Junior Sister

Patient Care Responsibilities Acting as a Named Nurse/Case manager to a cohort of patients from the time of POA to admission. Responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating programmes of care within the framework of team nursing. Evaluation of patient health history and identifies previously unknown health concerns. Independently make onward referrals to an additional service as appropriate e.g.

General Practitioner, Specialist Nurse. Follow up advice, referral, investigations for patients presenting with significant co morbidities. Acts as a resource and provides advice on the management of patients to staff at Band 5. To co-ordinate the patients discharge arrangements in accordance with WAHT discharge policy.

To promote a patient-focused approach to care in collaboration with all relevant health professionals. To obtain accurate and concise medical and medicines histories from the patient using interpersonal skills to facilitate the assessment of the patient for both minor and major surgery. Uses information obtained during the assessment, to determine the patients fitness to proceed for surgery, demonstrating the appropriate action to take in the event of not fit to proceed. Ensure the patient has an understanding of their proposed operation by providing accurate peri-operative information both verbally and in writing.

Provide information that will enable the patient to make choices about adopting a healthier lifestyle and makes a referral, as appropriate, for optimisation of their health before surgery. Arranges and co-ordinates any assessment and/or investigations needed near the time of surgery, in accordance with local and national guidance. Identifies abnormal readings and acts on the findings in an appropriate and timely manner. To assist in establishing and monitoring of protocols and care pathways.

To ensure effective communication with patients, relatives and other staff. To support peoples equality, diversity and rights at all times. To safe guard vulnerable adults in accordance with agreed policies and procedures. Professional Development and Education Responsibilities To develop own teaching skills and participate in staff / student education and training.

To help maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and act as a facilitator in the supervision and teaching of less experienced staff. To attend Trust / local orientation programmes and mandatory training sessions. To be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness in accordance with revalidation requirements and to maintain a professional portfolio with evidence of reflective practice. To contribute to annual appraisal and be responsible for own Personal Development Programme.

To participate in the Trusts Preceptorship Programme. To assist in the development and implementation of nursing practice guidelines, standards and policies. To undertake Personal Development Reviews for their team Research and Development Responsibilities To assist in promoting nursing practice in line with relevant research. To maintain an awareness of evidence-based practice relating to POA.

To contribute to research and development programmes within the unit Audit, Quality and Risk Management Responsibilities To contribute to the setting and monitoring of measurable standards of care and be accountable for maintaining standards. To maintain awareness of the national, professional and local quality issue relevant to the delivery of nursing services, e.g. Clinical Governance. To uphold quality initiatives that improve customer care and enhance the interface between staff, patients, and visitors.

To participate in the audit process for monitoring and reviewing nursing quality indicators. To be aware of personal responsibilities in relation to the maintenance of a safe environment and identification of potential risks for all personnel, patients and visitors, taking action as and when required. To be aware of the role of the nurse in handling complaints in accordance with WAHT policy. Support the development and implement new policies and guidelines into the POA service.

To participate in maintaining a clean environment. The post holder will familiarise themselves with relevant Trust policies and procedures and comply with these at all times. Support the implementation of service development and improvement as appropriate and facilitate changes in service delivery. To assist in the unit lead in the provision of leadership and management.

To maintain a safe unit and ensure all appropriate general risk assessments are completed in POA. To complete rosters in line with Trust deadlines To demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the POA process and the referral to treatment pathway (18 week RTT). Resource Management Responsibilities To develop and maintain an awareness of budgeting and resource management. To assist in the assessment and monitoring of staffing requirements and r