AGENDA FOR CHANGE
NHS JOB EVALUATION SCHEME
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: Senior Staff Nurse / Deputy Ward Manager
Senior Charge Nurse / Ward Manager
Ward 1A, Out-Patient Ophthalmology Clinic
Directorate: Surgical & Anaesthetic Directorate
Job Reference: SSSARAIGOPTH02
No of Job Holders:
Last Update (insert date):
2. JOB PURPOSE
In the absence of the Charge Nurse, the Senior Staff Nurse leads, manages, develops and has
responsibility for the nursing teams within Ward 1A and Ophthalmology Clinic and ward 3B
ophthalmology patients in ward 3B in order to deliver high standards of care with the appropriate skill
using available resources effectively.
3. DIMENSIONS
Ward 1A has 12 day surgery beds and the common admission lounge. The ward caters for a variety of
specialities such as General Surgery, Vascular, colorectal, Urology, ENT, Oral Surgery, Gynaecology,
Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology. Patients are medium to low dependency on day surgery. Elective surgery
patients are admitted through ward 1A common admission lounge and following surgery move to their
parent ward.
The ‘Eye’ Department caters for a variety of patients both elective and emergency.
Between 40-60 patients are seen at each session in the OPD for investigation and treatment of
ophthalmology conditions. These are nurse led clinics. The Orthoptists work in conjunction with all
clinics.
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
General Manager / Clinical Director
Associate Director
of Nursing
Nurse Manager
Charge Nurse/Ward
Manager
WARD 1a
Senior Staff Nurse
Staff Nurses
BAND 5
Staff Nurses New 5
Nursing assistants
Charge Nurse/Team Leader
Ophthalmology Theatre
Ophthalmology
Clinic
Senior Staff Nurse
Senior Staff Nurse
Staff Nurses band 5
Staff Nurse Band 5
Staff Nurse New 5
Staff Nurse new 5
Nursing Assistants
Support Worker
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The Unit provides all aspects of care, investigations, treatment, pre and post operative care for Day Case
and inpatients.
The Unit comprises of ward 1A, Ophthalmology Clinic in the Outpatient Department, Day Case Unit and
common admission lounge.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical
1. Works as a practitioner within the Statutes & Guidelines laid down by the Nursing & Midwifery
Council.
2.
To set the highest standards of professional practice, whilst developing clinical leadership.
3.
In conjunction with the Charge Nurse and the multidisciplinary team agrees, implements and audits
standards of clinical care to promote and apply evidence based practice and the attainment of health
care governance requirements.
4.
Demonstrates highly developed clinical nursing knowledge and skills in
Measuring Visual Acuity
Focimetry (measurement of spectacle strength)
Autorefraction
Tonometry
Ascanning
Keratometry
Venepuncture
Cannulation
Dispensing drugs within Patient Group Directives
Acts as a clinical adviser and educator to team members both in hospital and community.
5.
In conjunction with consultants and Charge Nurse develops local protocols and guidelines and within
these acts as an autonomous practitioner.
Develops and participates inEras
One Stop Cataract Clinic
Post-Operative Cataract Clinic
Nurse led GP phone triage at clinic
Cyst Clinics
Selects and instils eye drops for diagnostic/refractive/anaesthetic purposes
6.
Develops and participates in the ophthalmology clinic in the Highlands, teaching nursing staff basic
ophthalmology procedures.
7.
In the absence of the Charge Nurse has responsibility for clinical nursing within the
Ward/Ophthalmology Clinic.
8.
Assesses the health care needs of patients, involving families/carers, plans, implements and evaluates
their care ensuring that appropriate documentation is correctly maintained.
9.
Provides support and advice to patients and their families/carers giving the knowledge required to
help them cope with their condition.
10. Assists the Charge Nurse in ensuring that there is a robust Discharge Planning system in operation to
ensure the smooth transition of the patient from hospital to community.
11. With specialist knowledge and skills develops clinical teaching programmes, encouraging others to
develop their skills ensuring all staff are competent to deliver high standards of care.
Managerial
1. To support initiatives which deliver enhanced levels of patient care and client satisfaction.
2.
Assists the Charge Nurse in managing and driving change and development through planning,
communication and action within the multidisciplinary team to ensure that objectives are met.
3.
Is aware of Health & Social Policies, National, Highland and local and participates in local service
developments through steering/working groups.
4.
Facilitates the work of nurses and others through knowledge, support and advice, ensuring standards
of care are met, monitored and maintained.
5.
Assists the Charge Nurse in providing leadership and motivation. Through Training Needs Analysis
process, assists the Charge Nurse in identifying requirements for training to equip the nursing staff to
give optimal care. Works with the Charge Nurse to ensure that all staff have a Personal
Development Plan which is actively reviewed regularly. Ensures staff receive regular appraisal.
