providing palliative care throughout the
Highlands
APPOINTMENT OF
STAFF NURSE (BANK)
BAND 5
Information for Candidates
May 2013
Information Sheet
Staff Nurse – Nurse Bank
Applications are invited for the post of Staff Nurse (Nurse Bank) working within the
in-patient unit, with occasional cover in the Day Hospice.
As part of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will have responsibility for
assessment of care needs and the development of programmes of care, and/or the
implementation and evaluation of these programmes ensuring the delivery of high
quality care to patients.
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Salary – Agenda for Change - Band 5 (£21,176 – £27,625 pro rata per annum)
Hours – As required
The applicant should be willing to work as part of a multi-professional team. The
applicant should have an understanding of, and be committed to, the work of the
Highland Hospice.
Applications should be submitted by Friday 24th May 2013 to:
Mrs Susan Ross
Highland Hospice
Ness House
1 Bishop’s Road
Inverness
IV3 5SB
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Staff Nurse (Bank)
Responsible to :
Sister/ Senior staff nurse
Department(s):
In-patient Unit and Day Hospice
Directorate:
Nursing
2. JOB PURPOSE
As part of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will have responsibility for assessment of care needs
and the development of programmes of care, and/or the implementation and evaluation of these
programmes ensuring the delivery of high quality care to patients.
Main role is in the in patient unit but may also on occasion be required to work in the day hospice.
3. DIMENSIONS
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Works within a 10 bedded in-patient unit Caring for:
Palliative Care patients with complex problems and specialist intervention needs, which may include
advanced pain and symptom control, spiritual and psychosocial aspects of care.
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Patients may be:
Transferred from other hospitals
Elective admissions
Emergency admissions
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Supervision of junior staff
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Caring for the families of hospice patients is also a primary feature of care delivery.
The main role is within the in-patient unit but may on occasion work within day hospice.
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Chief Executive Officer
Director of Clinical and Education Services
Sister
Nursing Assistant
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
Highland Hospice in patient unit provides a high quality, safe and supportive environment in order to care
for patients within the Highland region who have complex pain, symptom, spiritual and psychosocial
needs which require Specialist Palliative Care interventions.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical
 Maintain effective communications with patients, relatives and other members of the
multidisciplinary team to ensure that appropriate information is shared and patient needs are met.
 Supports the transfer / discharge of patients to their own home, hospital or other care
environment.
 To be knowledgeable of Hospice and unit procedures in order to maintain high standards of care.
 To develop knowledge of drugs used in palliative care, their route of administration and their
calculations. Maintain the safe custody of drugs in accordance with Hospice policy and according
to Guidelines for the Administration of Medicines (2000). London: NMC
 Maintain patient records accurately, in accordance with the Guidelines for Records and Record
Keeping (1998). London. NMC.
 To be able to participate in the inter-disciplinary assessment and treatment/care programmes,
whilst working closely with medical staff.
 Be involved in a supportive and holistic approach to care.
 To be knowledgeable about differing cultural beliefs and preferences and ensure equitable care
provided regardless of race or religion.
 Care of family following death with practical input and informing relevant professionals.
 Recognise the role of volunteers and refer to experienced team members if the need for support
is necessary.
 Direct support staff as appropriate, in the provision of care for the patient, providing supervision
and support as necessary
 Assist in providing a safe environment for patients and staff by being aware of, and where
necessary implementing:
 Code of Professional Conduct (1992) London NMC
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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Fire Prevention and Management
Prevention and control of infection
COSHH
Moving and Handling Policy
Risk Assessment, includes the reporting of faulty equipment, accidents and complaints in
accordance with hospice guidance.
Clinical Effectiveness
 To ensure practice is evidence based.
 To keep up to date with current research in nursing.
Management
 Encourage and develop teamwork, support the sisters
 To maintain economical and efficient use of drugs/stores.
Education and Training
 Support for junior colleagues
Professional
 To work within the statutes and guidelines laid down by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
 To maintain PREP folder with evidence of continuous learning in accordance with the Nursing
and Midwifery Council guidelines.
 Maintain active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery regulatory body for nursing and health
visitors.
