JOB DESCRIPTION
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: Staff Nurse
Job Base: HH
Responsible To: Ward Sister/Charge Nurse
Accountable To: Senior Nurse/Modern Matron
CRB checks: CRB – not required CRB – standard CRB – enhanced
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best-known hospitals –
Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well
as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high-quality care,
clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK’s busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care
for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local
hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and – as part of King’s Health
Partners – we are one of England’s eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together
world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We have one of the National Institute for
Health Research’s biomedical research centres, established with King’s College London in 2007,
as well as dedicated clinical research facilities.
Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ in February 2021 and is
the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe.
We provide treatment for people with heart and lung disease, including rare and complex
conditions, offering some of the most sophisticated treatment that is available anywhere in the
world.
Our integrated approach to caring for patients from before birth, through childhood,
adolescence and into adulthood and old age has been replicated around the world and has
gained Royal Brompton and Harefield an international reputation as a leader in heart and lung
diagnosis, treatment and research.
We are working in partnership with King’s Health Partners, to deliver our vision of creating a
new centre of excellence, which will be the global leader in the research into and treatment of
heart and lung disease, in patients from pre-birth to old age.
We have around 22,700 staff, making us one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and one
of the biggest employers locally. We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve
and continue to develop new and existing partnerships with local people, patients,
neighbouring NHS organisations, local authorities and charitable bodies and GPs.
We strive to recruit and retain the best staff as the dedication and skills of our employees lie at
the heart of our organisation and ensure that our services are of the highest quality, safe and
focused on our patients.
Job summary:
• The post holder will work under the guidance of the Sister/Charge nurse and
multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining excellent
standards of nursing care and staff development, as part of the ward team.
• To assist in the continuing professional development and overall performance
of learners and junior staff in the clinical area.
• The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care with the
guidance and support of more senior staff.
• To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover according
to experience for any area specified.
• The post holder will be accountable for their nursing practice, adhere to the
policies and protocols of the Trust and the NMC. He/she will have a
responsibility for their own personal and professional development.
Main tasks & responsibilities:
Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect
Seeking advice/guidance as necessary:
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking
evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the
needs of the patients.
• A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the
appropriate level of physiological, pathological, spiritual, socio-economical
and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific
speciality.
• Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating
assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways
and discharge planning
• Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift.
• Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.
• Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.
• Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop
tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services
across the ward/department.
• Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard
(including electronic records)
• Participate in conducting nursing audit to achieve the agreed standards.
• Contribute to and participate in the process of setting goals and
benchmarking
• standards ensuring CQUIN targets are met.
• In conjunction with the staff team contribute to developing and maintaining a
ward /department ethos and provide a standard approach to the delivery of
excellent nursing care.
• To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures,
guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs and the Trust Nursing
strategy.
• To be aware of the Trust’s framework of clinical governance and patient
safety walk rounds within the ward or department area, seeking advice or
guidance where necessary.
• Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/departmental Sister/Charge
nurse, Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance
with the Trust risk management policy.
• To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical, psychological
and spiritual well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers,
seeking guidance or advice where necessary.
• Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and
visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as
required.
• Collaborating with other members of the ward team to ensure the patients
needs are met to a consistently high standard.
• To delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to
patient care. (for example when taking supervised charge or as a link nurse)
• To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff in line with
national strategy requirements.
Communication
• To demonstrate politeness, courtesy respect and sensitivity in dealing with
patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer
relations.
• Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the
multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Departments.
• To adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have
barriers to understanding e.g. language.
• Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and
Trust wide.
• To promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.
• To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the
very best services to patients are provided at all times.
People management
• Take active responsibility for own annual leave in line with Trust and local
Policy and Procedure.
• Participate in the Trust’s appraisal and personal development plan schemes by
meeting with the team leader/appraiser at least, to include feedback from a
selection of internal staff and team members.
• Participate in the programme for preceptorship and to be a support to new
and junior staff as required.
• Maintain a personal, professional profile, identifying role and skill
developments in line with the Scope of Professional Practice.