6.
Assists the Charge Nurse with good communication systems within the Ward to ensure staff have
access to relevant documented minutes and information and are involved in and informed of all
agreed decisions.
7.
In the absence of the Charge Nurse ensures safe staffing levels are maintained on a daily basis to
cope with activity and service levels within set budget.
8.
Assists the Charge Nurse with managing the staff and supplies budgets to give the most effective
service available within agreed resources and in consultation with the Nurse Manager, General
Manager and Head of Service. Is an authorised signatory for an agreed amount.
9.
Ensures that Health & Safety policies and procedures are maintained and accurate up to date records
are kept. e.g.
Regular Safety Inspections
Safety Management Systems
Completion of Risk Assessments
Moving & Handling Policies
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
10. In conjunction with the Charge Nurse is responsible for the recruitment of nursing staff. Assists in
actively managing retention and absence following PIN Guidelines. Liaises with Nurse Manager on
particular issues/difficulties, actively participating, following disciplinary/grievance guidelines, in
order to resolve problems.
11. To actively develop and maintain a positive learning environment. Participating in teaching
programmes for nursing, medical and allied health professionals.
12. Works with the team to ensure a high standard of cleanliness throughout the hospital. Promotes good
standards of hygiene and in conjunction with the Control of Infection team ensures infection rates are
minimised.
13. Creates an environment for evidence based nursing participating in and encouraging others to
undertake audit and research to improve local practice.
14. Participates in the operational management within the Surgical & Anaesthetic Directorate in the
absence of the Nurse Manager and in co-operation with fellow Senior Nurses and Hospital Night
Manager.
15. Promotes and maintains good relationships within the department and with staff of all disciplines
throughout the hospital and NHS Highland, actively participating in relevant meetings promoting
General surgery nursing and the nursing profession in general.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
Utilise technical clinical equipment, calibrating when required, checking for faults and ensuring regular
maintenance.
Equipment
Various Intravenous Pumps
Syringe Drivers
Intravenous lines, venflons
Butterfly devices, syringes, needles.
Use
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Monitoring equipment for –
Blood Pressure, temperature, pulse, cardiac output,
glucose.
To measure and observe patients condition and act
appropriately on changes in condition.
Oxygen equipment – Flowmeters, masks.
To give correct prescribed Oxygen concentration.
Various Drains & Suction Devices.
To drain fluid/air from various parts of body.
Urinary Catheters – Suprapubic, urethral.
To drain urine.
Nebulisers.
To give respiratory therapy.
Various hoists.
To move patients safely.
Resuscitation equipment including Defibrillator.
To resuscitate and administer shock following
cardiac arrest.
Ophthalmoscope – Indirect/Direct, Ascan, Laser,
Focimeter, Slit Lamp, Tonopen, Keratometer
Examination and treatment of eyes.
Sigmoidoscopes
Proctoscopes
For internal examination.
Doppler Machine
To check blood flow in limbs.
Electric Beds
Safe movement of patients.
Various Pressure Relieving Mattresses.
Computers (Internet, Intranet & Word, )
Printers/Excel/Power Point
Fax Machine.
SSTS
Chute System
Transportation of items.
7b. SYSTEMS
1.
Maintains patient records in accordance with NMC Guidelines and NHS Highland standards.
2.
Ensures correct use of computerised systems i.e. Patient Administration System, Immediate
Discharge Letter.
3.
Completes and authorises accurate staff duty rotas and forwards to Pay Unit via SSTS system.
Re-organises rotas for unexpected/unplanned cover requirements, sickness/absence, change in
workload, training etc.
4.
In the absence of Charge Nurse completes appropriate documentation relating to staff changes and
recruitment and forwards to appropriate department – Nurse Manager, HR Department, Pay Unit etc.
5.
Maintains Health & Safety Management System.
6.
Assists Charge Nurse in the maintenance of accurate staff records relating to staff leave through
annual leave, sick leave, Family Friendly Policies, training.
7.
Completion of Training Needs Analysis and Personal Development Plans.
8.
In the absence of Charge Nurse, completion of all records relating to the PIN Guidelines.
9.
In conjunction with Charge Nurse checks budget information relating to staff and supplies.
10. Ensures the Department Policy for ordering stock and non-stock items and Pharmacy Stock Control
is followed.
11. Produces, interprets, discussed with Charge Nurse in acting upon relevant statistics such as trends in
activity.
12. In conjunction with Charge Nurse ensures that good communication systems are maintained between
Ward/Clinic/Theatre.
13. Ensures everyone has an awareness of Complaints Procedure and that it is followed.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
1.
In the absence of the Charge Nurse the post holder has responsibility for the management of the
Ward and Ophthalmology Clinic.
