The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Job and Person Specification
DIRECTORATE:
Acute Services – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
DIVISION:
Clinical Services – Medical & Emergency
DEPARTMENT:
Renal Unit – All Areas including Ward S1 – Renal
Transplantation General Medicine & Endocrinology Units
TITLE OF POSITION:
Associate Clinical Services Co-ordinator
POSITION NUMBER:
NW0278
CLASSIFICATION:
RN2
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:
Permanent  Temporary 
PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT:
From
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To
Casual 
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Job and Person Specification Approval
All excluding senior positions
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GM or delegate
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Date
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Occupant
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Date
PREAMBLE:
Underpinning the Department of Health Strategic Directions are the agreed values that reflect honesty,
respect and integrity for every individual. These values drive how we conduct our business and how we
behave. We aim to make the values “live”. It is important that we incorporate the values into our
behaviour systems and processes.
The Department has a “Commitment to Workplace Values” attached to Job and Person Specifications that
all staff are required to uphold. (Please refer to the back of this document).
Australia has one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse populations in the world. Having a diverse
workforce (inclusive of bi-lingual, bi-cultural and employees who have a disability) can enhance the
department’s ability to negotiate with, and meet the needs of, the full range of its clients and customers.
Such employees also add to the diversity of the workforce, and give added opportunities to fully capitalise
on difference as a valuable asset in an increasingly competitive environment.
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JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's goals (its
expected outcome and how it is achieved).
In the course of fulfilling the role of Clinical Nurse/Midwife, the Associate Clinical Service
Coordinator role provides specific support to the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Co-ordinator
role in the leadership of nurses/midwives in the unit. Associate Clinical Service Coordinators are
appointed through a merit based selection process.
The incumbent assists with the management, coordination and monitoring of patient care
activities, of the ward/ unit and delivers direct comprehensive nursing care and individual case
management to patients within the unit. Participates with the Clinical Service Co-ordinator to
promote effective and compassionate standards of nursing practice, staff education, professional
development and nursing research, and provides support and direction to less experienced staff.
2.
Reporting/Working Relationships (to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is
responsible, and other significant connections and working relationships within the
organisation).
The Nurse/Midwife Associate Clinical Services Coordinator:
 Responsible to the Nursing Co-Director, Division of Medicine through the Clinical Service
Co-ordinator for the standard of care provided.
 Maintains a close working relationship with the Clinical Nurse/Midwife (Level 2).
 Maintains cooperative and productive working relationships within all members of the health
care team
 Supports and works collaboratively with less experienced members of the nursing team
3.
Special Conditions (Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent
overtime etc.)
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The appointee may be subject to a Criminal History Check prior to confirmation of
appointment.
Although initially based at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the incumbent may be required to
work in any site of the Central Northern Adelaide Health Service.
Must be prepared to attend relevant meetings and staff development / education activities as
required.
Progressive evaluation of performance by the Clinical Service Co-ordinator, peers and self
three months following appointment followed by an annual formal review.
Some on call work may be required.
Rotates with other Clinical Nurse’s to all areas of the Unit ie S1, MDA, WDC, Liaison
Roles.
Must be prepared to attend relevant meetings and staff development / education activities as
required.
Some out of hours work may be required.
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4.
Statement of Key Responsibilities/Duties (group into major areas of responsibility/ activity
and list in descending order of importance)
4.1
Assists with the provision of professional high quality patient care within the ward/unit/service
aimed at improving patient health outcomes through:
4.1.1 Improving nursing/midwifery and patient care procedures and practices by:
 Providing proficient clinical nursing/midwifery care and/or individual case management
to patients/clients in a defined clinical area;
 Assessing patients/clients needs, plan, implementing and coordinating appropriate service
delivery options and communicate changes in condition and care;
 Overseeing the provision of nursing/midwifery care within a team or unit;
 Providing health education, counselling and rehabilitation programs to improve the health
outcomes of individual patients/clients or groups;
 Planning and coordinating services including those of other disciplines or agencies as
required to meet individual and/or group health care needs;
 Monitoring client care plans and participate in clinical auditing and/or evaluative research
to ensure appropriate patient care outcomes are achieved on a daily basis;
 Demonstrating and promoting a risk minimisation approach to practice and supporting
implementation and maintenance of systems to protect patients and staff;
 Integrating advanced theoretical knowledge, evidence from a range of sources and own
experience to devise and achieve agreed patient care outcomes;
 Working within and promoting a nursing model of client centred care or midwifery
model of partnership and support for women’s right to self determination in life
processes.
 Including and understanding the role of advanced directives in routine patient
assessment care planning & team communication.
 Educating patients & colleagues abut Advanced Care Planning and assisting with the
process.
4.1.2 Contributing to the human resource management of the unit/service by:
 Acting to resolve local and/or immediate nursing care or service delivery problems;
 Supporting change management processes;
 Contributing to communication processes that effectively deal with challenging
behaviours and the resolution of conflicts.
