Job Summary
Are you considering a career outside of the NHS, or already have experience working in the independent sector but are looking for a new challenge? Somerset Surgical Services (SSS) could be the answer for you. We are an independent provider of elective surgery for NHS patients living in the South West of England. Founded in 2012 by NHS consultant surgeons, the aim of SSS is to offer the very best of NHS healthcare, including low waiting times and excellent patient experience - provided within an NHS hospital setting. You could be a valuable part of our team, enjoying all the benefits of working in the ever changing independent sector, such as greater autonomy and control over your role, alongside the opportunity to develop new skills and gain additional qualifications.

Main Duties of the Job
The successful candidate will support the SSS Clinical Nurse Lead in duties which will include the efficient provision of the SSS pre-operative assessment service, and co-ordination of our service users' hospital journey, from pre-admission to discharge. They will ensure that the patients' needs are met, integrating high quality care in the most cost-effective setting. The post-holder will also support patients in the immediate post-op period, by telephone consultation and face-to-face assessment and treatment where appropriate. The post holder is required to be flexible and responsive in their role and to support the wider team in the delivery of safe and effective patient care. This will include the support of SSS Outpatient clinics, bridging gaps in cover as well as staff sickness.

About Us
Somerset Surgical Services is based at Weston General Hospital, with Bristol NHS Foundation Trust as our 'host Trust'. The majority of outpatient and theatre activity takes place at the hospital and care of our patients is provided by a combination of permanent SSS and Trust staff and a bank of casual workers. Life within SSS can be busy and challenging in addition to being very rewarding. A desire for personal development is welcomed and you will be encouraged and supported to complete learning programmes relevant to your role with the company.

Job Responsibilities
PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES - The post holder will support the SSS Clinical Nurse Lead in duties to include the efficient running of the SSS pre-operative assessment service, and co-ordination of the service users hospital admission, from pre admission to discharge. They will ensure that the patients needs are met, integrating high quality care in the most cost-effective setting. The post-holder will also support patients in the immediate post-op period, by telephone consultation and face-to-face assessment and treatment where appropriate. The post holder is required to be flexible and responsive in their role and to support the wider team in the delivery of safe and effective patient care. A key part of this will be covering gaps and sickness in outpatient clinics whenever the need arises.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Generic Competencies

• Registration with the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) must be maintained.
• Accountability for their actions and act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
• Act in accordance with local, hospital and statutory guidelines and policies including Health and Safety initiatives and offer support to others to implement safe and high-quality care.
• Act in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, Fire, Moving and Handling, Infection Prevention and Control, Patient Safety and COSHH policies, and be aware of their implications and ensure that local unit and departmental policies are followed.
• Work in accordance with company, local and national objectives
• Adhere to the Control of Drugs Act and ensure it is understood and carried out regarding the care and custody of drugs/medication.
• Maintain a high standard of care and give courteous reception to all patients and visitors.
• Adopt a patient orientated approach to work.
• The post holder must always carry out their responsibilities regarding the companys equal opportunities policy.

Leadership

• To be responsible for the keeping of accurate and confidential records, for patients and staff. Have the ability to manage themselves, and their workload, both individually and as a team member.
• To assist in the development of the nurse-led pre-op assessment service using appropriate information systems and ensuring compliance with best practice, within an appropriate framework, i.e. NMC scope of professional practice and Royal College of Anaesthesia guidance.
• To provide information/data to the Clinical Nurse Lead that demonstrates the effectiveness and quality of the service.
• Always maintain close communication with patients and their carers, ensuring that the patient receives a high standard of care.
• To check equipment and consumables are correct, in date, and in working order, ensuring cleanliness after use and reporting defects and stock issues promptly.