2.
Working within statutes and guidelines of the Nursing & Midwifery Council, National, Highland and
local agreed policies, protocols and procedures.
3.
Is expected to anticipate problems/needs and take steps to resolve them in absence of Charge Nurse,
or in conjunction with Charge Nurse, involving appropriate colleagues such as Nurse Manager,
General Manager, Accountant, Consultant, Specialist Nurse, Bed Manager etc.
4.
In conjunction with Charge Nurse, ensures that policies and procedures are initiated/revised,
developed, implemented and reviewed regularly.
5.
Regularly discusses all aspects of Ward management with the Charge Nurse, attends and participates
in specialty meetings, Staff Meetings, Head of Service meetings, Nursing Development meetings.
6.
Support is available from all members of the multidisciplinary team as required.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
1.
Makes decisions on all aspects of Ward/Clinic management in the absence of the Charge Nurse using
comprehensive knowledge, skills and experience of the service taking into account the guidance of
the Nursing & Midwifery Council and National, NHS Highland and local policies, procedures and
protocols.
2.
Makes autonomous clinical nursing decisions in planning and prioritising patient care and delegation
to team members.
3.
Recognises own limitations in the provision of clinical care and urgency of patients needs referring to
other health care professionals accordingly.
4.
Plans and alters duty rota to ensure safe level of staffing per shift.
5.
Through the Training Needs Analysis, identifies staff training requirements and ensures staff
compliance.
6.
Responds to suggestions from staff and colleagues and helps to drive and implement changes which
will lead to improved patient care and staff satisfaction.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Managing the service and nursing practice while responding to and satisfying the varying needs of
patients and staff.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
1.
Establishes and maintains professional relationships with nursing colleagues, medical colleagues,
health care professionals, voluntary services to provide a planned, co-ordinated seamless service for
patients.
2.
Identifies potential and existing challenges in care options for patents, carers and staff, using
negotiation and counselling skills to achieve reconciliation and the best outcomes for patients.
3.
In the absence of the Charge Nurse ensure that the deputy ward manager role is visible and a known
individual to all patients through daily contact and provides the opportunity to discuss care or raise
issues and obtain feedback and monitor standards of care.
4.
Assists the Charge Nurse in ensuring effective communication with all members of the team. This is
a challenge because of varying shift patterns across the 24 hour period.
5.
In the absence of the Charge Nurse participates in regular meetings with colleagues, Head of Service,
Nurse Manager, Directorate Accountant for the purpose of –
 Planning, managing and developing nursing services and improving patient care.
 Discussing Policy issues, amending, updating, implementing and evaluating them.
 Discussing and problem solving challenges in clinical care and team development.
 Analyse expenditure and discuss changes affecting ability to remain within budget.
6.
Assists the Charge Nurse in holding regular team meetings to continually develop the team, manage
conflicting views, disseminate information, consult and listen to staff in order to effect change.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical
1. Continuous moving & handling of patients – in bed, onto trolleys, from bed to chair, assist with
walking etc.
2.
Continuous checking of equipment attached to patients, i.e. IV fluids, IV pumps, catheters, drains,
PCA pumps etc.
3.
Risk assess areas creating a safe working environment for all staff whilst being sensitive to patients
needs continually.
4.
Fine motor skills and dexterity to undertake all aspects of ophthalmology care.
5.
Continuous need to walk during shift to provide patient care.
Mental
1. Concentration, decision making and organisational skills to cope with competing demands
(dynamic changes in patients condition, personnel issues with staff, sudden staff shortages,
unpredictable emergency admissions – frequently.
2.
Recognising patients urgent health care needs and making appropriate instant decisions to provide
appropriate clinical management – frequently.
3.
Dealing with the emotional effects of caring for terminally ill patients and their families, including
its effects on more junior staff.
4.
Ability to calculate drug dosages and set up syringe drivers, IV devices, monitors etc. and the
teaching and training of colleagues from all disciplines.
5.
Negotiation skills to co-ordinate complex packages of care with a wide range of people and
agencies – daily.
6.
Concentration to assess and provide direct patient care and manage the team with frequent
interruptions either in person or by telephone on a continuous daily basis.
7.
Particular challenges due to communicating with a large number of staff who work shifts to
provide a 24 hour service – ensuring information is disseminated accurately to all staff and that
they have the equitable opportunity to feedback/raise and discuss issues.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
1.
Registered General Nurse.
2.
Professional knowledge and clinical expertise of nursing attained either through relevant degree or
proven in depth knowledge and skills.
Evidence of ongoing professional development.
3.
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
I agree that the above Job Description is an accurate reflection of my duties and
responsibilities at the date of signing.
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Manager’s Signature:
Date: