinical initiatives, promote best practices for clinical excellence, service excellence, and patient safety. This role will support the CSM in the supportive steps process as part of the medication management within the Inpatient Unit The Ward Sister will support the CSM providing leadership, effective safety and performance improvement strategies to others within the organisation.

Provide and monitor written communication for supportive steps for medication related incidents, including data collection, feedback and analysis to IPU CSM Support the IPU CSM in performance management of ward team in line with policies and procedures. Deputise for CSM out of hours and escalate any issues to the on call senior leadership team as needed. You will support the CSM in fostering a culture which encourages staff to challenge and report substandard practice and or concerns. You will initiate and manage the c