Information management
• Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required.
• Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care.
• To have an active Trust and email account and adhere to the Trusts
Information Services and Information Governance Policies.
• Use the Trust internet to enhance care and for professional development.
• Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place and
under development.
• Following Trust/local guidelines to access results from the electronic
databases
Resource management
• To work together with the ward team to ensure effective use and
maintenance of resources and adequate stock levels.
• To actively engage with rostering in clinical ward or departments and adopt a
flexible approach to personal rostering to ensure the needs of the service are
met.
Service development
• To contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning
environment for colleagues, patients and visitors.
• To participate in staff education and development, including utilising
appropriate learning opportunities and to act as a resource for learners and
the nursing team as/ when required.
Policy development
• Under the supervision of the ward / department Sister/Charge Nurse to work
on delegated projects relating to local policy development.
• To be actively involved in the implementation of Trust policies and procedures
at ward / department level, reinforcing their use.
Further sections
• To work towards a senior staff nurse level the staff nurse will be expected to
complete relevant clinical competencies, and would need to be at least one
year post qualification.
• To ensure all team members have a real voice in the development of the
clinical service to patients/customers.
• To ensure a safe and attractive working environment within available
resources.
Other duties
This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of
the post and is not exhaustive. It will be subject to regular review and amendment
as necessary in consultation with the post holder.
To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Trust mission
To be the leading national and international centre for the diagnosis, treatment and care of
patients with heart and lung disease, creating and disseminating knowledge through
research and education.
Confidentiality
During the course of your employment you may have access to, see or hear information of a
confidential nature and you are required not to disclose such information, particularly that
relating to patients and staff.
In order to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 you must not at any time use personal
data held by either Trust for any unauthorised purpose or disclosure such as data to a third
party.
You must not make any disclosure to any unauthorised person or use any confidential
information relating to the business affairs of the Trusts, unless expressly authorised to do so
by the Trusts.
Health and safety
You must co-operate with management in discharging its responsibilities under the Health
and Safety at Work Act 1974 and take reasonable health and safety of themselves and
others and to ensure the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe
environment for patients, employees and visitors.
Smoking
It is the policy of Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust that all people who work for the
Trust or, while on it’s premises, obtain treatment , or visit the Trust in any capacity, do so
without exposure to tobacco smoke.
The Trust aims to provide appropriate support, in partnership with local Occupational Health
and Primary Care Trust services, to ensure that Trust staff patients can access practical help
and support in their attempts to stop smoking.
This policy is based on clear evidence that, in addition to the health risks taken by smokers
themselves, others who breathe in exhaled tobacco smoke (passive smokers) have increased
risk of disease.
The Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust is a non smoking Trust.
Diversity
You are at all times required to carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the Trust’s
Equal Opportunities Policy and to ensure that staff receive equal treatment throughout their
employment with the Trust.
Patient & public involvement
All staff would have a responsibility to contribute to the implementation of the patient and
public involvement (PPI) strategy and associated action plans.
Risk management
All staff have a responsibility to report all clinical and non-clinical accidents or incidents
promptly and when requested to co-operate with any investigation undertaken.
Conflict of interests
You may not without the consent of the Trust engage in any outside employment and in
accordance with the Trust’s Conflict of Interest Policy you must declare to your manager all
private interests, which could potentially result in personal gain as a consequence of your
employment position in the Trust. Interests that might appear to be in conflict should also
be declared.
In addition the NHS Code of Conduct and Standards of Business conduct for NHS Staff (HSG
93/5) required you to declare all situations where you or a close relative or associate has a
controlling interest in a business (such as a private company, public organisation or other
NHS voluntary organisation) or in any activity which may compete for any NHS contracts to
supply goods or services to the Trust. You must therefore register such interests with the
Trust, either on appointment or subsequently whenever such interests are gained. You
should not engage in such interests without the written consent of the Trust, which will not
be unreasonably withheld. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are not placed in a
position, which may give rise to a conflict between your private patient’s interest and your
NHS duties.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED STAFF GROUPS
All staff is required to work in accordance with their professional group’s code of conduct
(e.g. NMC, GMC, DoH Code of Conduct for Senior Managers).
