Job summary
Howard ward provides surgical care. The post holder, in the absence of the Ward Manager, has continuing responsibility for the management of the unit, including the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care to a high standard. The post holder is required to supervise and teach both qualified and unqualified staff.

Main duties of the job

• Provide expert clinical knowledge and skills within the unit/ward/dept.
• Collaborate with the Ward Manager to develop and promote nursing practice and competence.
• Act as a professional role model and provide facilitative and effective clinical leadership.
• Responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care in line with research-based evidence, for individuals and groups of patients.
• To ensure accurate documentation and record keeping, teaching and supporting all members of the ward team in this area.
• In the absence of the Ward Manager, to be responsible for the ongoing facilitation of timely discharge of patients to primary care settings, ensuring suitable ongoing care arrangements, and effective use of inpatient beds. To promote effective communication between the ward team, bed management team and discharge coordinators.
• To provide information to patients and relatives in a sensitive manner, and to support them when distressed or bereaved.
• To promote effective multidisciplinary teamwork, through good communication with all staff.
• To actively assist the ward manager in implementation of Trust objectives/initiatives, taking a lead in the clinical area as required.
• Actively assist the ward manager in implementing ongoing national policy.
• To participate in the recruitment, selection, development and retention of staff.

About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available. Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

• Provide expert clinical knowledge and skills within the unit/ward/department
• Collaborate with the Ward Manager to develop and promote nursing practice and competence
• Act as a professional role model and provide facilitative and effective clinical leadership
• Responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care in line with research-based evidence, for individuals and groups of patients
• To ensure accurate documentation and record keeping, teaching and supporting all members of the ward team in this area.
• Robust knowledge of general surgery, vascular , urology , colorectal , breast and upper gastroenterology care and treatments.
• Excellent communication skills- written and verbal
• In the absence of the Ward Manager, to be responsible for the ongoing facilitation of timely discharge of patients to primary care settings, ensuring suitable ongoing care arrangements, and effective use of inpatient beds. To promote effective communication between the ward team, bed management team and discharge coordinators.
• To provide information to patients and relatives in a sensitive manner, and to support them when distressed or bereaved.
• To promote effective multidisciplinary teamwork, through good communication with all staff.
• To actively assist the ward manager in implementation of Trust objectives/initiatives, taking a lead in the clinical area as required.
• Actively assist the ward manager in implementing ongoing national policy.
• To participate in the recruitment, selection, development and retention of staff.
• To acknowledge clinical limitations, seek advice appropriately, and act in a professional manner in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Practice

Clinical Governance

• Ensure that practice is evidence based, critically appraising care using appropriate research and participate in relevant audit.
• Ensure that care is delivered to national standards and benchmarks participating in regular audit assisting the Ward Manager
• Ensure that all local and Trust wide policies and guidelines are complied with at all times and to participate in the production and reviewing of appropriate policies and guidelines.
• Ensure that clinical and non-clinical risks are identified, assessed and appropriately reported and acted on.

Person Specification
Qualifications

• NMC registration
• Practice Supervisor/ Assessor or equivalent (or willingness to undertake)
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Experience

• Experience taking in charge role within an acute ward setting
• Demonstrate ability to work as a team leader
• Ability to deliver high quality nursing care
• Ability to motivate others
• Sound organisational skills & problem solving skills

Knowledge/Skills

• Time management and prioritising workload
• Able to work independently and to own initiative
• Able to work under pressure
• Basic IT skills
• Team focused and able to encourage a team effectively
• Excellent communication skills- written and verbal

Training

• Attended leadership courses

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).