Workforce Directorate
Human Resources
Recruitment Team
High East, Crichton Hall, Dumfries DG1 4TG
Fax: 01387 244043
Email: dg.recruitment@nhs.net
JOB DESCRIPTION for the following vacancy:
VACANCY REF No:
336.15
VACANCY (Post Title):
Staff Nurse
SHDU and ICU, DGRI
GRADE:
Band 5
SALARY:
£21,818 to £ 28,462 pro rata
HOURS:
37.5hpw
Fixed Term Contract until 14th June 2016
Applicants are invited for the above posts from Registered Nurses with enthusiasm and
motivation to work in a demanding environment.
The unit operates 11.5hr shift pattern day/night ICU or SHDU rotation according to the
needs of both units.
Informal enquiries to:
Laura White, Senior Charge Nurse. Ext 31414
Please Note:
Decisions to shortlist candidates for interview are made ONLY on the contents of your application form.
Please ensure that you read the job description and person specification carefully, complete all applicable
sections of the application and that your Statement in support of your Application clearly demonstrates how
you meet the requirements of the post. Please note Curriculum Vitae, or copies of certificates will NOT be
accepted as part of the application process.
Closing Date:
Thursday 28th May 2015 at 5.00pm
Dumfries & Galloway NHS
AfC Ref: NE19a
Criminal Record Check
With effect from 28th February, 2011 posts considered to be within "Regulated Work" with
Children and/or "Regulated Work" with Protected Adults will require membership of the
Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) as a
condition of employment.
Please note:
You do not have to do anything about PVG Membership when submitting your application
form for the post. Candidates selected for appointment will be advised on how to become
a PVG Scheme Member prior to taking up the position.
Further information on the PVG Scheme Membership can be found at the following:http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/pvg
Standard Disclosure Check
For other roles not considered to be within "Regulated Work with Children" and/or
"Regulated Work with Protected Adults", a Standard Disclosure Check may be required
and the cost of this will be met by NHS Dumfries & Galloway.
Applicants who have lived outside the UK within the last five years, if offered a position, in
addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police
record check (Certificate of Good Conduct) from the police authority in the country or
countries in which they were resident.
Dumfries & Galloway NHS
AfC Ref: NE19a
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Staff Nurse (E)
Department(s):
DGRI, Critical Care – Surgical High Dependency Unit (a)
Job Holder Reference:NE019a
No of Job Holders:
2. JOB PURPOSE
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To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the healthcare needs of critically ill patients and develop
specialised programmes/systems of nursing care and treatment.
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To work as part of the Multi-Disciplinary / Multi-Agency Team.
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To take charge of a ward or equivalent sphere in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility.
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To assist in the organisation of SHDU to ensure the highest standards of care, personnel and
performance management.
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To play a lead role within the clinical area modernisation and redesign.
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Nurse Manager
G Grade
Staff Nurses
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
 The post holder will provide effective and individualised nursing care and treatment to identified patients
whilst operating as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
 The post holder will be expected to supervise, teach, mentor, coach and support, pre-registration
students and junior staff nurses and peers engaged in CPD
 The post holder will take charge of the clinical area in accordance with the needs of the unit
 The post holder will be expected to carry out all forms of care without direct supervision.
 The post holder will work as part of the multi-disciplinary / multi-agency team and will be required to
supervise a team of staff.
 The post holder will be expected to lead a team of staff
 The post holder will liaise with senior nurses to ensure any issues relating to bed management or staffing
are dealt with effectively ensuring skill mix and workload is planned ahead and maintained.
 To undertake rotation to ICU as part of an ongoing development programme.
5.
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MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
To assess, plan, implement and evaluate highly specialist nursing care and treatment for critically ill
patients on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis
To take a lead role in co-ordinating the patient’s journey through implementation and evaluation of policy
& procedure.
To ensure and promote the individual’s confidentiality, dignity and privacy.
To participate in and promote clinical supervision.
To take part in inter and intra hospital transfer of critically ill patients.
Take charge of shifts as nominated and allocate work to others as appropriate and develop staff
Assist in planning rotas ensuring appropriate skill mix
Supervise and teach junior nurses, students and other staff
To practice in accordance with Health and Safety procedures being aware of personal and corporate
Dumfries & Galloway NHS
AfC Ref: NE19a
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responsibility.
Responsible for the ongoing risk identification, assessment, management and reduction within own
sphere.
Contribute effectively to the development and implementation of specialist protocols
To maintain accurate clinical records in agreed format.
Encourage awareness and participate in research, audit and development
Ensure safe custody of patient’s valuables in accordance with standing financial structure within a
hospital setting.
Maintain effective stock control.