CRIMINAL RECORD BUREAU CHECKS (where relevant)
Any applicant who is short-listed for this post will be asked to complete a disclosure form as
the post-holder will be required to have contact with vulnerable adults or persons under the
age of 18. The successful candidate will be subject to a criminal record check from the
Criminal Records Bureau prior to the appointment being confirmed. The disclosure will
include details of cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, as well as convictions if
applicable.
Core Values for Trust Staff In Relation To Infection Prevention And Control
All Trust staff: will
• Act as a role model and champion for the highest standards of all aspects of infection
prevention and control and implementation of all Infection Prevention and Control
Trust policies and guidelines.
• Demonstrate respect for the roles and endeavours of others, in implementing good
standards of hand hygiene.
• Value and recognise the ideas and contributions of colleagues in their endeavours to
reduce the incidence of healthcare associated infection.
Core behaviours for all Trust staff:
All staff will commit to:
• Act with honesty and integrity at all times
• Demonstrate respect for others and value diversity
• Focus on the patient and internal and external customer at all times
• Make an active contribution to developing the service
• Learn from and share experience and knowledge
• Keep others informed of issues of importance and relevance
• Consciously review mistakes and successes to improve performance
• Act as ambassadors for their directorate and the Trust
• Be aware of the impact of their own behaviour on others
• Be discreet and aware of issues requiring confidentiality
In addition, all managers and supervisors will:
• Value and recognise the ideas and contributions of all team members
• Coach individuals and teams to perform to the best of their ability
• Delegate work to develop individuals in their roles and realise their potential
• Give ongoing feedback on performance, and effectively manage poor performance
• Provide support and guidance to all team members
• Encourage their team to achieve work/personal life balance
• Actively listen to comments/challenges and respond constructively
• Lead by example, setting high standards
• Ensure that there are sufficient resources for their team and rebalance priorities
accordingly
• Provide a safe working environment
Nurses working within the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
are expected to abide by the essentials of nursing care (6C’s)
Competence: to continually develop nursing knowledge and skills
Care: to always provide the highest quality care to all patients
Compassion: to treat people with kindness and respect at all times
Commitment: to always strive to do the best for patients
Communication: to be open and transparent with patients and
colleagues at all times
Courage: to always speak out if it is in the patients best interest
Confirmed as accurate by post-holder:…………………………………………….
Date:……………………………………………………………………………………………. Confirmed
as accurate by manager:…………………………………………………
Date:…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Updated Feb 14
GENERAL INFORMATION
Post: staff nurse
Grade:
Department: All wards and departments
REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE
EDUCATION & • Registered Nurse
QUALIFICATIONS • Training to a diploma/degree level
EXPERIENCE & • Ability to practice within the scope of • Depending on
KNOWLEDGE the NMC Code of Professional previous experience
Conduct the candidate may be
• Ability to demonstrate application of expected to supervise
the NHS Plan to own sphere of junior staff
practice • Awareness of the
structure and
organisation of the
wider NHS
SKILLS & ABILITIES • Good basic level of English
• excellent verbal communication skills Able to manage difficult
• All staff are expected to take situations
responsibility for their own continual
personal development
• language demonstrated through
effective literacy and numeracy skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Teaching skills
• Able to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Able to manage difficult situations
• Organised time management
• Able to use initiative
• A willingness to participate in
continuing professional development
(competency based)
• IT skills
• Awareness of audit & research
• Analytical skills
PERSONAL QUALITIES • Ability to work within a team and
independently
• Flexible
• Smart appearance
• Able to work to pressure
• Punctual
• Enthusiastic
• Assertive and positive attitude
• Pleasant disposition
• Positive attitude
• Caring, kind and compassionate
• Positive change agent
OTHER REQUIREMENTS Reliable work record
Date: Feb14