Clinical Skills

• At the pre-operative assessment appointment undertake a comprehensive assessment to determine and clearly document individual patient needs, diagnosing actual and potential problems to enable the plan of care to be decided.
• Review prescription medication and advise changes to medication pre-operatively, according to available guidance.
• Follow Patient Group Directives specific to SSS activity and dispense medication according to protocol.
• To perform the necessary investigations for the proposed procedure in accordance with NICE and GIRFT guidance.
• Commence discharge planning and patient education to ensure that the patient and their family understand the expected outcomes that are defined in the treatment plan. This may involve liaison with other teams, such as therapies and admitting areas.
• To provide verbal and written information and advice to patients pertaining to the planned procedure.
• To review tests and investigation results, highlighting those which may require action.
• To continually evaluate the methods used to implement and improve nursing care and the effectiveness of problem-solving techniques.
• Work closely with the SSS surgical and anaesthetic team to determine patients suitability for surgery.
• Perform the pre-operative assessment and seek advice if doubtful that the patient is suitable for the procedure at the time of assessment.
• To triage and manage a variety of post-operative complications via face-to-face appointments, virtually, and over the telephone and be able to signpost to the most appropriate agency for management.

Communication Skills

• Provide effective communication, direction and support to staff, associate groups, patients and relatives daily, to ensure patient care is completed in a timely manner.
• Liaise with inter-hospital departments/personnel as required.
• Work collaboratively with other colleagues across the company and the host Trust.
• Document all care given clearly & accurately in patient care records in accordance with NMC record keeping guidance.
• Liaise with external agencies e.g. GP practices and local authority agencies as required
• Attend appropriate team meetings when required.
• Promote a culture that supports multidisciplinary working.
• Maintain effective channels of communication with the patients relatives and all other staff involved in the patients care.
• Offer a polite and courteous attitude to patients, visitors and members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Receive and deal with sensitive information appropriately.

Education / Training Responsibilities

• Keep up to date and maintain an enquiring approach to nursing and independent sector issues and initiatives.
• Actively participate in the company orientation and induction processes, providing guidance, support and teaching to less experienced or junior staff as appropriate.
• Educate patients and carers in health promotion with information and education pre-operatively and post operatively, ensuring patients are prepared mentally, physically and socially for their procedure.
• Take responsibility for personal and professional development. To be responsible for attending mandatory training sessions and to ensure that all policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Maintain an enquiring approach to nursing practice.
• Take responsibility for planning self and professional development, identifying personal objectives for discussion at individual performance review.
• Attend Statutory Mandatory training in line with the host Trusts policy.
• Attend annual Performance Development Review (appraisal) and recognise areas of development identified.
• Be willing to undertake relevant programmes of study such as local and online pre-op assessment courses, which will be funded by the company following successful submission of a learning contract.

Additional Duties

• Undertake audits as identified by the Clinical Nurse Lead.
• Support SSS clinics when required to.

Risk Management
Undertake risk assessments and reviews as appropriate. Generic risk assessor training is available.

Incidents
Be responsible for ensuring that adverse incidents and near misses (accidents, work-related ill-health, clinical incidents, equipment failures and deficits, violence and abuse, fire and security incidents) that occur are reported in line with PSIRF. Take immediate local action to prevent recurrences and escalates issues appropriately to the Senior Management Team. Use the learning from incidents in a positive way to develop or change practice and undertake review of changes made to monitor their effectiveness.

Care Environment

• Support housekeeping staff to ensure standards of cleanliness meet agreed specifications, acting swiftly to rectify failing standards, escalating to the Senior Management Team where necessary
• Maintain a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients and a pleasant, receptive climate for patients and relatives and visitors.
• Maintain a pleasant, safe working environment for staff and respond promptly and professionally to help resolve professional or operational problems, using the support of the Senior Management Team if necessary.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in pre-operative assessment/acute surgical/theatres care or elective surgical nursing.
• Demonstrate awareness of evidence-based practice.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Good IT skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to plan and prioritise own workload when under pressure.
• Able to complete accurate and legible patient records
• Skills in wound assessment and care

Qualifications
Essential

• RGN with current NMC Registration
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in relevant area of speciality
• Fluent in the English Language verified either by English taught qualification or a pass in an English language exam
• Have the right to work in the UK, please note SSS do not provide sponsorship.
• Able to attend a face-to-face interview and assessment, remote/virtual interviews are not offered.

Desirable

• Audit and research experience.
• Orthopaedic experience
• Competent at ECG recording and Venepuncture
• Knowledge and skills of acute surgical care provision.
• Experience and skills in the physical examination of patients medical conditions.
• Knowledge of pre-operative assessment

Other Requirements
Essential

• Assertive and self-motivated.
• Committed to achieving high standards.
• High level of work ethic.
• Commitment to own personal development.
• Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Enthusiasm to succeed.

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. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.