To undertake and demonstrate competence within the particular skills required for this specific area /
speciality e.g. venepuncture, cannulation IV drug, administration/arterial blood gas sampling
To lead a team to ensure that nursing care and treatment are provided in accordance with organisation
policy, procedure, guidelines and protocols
To take a lead role within, and be responsible and accountable for, the investigation and aspects of
service improvement in relation to complaints, adverse events and patient feedback.
Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness, teaching patients and relatives where
appropriate
6. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
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Use electronic information systems as required.
Use manual handling equipment as required.
Knowledge and expertise of complex medical equipment used in critical care ie. Ventilators/invasive
monitoring/defibrillator, blood gas analyser/pulmonary artery catheters, including audit of effectiveness
and selection of new equipment
Responsible for the safe, efficient and effective use of electro-medical equipment in the delivery of patient
care.
7. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
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Be personally accountable for own professional practice and conduct in accordance with the NMC code
of conduct guidelines.
The postholder will be expected to carry out daily duties without direct supervision
The post-holder will be responsible for exercising their professional judgement in relation to clinical work.
Involved with multi-professional decisions regarding moral and ethical issues
The post-holder will be expected to follow agreed and defined procedures / processes.
Initiate fast action responses in the absence of medical staff/ward manager
Responsibility as a key individual for the organisation and co-ordinator of the patients care from
admission through to discharge from the unit.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
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Effectively communicate both verbally and written with a wide range of stakeholders.
Communicate and work with individuals and members of the multi-disciplinary / multi-agency team
The post-holder will be expected to gather, understand, interperate and relay complex information to
other members of the multi-disciplinary team, patients and carers.
The post-holder will be expected to provide accurate updates of patient conditions, giving emotional
support/counselling to relatives when communicating this highly sensitive information in critical situations
The post-holder will be expected to attend unit meetings as required
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
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Moderate degree of stamina is required.
Will be required to manoeuvre patients using safe moving & handling techniques.
Frequent need for patient moving and handling using specialist devices and techniques, ensuring safety
of patients, staff and all invasive lines, ET tubes etc due to complete dependence of critically ill patients
Required to work safely within a confined area where optimal access to the patient may be compromised
due to specialised equipment and lack of space.
Dumfries & Galloway NHS
AfC Ref: NE19a
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Dexterity will be required whilst performing procedures.
Required to work safely within a confined area where optimal access to the patient is compromised due
to specialised equipment
High risk environment – Hepatitis B immunity required.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
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The post-holder may have to deal with a rapidly changing workload.
The post holder will be required to impart distressing and sensitive information to patients/carers whilst
exhibiting empathy and reassurance.
The post holder requires insight and professional empathy in dealing with dying patients and their
relatives.
Manage challenging and aggressive behaviour in line with local policies and to participate within the
organisation’s Response Team as required.
Expected to manage multiple issues simultaneously, interperting and reporting as appropriate.
To regularly manage, prioritise and lead a team effectively in a changing and critical clinical environment
Ability to work under pressure during life threatening situations
11. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
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 The post-holder will possess an appropriate recognised qualification (1st level nurse).
 Must have previous post registration experience within a critical care environment.
 To participate in further education and training to enhance personal and professional development.
 Competent in caring for critically ill patients
 The post-holder will display/develop:
> Knowledge of contemporary nursing practice and the nursing contribution.
> Knowledge of SIGN guidelines and the nursing contribution.
> Knowledge of NHS QIS initiatives, national standards and the nursing contributions.
> Knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance initiatives and risk.
> An understanding of the principles of Joint working and Partnership.
To have knowledge and understanding of legislation relevant to the area / specialty.
To demonstrate / develop competence within a particular range of skills,
e.g. venepuncture, intravenous drug administration etc.
Knowledge and expertise in use of specialised SHDU medications ie. Inotropes, sedation, muscle
relaxants.
Post-holder will demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach.
The post-holder will demonstrate effective leadership skills.
12. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
Dumfries & Galloway NHS
AfC Ref: NE19a
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NHS DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
POST TITLE: S/N SHDU/ICU Band 5
Factor
Qualifications
Essential
Registered Nurse with active registration.
Post registration study.
Desirable
Relevant Nursing Degree
Experience
Registered Nurse
Has some experience in acute care
Degree in nursing.
Knowledge
Excellent knowledge of the speciality.
Awareness of the requirements of the post.
Demonstration of continued learning.
Practice requirements for student nurses.
Awareness of the Nursing and Midwifery Strategy.
Trust Policies and procedures.
NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
Clinical Practice
development.
Skills and
Aptitudes
Ability to work as a team member,
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Able to promote the development of nursing within the
Trust.
IT skills.
Project development skills.
Personal
Circumstances
Willing to develop by expansion of the role.
Motivation.
Enthusiasm.
Other
requirements
Flexible approach to working patterns.
Experience can be considered as comparable to qualifications quoted but should be clearly detailed on the
application in order to demonstrate equivalence.