 Attend statutory courses
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
The Staff Nurse is expected to have a knowledge of all equipment used in the area however may not
have daily clinical involvement.
Alaris pump
Syringe drivers
Epidural Pumps
Suction machines
Nebulisers
Oxygen
PEG tubes
Tracheostomy tubes
Urinary Catheters
Hoists
Various Pressure Relieving Mattresses.
Electric Beds
Glucometers
Intravenous lines, Venflons
Monitoring Equipment for:
Blood Pressure, Temperature,
Nasogastric Tubes
Drains and suction devices
Computers
7b. SYSTEMS
Own Timesheet recording
Maintenance of patient records in accordance with NMC guidelines and hospice policy.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The Staff Nurse will be responsible to the Sister for clinical guidance and professional management and
work review.
Workload will be assigned by the Sister or their deputy, however the Staff Nurse will have responsibility
for managing defined workload within professional guidelines.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
Makes autonomous nursing decisions in the assessment and analysis of the patients condition and
subsequent planning of care.
Monitors patients condition to establish any change
Recognises own limitations in the provision of clinical care and the urgency of patients needs, referring
to other health care professionals as appropriate.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Supporting patients and relatives at the end of life.
Maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills in a constantly changing environment.
The emotional challenges of Hospice work.
Working ad hoc shifts – lack of continuity
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Internal:
Supports the patient and their relatives through difficult and emotional experiences by using
communication skills.
Provides accurate and comprehensive information about designated patients to all members of the multiprofessional team
Promotes and maintains good relationships within the department and with all members of the
multidisciplinary team throughout the hospice.
Collaborates with Highland Hospice Education Department in own personal development and education
of others.
Junior nursing staff – patient care, allocation of work, workload issues
Hospice volunteers
Participates in regular team meetings
External
Other relevant departments within the NHS, eg primary care, general practitioners, Macmillan nurses,
hospital staff, social services.
Staff Organisations
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical Skills:
Fine motor skills and manual dexterity to:
Administer subcutaneous or intra-muscular injections, set up syringe pumps and infusions.
Insertion of urinary catheters.
Application of dressings.
Continuous checking of equipment.
Computer equipment
Physical Demands:
Patient movement with use of mechanical aides, manoeuvre patients
Push trolley’s, wheelchairs
Stand/walking for the majority of shift.
Oxygen cylinders.
Mental Demands:
Concentration required when checking documents/patient notes and calculating drug dosages, whilst
subject to frequent interruptions from patient/relatives/team members.
Ability to calculate drug dosages accurately and record.
Concentration required when observing patient behaviours which may be unpredictable
Emotional Demands:
Communicating with distressed/anxious/worried patients/relatives.
Caring for the terminally ill.
Caring for patients following receipt of prognosis.
Working Conditions:
Exposure to body fluids, faeces, emptying bed pans/urinals, catheter bags on a daily basis.
Exposure to occasional verbal and physical aggression.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
First Level Registered Nurse-RGN
Evidence of further education.
Evidence of team working skills with ability to work using own initiative.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Time management skills.
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder to whom
the job description applies.
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Staff Nurse (Bank)
Criteria
Essential
Qualifications and
Experience
First level Registered Nurse
One year’s post registration
experience
Commitment to undertake further
training
Palliative Care course/training
Desirable
Assessed/Identified
by
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Q/AF/I
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Knowledge and Skills
Experience/knowledge of
palliative care
Ability to assess and analyse the
patient’s condition and plan care
holistically
Broad clinical knowledge
Excellent interpersonal skills
Experience in multi-professional
working
Good organisational skills
Excellent written and verbal
communication skills
Formal/Informal teaching skills
IT skills
Leadership skills
Management skills
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AF/I
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Aptitudes
Team player
Able to make decisions
independently
Ability to recognise own limitations
in provision of palliative care
Professionally approachable,
adaptable and flexible
Ability to prioritise
Enthusiastic and motivated
Time management skills
Assessed/Identified
Test) Q (Qualifications)
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I (Interview)
I
AF (Application Form)
ST (Skills