Sister/Charge Nurse

Job summary

The Critical Care unit at The Christie is looking for the very best nurses to work within our cancer speciality and help maintain our excellent patient outcomes and patient experiences. Our CCU is only one of two level 3 critical care facility dedicated entirely to cancer patients in the United Kingdom.

This environment is challenging, exciting, supportive and actively facilitates the development of specialised skills. You will enjoy working as part of a highly skilled and motivated team to deliver excellent patient care. Our commitment to ongoing staff development and the support of a modern career framework is apparent through the variety of educational opportunities available and clinical support offered by our Practice aspire to be compassionate, supportive, personal and open; patient and family experience is central to everything we do. Therefore, together with solid clinical and technical skills, we expect a deep awareness of the special needs of our patients, along with the ability to support and care for them and their families throughout their stay.

Main duties of the job

You will have post registration experience in an acute hospital setting; hold a minimum three years experience working within a Critical Care setting- including holding a post graduate Level 3 qualification. You will be confident and competent in using the required skills to fulfill the role, together with a genuine interest to develop acute cancer care skills and the ability to uphold our team's values. Additionally, previous experience/qualifications in oncology are desirable although not essential.

Permanent and Fixed Term opportunities available, as well as Full and Part Time.

About us

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL :

1. Assessment and prioritisation of the needs of the critically ill patient and their family, specifically tasks such as patients requiring respiratory support invasive and noninvasive, cardiovascular support, renal support, cardiac/invasive monitoring, inotropic support. The ensuring of provision of client centred care which focuses on the promotion of health as well as illness.

2. Ensure accurate documentation of patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards. Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult matters and/or in difficult situations.

3. Assess educational and informational needs of patient and family, providing up to date information enabling them to participate in the planning of care.

4. Enhance care within the clinical area by using relevant research outcomes when planning and delivering nursing care.

5. Evaluate nursing care communicate with medical staff of patients changing healthcare needs.

6. To be a role model for potential post holders by demonstrating competent skills that have been determined in accordance with the needs of the unit.

7. Maintain safe practice according to Hospital Policies and Standards.

8. Ensure all prescribed drugs and treatments are given in accordance with Hospital Policy.

9. Participate in internal rotation to night duty as required and on occasion be willing to support other clinical areas within the Trust.

10. Prepare patients for safe transfer to other specialist critical care areas and liaise with relevant nursing, medical and Para-medical personnel and relatives.

11. Carry out patient transfer to other specialist critical care areas in absence of transfer team.

12. Prepare patients for safe and timely transfer to ward areas.

13. Carry out and facilitate preoperative and critical care follow up visits.

14. Receive and promote the Trusts annual flu vaccine.

MANAGERIAL :

1. When appropriate, in rotation with other CCU sisters, take charge of the unit in the absence of the unit Manager, ensuring that standards of care and unit management are maintained.

2. In the absence of the unit Manager ensure skill mix is appropriate to clinical needs and keep Senior Nurse Managers/Modern Matrons aware of pertinent issues in the clinical area.

3. Help foster a supportive working environment and maintenance of staff morale, promoting a culture in which staffs feel valued and able to reach their potential.

4. Act as a preceptor/mentor to new unit staff and Pre and Post Registered Nurses.

5. Work with unit Sister to ensure clinical standards of care are achieved and participate in audit of clinical care.

6. Be aware of responsibilities with regard to Health and Safety at Work Act. Maintain and develop an environment and culture that improves health, safety and security.

7. Supporting the unit manager in initiating and implementing change, and in promoting an awareness of professional accountability.

8. Supporting the unit manager, when appropriate, in the recruitment and selection of new staff to the clinical area.

9. Actively participate in Clinical Risk Assessments and ensure correct documentation of Clinical Incidents in accordance with Hospital Policy.

10. Lead a team of registered nurses, nurse associates and health care assistants.

EDUCATION :

1. Maintain own awareness of current nursing practice. Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the highest standards and up to date care offered to the patient with cancer.

2. Supervise clinical staff and disseminate knowledge and current developments. Develop oneself and others in areas of practice. Assist and support the units Practice Educator to support and assess those enrolled on the Current Professional Studies in Critical Care course.

3. Participate in planned programs of appraisal with the unit manager. Facilitate timely PDR completion.

4. Liaise with the School of Nursing, participating in the teaching of basic and post basic learners and training assessments.

5. Ensure own learning and development needs are met.

6. Attend annual updates in: Fire safety, CPR, Moving and Handling, Radiation Protection and other study days as required by the trust.

7. Actively participate in Clinical Risk Assessments and ensure correct documentation of Clinical Incidents in accordance with Hospital Policy.

8. Lead a team of both registered, regulated and non-registered Staff

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

1. In consultation with the unit manager agree learning objectives designed to meet the goals of personal and professional development and undergo appropriate programs of study.

2. Gain teaching skills by undertaking a teaching and assessing course and applying the principles in the clinical setting. work with the practice educator to support and assess those enrolled on the Current Clinical skills course.

3. At the request of the unit manager, to accept responsibility to develop managerial skills within the clinical setting, planning duty rotas which match needs with available expertise.

4. Contribute to the improvement of services.

5. Contribute to improving quality.

6. Promote equality and value diversity.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

RGN Level 1 or 2. Degree, Diploma or equivalent in nursing studies Post Registration certificate in critical care Mentorship course

Desirable

Management course Post registration certificate or course in Cancer care

Experience

Essential

Extensive experience in relevant speciality. Leadership experience.

Desirable

Managerial experience

Skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills Able to work as part of and lead a team Able to work using own initiative Highly motivated and enthusiastic Able to deliver a high quality of care

Desirable

Computer Literacy

Knowledge

Essential

Committed to own personal professional development and that of other staff members

Other

Essential

Able to work flexible shifts Day / night rotation

Values

Essential

Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

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