4.2
Contributes to the achievement of nursing/midwifery best practice and where relevant facilitates
the development and application of relevant nursing research by:
 Working within a local nursing/midwifery leadership team to attain consistency of
nursing/midwifery practice standards and local service outcomes;
 Participating in clinical teaching, overseeing learning experiences, and goal setting for students,
new staff and staff with less experience;
 Acting as a resource person within an area based on knowledge, experience and skills.
4.3
Contributes to the achievement of professional expertise through the maintenance of ongoing
personal professional development/continuing education by:
 Managing own professional development activities and portfolio, supporting the development
of others and contributing to learning in the work area.
4.4 Contributes to the leadership of the unit/service through undertaking an Associate
Coordinator portfolio by:
 Promoting continuity and consistency of care in collaboration with other Associate Clinical
Service Coordinators and the Clinical Service Coordinator of the ward/unit;
 Assisting the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Coordinator in ongoing communication
and implementation of practice changes;
 Assisting the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Coordinator to maintain and record
monitoring and evaluative research activities in the ward/unit;
 Assisting the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Coordinator and Nursing/Midwifery
Educators to maintain a learning culture by encouraging reflection and professional
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4.5
development and assisting others to maintain portfolios/records of learning, and
Assisting the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Coordinator, as required, in undertaking
performance management processes and/or rostering and/or oversight of supplies and/or
equipment.
Ensure the effective and efficient provision of care, management and education to a select
group of patients and the maintenance of standard of care delivered by:
 Providing direct care to patients with a range of care requirements.
 Utilising the nursing process to provide accurate documentation relating to the assessment,
planning and implementation of care, as well as the evaluation of the care provided.
 Communicating patient care requirements to other nurses, and relevant members of the
health care team.
 Coordinating patient care activities to maximise the utilisation of all areas.
 Ensuring that the nursing care provided meets the required standards and that it is delivered
in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Unit, Nursing Division, and the
Hospital.
 Participating with the Clinical Nurse Manager(s) in the development and maintenance of
patient care standards.
 Continuing to maintain professional knowledge by reference to relevant literature and
participation in staff development programs and attending professional forums.
 Using professional competence and judgement to recognise the appropriateness of orders
and seeking confirmation / clarification when needed.
 Acting as a patient advocate in nursing matters to assist individuals make informed
decisions.
 Participating with the Clinical Nurse Manager(s) in Quality Improvement activities to
monitor the process and outcomes of care delivered.
 Ensuring the maintenance of patient confidentiality, safety, comfort and dignity.
 Having own competencies in Dialysis, BLS, PCA, Epidural and Drug Administration
including the IV administration of renal and diabetes related drugs assessed on an annual
basis.
 Maintaining own competencies relevant to the care and treatment of patients within the
Unit.
 Ensuring that experienced staff are assigned to direct, supervise and support junior staff.
 Being familiar with the facilities available in the community and ensuring that the necessary
referral mechanisms are used to arrange the ongoing care required by patients post
discharge.
 Assisting the Renal Liaison Nurses with patient preparation and planning for ongoing care.
4.6 Participates in the clinical management and organisation of the unit(s) by:
 Working with the Clinical Nurse Manager(s) in the development of specific objectives for
the unit(s).
 Providing support, direction, preceptorship and orientation to other nursing staff and acting
as a preceptor to staff participating in the Graduate Nurse Program, Nephrology Nursing
Program and Undergraduate Student of Nursing.
 Participating in inservice / staff development activities.
 Participating with the Clinical Nurse Manager(s) in the appraisal of nursing staff
performance.
 Acting as a role model in the provision of care to patients.
 Ensuring that effective and caring interpersonal relationship and communication skills are
used in all interactions with patients and their families as well as other staff.
 Ensuring patients' rights are upheld.
 Being prepared to act in a more senior role as and when required.
 Identifying resources needed to support patient care and communicating these requirements
to the Clinical Nurse Manager and Resource Nurse Manager.
 Participating in activities associated with the care, maintenance and supervision of
specialised equipment to ensure that all assembled equipment, stored and in use is safe and
functional.
 Ensuring staff compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity and Occupational Health
and Safety Standards.
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Assisting with the provision of a safe patient environment and ensuring that patient incidents
/ accidents are investigated and documented and that action is taken to prevent their
reoccurrence.
Maintaining safe custody of narcotic and psychotropic drugs.
4.7 Ensure a safe working environment at all times by:
 Using safe and healthy work practices and by maintaining safe working conditions.
 Adopting procedures and practices which comply with the OHS&W Act.
 Being aware that problems relating to Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare are referred
to the Safety Representative or the Occupational Health and Safety Committee, via the
Divisional Co-Director Nursing.
 Reporting all incidents/accidents and where appropriate, making recommendations designed
to avoid, reduce or eliminate hazards.
 Taking reasonable care to protect the health and safety of self and others.
 Attending mandatory safety training programs.
 Making proper use of all safeguards, safety devices and personal protective equipment (as
required in undertaking the duties of the position).
 Taking responsibility to prevent and minimise infection in every aspect of work in
accordance with Infection Control policies.
 Being familiar with Fire and Emergency Procedures.
4.8 Ensure that continuous quality improvement programs and activities are in place and are linked to
the organisation’s strategic and corporate directions and targets by:
 Assisting with the developing and establishing of key performance indicators for all critical
activities relevant to area of responsibility in accordance with the quality evaluation program.
