Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Junior Charge Nurse

Job overview

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated registered nurses to join our dynamic team that is dedicated to the provision of high standards of patient care.

Our Cardiac Intensive Care Unit specialises in nurse led fast track recovery for elective and emergency cardiac surgery patients undergoing CABG, valve replacement and dissection repair. The Unit is busy, dynamic and requires nurses that enjoy working in a fast paced and exciting environment. The unit also supports patients who require level 3 on-going critical care interventions in the post-operative period.

You will work within an eight bedded Cardiac Intensive Care Unit caring for patients immediately post cardiac surgery. This unit caters for patients varying from those who are critically ill requiring mechanical ventilation and maximum haemodynamic support in the form of invasive monitoring devices and pharmacological agents to those ready for discharge to the ward area.

This role also includes assisting the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Leads to ensure the continuous provision of research based care, effective and efficient management of financial resources, and the provision of staff development and education.

Your professional development is very important to us. We offer an orientation programme in a great working atmosphere, with a friendly and very supportive team. We are committed to providing a culture of continuous learning, which actively supports the professional and personal development of our staff.

Main duties of the job

To plan, provide and evaluate skilled evidence based care to support and facilitate the delivery of high quality, individualised care for L2 & L3 critically ill patients and their relatives/carers without supervision and in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team To lead and direct the nursing care of other junior nurses, students and HCA’s to maintain a high standard of excellent nursing care To progress towards undertaking the shift leader role under the guidance of the nominated Team Leader and the Cardiac Surgery Clinical Educator To support and develop colleagues by mentoring and assessing their skills and to promote clinical education To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of a particular staff group and undertake performance developmental reviews/ appraisals To act as a clinical role model and leader for all members of staff providing daily unit management, continuity of care and a high standard of excellent nursing care

You will be an experienced critical care nurse who regularly acts as shift leader, which involves taking overall management for the unit including taking responsibility for up to eight patients and six qualified nurses for the duration of the shift.

You will possess the organisational skills to ensure wherever possible all elective surgery planned for the day is performed. The transfer of patients in and out of the unit is co-ordinated by the post holder. 

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. 

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communication

To maintain and promote effective communication within the multidisciplinary team on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. This involves all staff members and also includes relatives and patients Be responsible for effective shift handovers ensuring relevant detail is communicated and identify and challenge any unprofessional or subjective comments made about patients Participate in medical ward rounds showing a thorough knowledge of the patient’s medical history, current condition and recent clinical events being able to present this concisely, at the appropriate time, and in the appropriate manner Acknowledge the nature and progression of the critically ill patient, and the subsequent cognitive impairment of these patients. Recognise barriers to understanding by communicating verbal and written information, clearly, sensitively and diplomatically, ensuring that information is understood whilst displaying underpinning knowledge To be involved in complex patient ‘case conferences’ when discussing future treatments for patients which could involve ’withdrawal of treatment’ in situations of poor prognosis To support families on a 1:1 basis using knowledge, experience and skill to explain complicated medical conditions. Provide adequate and appropriate information and education, whilst ensuring this information is understood To provide and receive highly complex information on clinical conditions which could be sensitive and occasionally contentious.  To be responsible for accurate, appropriate and efficient communication within nursing team Adhere to NMC guidelines on documentation; accountability and responsibility for accurate, professional record keeping either on paper and/ or the electronic system Display competent use of Trust e-mail and Metavision

Service Delivery and Improvement

To work in collaboration with Senior Nursing staff and Practice Educator and relevant Network groups in compiling and implementing clinical guidelines/competency documents, seeking to ensure consistent evidence based practice Assist with clinical research/audit programmes implemented by nursing or medical staff Support on the implementation and evaluation of innovative treatment/intervention e.g. Care Bundles Deal effectively with complaints and grievances and plaudits, informing senior staff and suggesting any necessary changes Identify, undertake and evaluate innovation and developments of ideas within the Cardiac intensive Care Unit Involved in the setting of standards and guidelines for best practice within the Cardiac intensive Care Unit Implement recommendations made by the Trust Strategy for Nursing Act consistently with legislation, policies, procedures and other quality approaches and encourages others to do so. To be an identified link nurse/project worker/area of interest, initiating and monitoring quality review and maintenance of identified standards of care through audit and research.

People Management and Development

To act as a clinical role model to all members of staffTo lead, support and direct the nursing care of other junior nurses, students and HCA’s to maintain a high standard of excellent nursing careDevelop management and leadership skills by undertaking the Band 6 Development Programme and Shift leader competenciesUndertake ‘Bay Leader’ role, providing support to all staff within the bay and ensuring appropriate feedback /communication is given to the shift coordinatorAfter a period of training undertake the shift coordinator/Nurse in Charge role and complete relevant competenciesPlan shift and ensure staff allocation is able to safely meet individual patient’s clinical needs whilst providing learning opportunities for staff and utilising resources effectivelyPrioritise unit workload and expected daily activity, liaising with other specialities as requiredAssist in implementing the elective surgery lists updating co-ordinator of any changes due to nursing shortfallsTo be aware of and apply, where necessary the procedures surrounding patient/relative/staff complaintsTo report and act to rectify unsafe practices or unprofessional conductParticipate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues to promote a cohesive team and achieve objectivesContribute to the development of positive staff morale and team cohesivenessUse and maintain resources efficiently and effectively and encourages others to do the same. Inform senior nursing team of any of any potential or actual budgetary pressures or savingsHelp maintain adequate stocks and supplies such as medical, surgical and pharmaceuticalAssist with the recruitment of staff including the interviewing and selection process. To be aware of factors that influence the retention process

Patient Care Delivery

To lead in the provision of the highest standards of evidence based nursing care that is in accordance with UHSussex, local and national policies and guidelinesTo be responsible for the safety of patients and quality of care delivered in one’s own workload and able to work independently being fully competentAssess, plan, implement and evaluate holistic programmes of patient care, by utilising and sufficiently maintaining care pathways/care plans used on the Cardiac Intensive Care UnitTo act as the patient’s advocate and contribute to the provision of information to allow patient’s and their families to make informed decisions regarding their careEnsure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients, relatives and staff and equal opportunities of practice whilst maintaining privacy and dignityProvide specialist, technical and clinical advice to patients, relatives and multidisciplinary teamsContribute to the multidisciplinary team working in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, e.g. regularly reviewing specialist team recommendations and referring patients, when appropriate, to other members of the MDTTo ensure the safe, smooth and efficient handover from theatre and anaesthetic staff of patients admitted following cardiac surgeryConfidently deal with emergency situations, including postoperative tamponade where a resternotomy may need to be performed, taking the lead until medical staff arrives, using management skills to direct care according to the situation.Aim to reduce sensory overload / deprivation by promoting adequate sleep and rest and providing as quiet an environment as possibleEnsure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust’s standards (including electronic records)Ensure that staff adhere to NMC Code of Conduct and guidelinesWork in accordance with the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit philosophy

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person specification

Essential and desirable

Essential criteria

NMC registered Adult critical care course or equivalent and/or ENB 254/249 course or working towards Experience in ventilatory support

Desirable criteria

Critical care experience post course Currently working in critical care setting

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential criteria

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

Important information for applicants

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager. 

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.

Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

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