 Assisting in the identification, establishment and review of corporate and departmental
performance standards and outcomes.
 Assisting with the establishing and maintaining recording systems to accurately reflect the
activity of the various aspects of the department, which will enable evaluation of performance
leading to improvement and achievement of best practice standards.
4.9 Contribute to the promotion and implementation of the General Public Sector Management
Aims, personnel management standards and employee conduct standards and in particular
Equal Opportunity and Occupational Health Safety and Welfare by adhering to the provisions
of relevant legislative requirements such as:
 Delegations of Authority
 Disability Discrimination Act
 Privacy Act 1988
 Freedom of Information Act
 SA Information Privacy Principles
 Code of Fair Information Practice
 Code of Conduct for Public Employees and Ethics and Code of Conduct for Nurses in
Australia.
 Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act
 Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act
 AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management Standard
 Equal Opportunity Act
 South Australian Health Commission Act
Contribute to the well being of people in South Australia through participation in Counter
Disaster activities, including attendance as required at training programs and exercises to
develop the necessary skills required to participate in responses in the event of a disaster and /
or major disaster.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
1.
Education/Vocational Qualifications etc.
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2.
Registered with the Nurses’ Board of South Australia and holds a current practicing certificate.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills (related to the job description and expressed in a
way which allows objective assessment)
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Effective communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to prioritise workload and meet set timelines, whilst working under minimal supervision.
Ability to be creative, innovative and flexible when approaching issues within the hospital setting.
Experience (including community experience)
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Registered Nurse/Midwife with at least 3 years, post registration experience or currently classified as a
Clinical Nurse/Midwife.
Experience in the supervision of student nurses, enrolled nurses and less experienced registered nurses.
Experience management and leadership roles.
Significant clinical experience in the care and management of patients with renal and/or endocrine
disease.
Demonstrated competence in acute care nursing.
Demonstrated competence in the performance of routine and acute Haemodialysis and transplantation
care.
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Knowledge
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Understanding of the requirements of the Nurses Act 1999.
Comprehensive understanding of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National
Competencies for the Registered and Enrolled Nurse and Midwives in Recommended Domains.
Knowledge and understanding of the ANMC Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia
(2003) and the Commissioner for Public Employment Code of Conduct for Public Employees.
Knowledge and understanding of legislative responsibilities for OHS&W, Workers Compensation and
Rehabilitation and Equal Opportunity.
Knowledge of Quality Improvement Systems as applied to a healthcare setting.
Knowledge of contemporary nursing/midwifery and health care issues.
Understanding and knowledge of the role of the Associate Clinical Service Co-ordinator in
the Unit.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of normal anatomy and physiology and the disease
processes related to nephrology and endocrinology.
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5.
Other
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Post registration qualification in Nephrology Nursing.
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DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (to distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
1.
Education/ Vocational Qualifications (Considered to be useful in carrying out the
responsibilities of the position)
 Where applicable, qualifications relevant to practice setting.
 Tertiary qualifications in nursing or human services related discipline.
2.
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills (related to the job description and expressed in a way
which allows objective assessment):
 Ability to work within a team framework that fosters an environment that develops staff
potential.
 Skills in using computers and software relevant to the area of practice.
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Experience
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Experience with quality improvement activities.
Experience in evaluating the results of nursing research and integrating, where relevant,
the results into nursing practice.
Extensive renal nursing experience.
In project management/activity/research.
Knowledge
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Knowledge of the South Australian Public Health System.
Knowledge of contemporary professional nursing issues.
Awareness of contemporary nursing issues.
Understanding of other nursing personnel's roles.
Other Details:
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COMMITMENT TO WORKPLACE VALUES
The Department of Health values have an influence on the people we employ
Every organisation has values that govern the way people are treated and the way decisions are made. The
Department’s Strategic Plan identifies the values that guide our behaviours. These behaviours apply to all
employees and govern the way people in the organisation are treated, the way decisions are made and
how we provide our services.
These values are used in day to day communication and interaction between all employees and are linked
to the whole of government Code of Conduct, Performance Development, Job and Person Specifications
and Department of Health Employment Conditions.
Department of Health Organisational Values are:
Honesty
We show honesty by speaking truthfully, within the boundaries of confidentiality. This is shown in
our dealings within the Department and with our consumers and partners by: saying what we mean
and meaning what we say, keeping our promises, telling the truth tactfully, providing honest feedback
and answers and admitting to mistakes.
Respect
We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and use
culturally appropriate ways of communicating. This is shown in our dealings within the Department
and with our consumers and partners by: treating everyone fairly, communicating so people can
understand, listening to others, and seeking and providing feedback.
Integrity
We show integrity by honouring our values and the rules of our department, government and nation.
This is shown in our dealings within the department and with our consumers and partners by: doing
the right thing, abiding by the values, standing up for what we believe in, and taking responsibility for
our mistakes.
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I ___________________________________ have the ability and commitment to behave consistently
with the stated values of the Department of Health.
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Signature
Please complete and return attached to your application to the nominated person
“The right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time”
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